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To John A. McClernand1Jump to section
Major Genl. John A. McClernand, Sep. 10. 1862.
Hon. W. J. Allen may be discharged if you advise it, on such terms as you may advise. Yours truly A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, IHi. On the inside pages of Lincoln's letter Allen wrote the following:
``Dear Genl Washington Sept 10 1862
``I wrote you yesterday but was so feeble as to be scarcely able to write at all. On the first page of this sheet you will find a note from President Lincoln which he was kind enough to send me a few minutes since. He is so very busy that he cannot pay attention to Illinois matters
``I rely on you entirely and whatever you say will be observed by me to the death, my health is improving slightly though I am still confined to my room. Hoping to hear from you soon and regretting most deeply the trouble I am giving you I am as ever, Very Truly WILLIAM J. ALLEN
``Maj Genl John A McClelernand
``Springfield Ill
``P.S. If not taxing you too much and your decision is favorable to me, may I ask you to telegraph. Prest Lincoln says he will act upon a telegraph.
``WJA''
Allen had been elected to fill the vacancy in congress caused by John A. Logan's resignation, but, openly advocating the division of Illinois so that ``Egypt'' might secede and join the Confederacy, he was arrested and held prisoner first at Cairo and later in the ``Old Capitol Prison'' in Washington, where he was at this time. See Lincoln's authorization for Allen September 16, infra.