594

480. Paul Selby to Jesse W. Weik.

Springfield, Ill., Aug. 16 1885.

Dear Sir.

Hon. N. W. Edwards has referred to me your letter of the 10th inst., in reference to the letter written by Abraham Lincoln in 1836 to Col. Robert Allen, of this city. Mr. Edwards being himself too unwell to reply, has asked me to do so for him.

He states the letter was written as stated by you, being called out by Col. Allen's statement that he was aware of certain facts which if known would insure the defeat of both Lincoln and Edwards, who were candidates on the Whig ticket for the State Legislature. Lincoln's letter challenged Allen to produce his alleged facts, but no response was made to the Challenge and the conclusion was that he had nothing to produce.

Allen was a prominent "Jackson Democrat" who died many years ago.

Respectfully Yours,
Paul Selby

Library of Congress: Herndon-Weik Collection. Manuscript Division. Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. 4587 — 88

nts

Notes.

1. CW 1:48 — 49.