Pekin Ills. July 14th /, 58

Hon. A Lincoln
Springfield Ills.

Dr. Sir
Will you credit my
presumption, for intruding on your time
and patience, from the reasons below stated.

Knowing you do not like tangles and fine
spun Threads of discourse - I will tell my story
in as plain & simple terms as possible.

I have considered the ways of life, with
fair attention 'till I am persuaded to the study
of Law. I think I can climb - 'tis enough to
say I will try, if I can find a true experienced
guide, and I think as I believe - "Thou art The Man."

I want a fair start on a good reliance.
I must commence right if I would end well
on the journey of life.

It is now time for me to commence my
chief business of life - no man can know all
of everything. The study & practice of Law
is my choice, Provided I can get in with the
counsel of some good Lawyer.

A distinguished man of our State, recommended
the firm of "Lincoln & Herndon, Springfield Ills,"
This is my plea: Can you give me a situation
in your Law Office, for purposes aforesaid?

There are too many men now on a "dead-level",
- They have contaminated the very air with their intemperate
breath. I want to go up & see the world & the glory thereof.
[*973*]

It is neither honorable or profitable
to stay below in the kitchen.
I want to do something in this
world worthy of my being & privilege.-
To do the most good in the shortest
time. But wanting & waiting will never fill
the cupboard. It must be action
brave, decided & conscientious action.
Base actions beget a fame
that -ruined itself while the good
will survive the shock of falling time
- to live again.
A short account of myself might
not be irrelevant.
I am nineteen years old -
a native Missourian from the heart of the
state and not from among the Bristles of 
the "Border". This may account for some of my
political sentiments, anti-Borderation!
My parents were poor in purse but
rich in soul, They early learned me
certain good principles, that are stereotyped
on the tablets of my heart which the storms
of time can never erase. I can boast of
Honesty & Industry in full & perseverance in
more than common share. I was raised on a
farm & know how to work & I am not ashamed of
my knowledge, or hardly of my ignorance, for I mean it not.

About one year ago my parents in close succession 
died, leaving me alone, without a relative
in the state to my knowedge, but they left me
many true & influential friends, peace to their ashes.

My early Education was extremely limited,
but since my lone sojourn, I have attended
school several terms, yet most of my  present
Education come from home culture, by myself.

I have studied Phrenology, Physiology
and Phonography untill I am tolerable well
versed in their principles, but not for in practice.

I am now in the employ of 
G.L. Thomas, Bookseller & Stationer, Pekin, Ills.

I am an agent for Fowler & Wells' publications.
and have travelled some in the Book
Agency business.  
   
Willingly will I let all go back,
provided you can give me a situation where
I can work.  I have many reason to
advance for this request, but space [& time] will
not permit & your patience might not bear.

A man to rise must associate with Men.
If we associate with geese---
We,ll learn their gabble quick as you please,
But if we stand by the roaring tide,  
Our thoughts will be more dignified.
observation & exercise is the sovereign panacea,
- the universal cultivators of the immortal mind.

[*974*]

If I can get to Springfield on business,
I believe I can go up hill - slow probably
but in the right direction.  Slow steps toward
Jerusalem is better than mighty strides
toward the city of destruction.
I can get into Law Offices here, enough,
but I want to fill my cup at the fountain.
- Take a rest, & aim high. -

I would not alone have had the
presumption to put on a face bold enough
to make this application to you,
had I not been encouraged to do so,
by my friend Richard Yates Esqr of Jacksonville

You may think I am too impulsive. -
- One reason why I am so forward
is unless I expect I can not gain, and
now is my proper time to mark out
in the dim future a path which Reason
- That constitutional guide of our being - approves
and Conscience - that balance power of the
soul - defends.  I am extremely anxious for
my future safety - & success.  I remember:
Good works & Faith are the lever & fulcrum
that moves mountains the good old way.   
Excuse this long letter & bold plea, 
and please oblige by an early reply
Hon A. Lincoln.                          Wm H. Grigsby

Hon Abram Lincoln
Springfield
Ills

[*W. H. Grigsby*]
[*[July 14, 1858]*]
[*975*]

Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.