Lincoln writes a campaign platform in an effort to win a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives. He proposes "internal improvements" that would render the "Sangamo river" more navigable. Lincoln supports legislation that would "limit . . . the rates of usury." He declares that "education" is the "most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in." Twenty-three-year-old Lincoln concedes that he is "young and unknown," and he confesses that he desires to be "truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem."Communication to the People of Sangamo County, 9 March 1832, CW, 1:5-9; Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 15 March 1832, 2:3-4.

Steamboat Talisman, J. M. Pollock, Master, leaves Beardstown to ascend Sangamon to Vincent A. Bogue's mill at Portland, five miles north of Springfield. Several citizens of New Salem and Springfield, including Lincoln, go along to help clear obstructions. Four days are spent breaking through ice at Sangamon entrance. Boat does not arrive at Portland landing until March 24, 1832.

Lincoln probably attends ball at court house in Springfield on March 26, 1832. After staying week at Portland landing, trip down Sangamon begins with Lincoln as assistant to J. Rowan Herndon of New Salem, pilot. Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 29 March 1832; Missouri Republican (St. Louis, MO), 21 February 1832, 28 February 1832, 6 March 1832, 13 March 1832, 27 March 1832, 3 April 1832.

Lincoln writes and signs, for Denton Offutt, receipt to William Barnett "in full of all due debts and demands up to this date."Receipt to William Barnett, 26 March 1832, CW, 1:9.