without solicitation on my part， i have been chosen by the free and voluntary suffrages of my countrymen to the most honorable and most responsible office on earth. i am deeply impressed with gratitude for the confidence reposed in me. honored with this distinguished consideration at an earlier period of life than any of my predecessors， i can not disguise the diffidence with which i am about to enter on the discharge of my official duties.
if the more aged and experienced men who have filled the office of president of the united states even in the infancy of the republic distrusted their ability to discharge the duties of that exalted station， what ought not to be the apprehensions of one so much younger and less endowed now that our domain extends from ocean to ocean， that our people have so greatly increased in numbers， and at a time when so great diversity of opinion prevails in regard to the principles and policy which should characterize the administration of our government？ well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity， and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.
in assuming responsibilities so vast i fervently invoke the aid of that almighty ruler of the universe in whose hands are the destinies of nations and of men to guard this heaven-favored land against the mischiefs which without his guidance might arise from an unwise publ
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