Illinois State Representative Lincoln, writes to Springfield businessman Robert Allen regarding an assertion that Allen is "in possession of a fact or facts, which, if known to the public, would entirely destroy the prospects of N[inian] W. Edwards and myself at the ensuing election." Lincoln advises, "through favour to us, you should forbear to divulge them." He adds, "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." Abraham Lincoln to Robert Allen, 21 June 1836, CW, 1:48-49.