To Robert Allen1Jump to section
I am told that during my absence last week, you passed through this place, and stated publicly, that you were in possession of a
The University of Michigan Library provides access to these materials for educational and research purposes, with permission from their copyright holder. If you decide to use any of these materials, you are responsible for making your own legal assessment and securing any necessary permission.
I am told that during my absence last week, you passed through this place, and stated publicly, that you were in possession of a
Survey of a School Section, May 10, 1836
Illinois State Historical Library
Survey of Huron, Illinois, May 21, 1836
IHi
Survey of a Road near Watkins Mill, June 2, 1836
Illinois State Historical Library
Survey of Albany, Illinois, June 16, 1836
fact or facts, which, if known to the public, would entirely destroy the prospects of N. W. Edwards2Jump to section and myself at the ensuing election; but that, through favour to us, you should forbear to divulge them.
No one has needed favours more than I, and generally, few have been less unwilling to accept them; but in this case, favour to me, would be injustice to the public, and therefore I must beg your pardon for declining it. That I once had the confidence of the people of Sangamon, is sufficiently evident, and if I have since done any thing, either by design or misadventure, which if known, would subject me to a forfeiture of that confidence, he that knows of that thing, and conceals it, is a traitor to his country's interest.
I find myself wholly unable to form any conjecture of what fact or facts, real or supposed, you spoke; but my opinion of your veracity, will not permit me, for a moment, to doubt, that you at least believed what you said.
I am flattered with the personal regard you manifested for me, but I do hope that, on more mature reflection, you will view the public interest as a paramount consideration, and, therefore, determine to let the worst come.
I here assure you, that the candid statement of facts, on your part, however low it may sink me, shall never break the tie of personal friendship between us.
I wish an answer to this, and you are at liberty to publish both if you choose Verry Respectfully, A. LINCOLN.
[1] ALS, IHi. Robert Allen was a resident of Springfield. There seems to be no record of any reply to Lincoln's communication. A number of references to Allen in Lincoln's later letters relate only to business dealings. This letter was first published by Allen's son, Major Robert Allen, in the Illinois State Journal, May 10, 1865, as an example of Lincoln's early ``candor, honor, and high integrity.''
[2] Ninian Wirt Edwards---whose father, Ninian Edwards the elder, had been the first governor of Illinois Territory, and later United States Senator from Illinois---was a well-to-do resident of Springfield and a Whig candidate for the legislature.