he subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or
system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most
important subject which we as a people can be engaged in. That every
man may receive at least, a moderate education, and thereby be enabled
to read the history of his own and other countries, by which he may
duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, appears to be an
object of vital importance, even on this account alone, to say nothing
of the advantages and satisfaction to be derived from all being able to
read the scriptures and other works, both of a religious and moral
nature, for themselves. For my part, I desire to see the time when
education, and by its means, morality, sobriety, enterprise and
industry, shall become much more general than at present, and should be
gratified to have it in my power to contribute something to the
advancement of any measure which might have a tendency to accelerate
the happy period.

With regard to existing laws, some alterations are thought to be
necessary. Many respectable men have suggested that our estray
laws--the law respecting the issuing of executions, the road law, and
some others, are deficient in their present form, and require
alterations. But considering the great probability that the framers of
those laws were wiser than myself, I should prefer [not] meddling with
them, unless they were first attacked by others, in which case I should
feel it both a privilege and a duty to take that stand, which in my
view, might tend most to the advancement of justice.

But, fellow-citizens, I shall conclude.--Considering the great degree
of modesty which should always attend youth, it is probable I have
already been more presuming than becomes me. However, upon the
subjects of which I have treated, I have spoken as I thought. I may be
wrong in regard to any or all of them; but, holding it a sound maxim,
that it is better to be only sometimes right, than at all times wrong,
so soon as I discover my opinions to be erroneous, I shall be ready to
renounce them.

Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or
not, I can say, for one, that I have no other so great as that of being
truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their
esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition, is yet to
be developed. I am young and unknown to many of you. I was born and
have ever remained in the most humbl