Franklin Pierce
Inaugural Address
Friday, March 4, 1853

My Countrymen:

IT a relief to feel that no heart but my own can know the personal
regret and bitter sorrow over which I have been borne to a position so
suitable for others rather than desirable for myself.

The circumstances under which I have been called for a limited period
to preside over the destinies of the Republic fill me with a profound
sense of responsibility, but with nothing like shrinking apprehension.
I repair to the post assigned me not as to one sought, but in obedience
to the unsolicited expression of your will, answerable only for a
fearless, faithful, and diligent exercise of my best powers. I ought to
be, and am, truly grateful for the rare manifestation of the nation's
confidence; but this, so far from lightening my obligations, only adds
to their weight. You have summoned me in my weakness; you must sustain
me by your strength. When looking for the fulfillment of reasonable
requirements, you will not be unmindful of the great changes which have
occurred, even within the last quarter of a century, and the consequent
augmentation and complexity of duties imposed in the administration
both of your home and foreign affairs.

Whether the elements of inherent force in the Republic have kept pace
with its unparalleled progression in territory, population, and wealth
has been the subject of earnest thought and discussion on both sides of
the ocean. Less than sixty-four years ago the Father of his Country
made "the" then "recent accession of the important State of North