Lincoln’s First Stand for Public Integrity
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| Concept inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s June 1836 letter to Colonel Robert Allen. (Image generated by Microsoft Copilot) |
Lincoln immediately sat down and wrote a letter to Allen regarding this so-called "protection". Lincoln's reply is a stunning document. Not of political maneuvering, but of moral courage.
“...favour to me would be injustice to the public, and therefore I must beg your pardon for declining it.”
Lincoln doesn't flinch. He doesn't negotiate. He invites the truth, even if it sinks him.
Principle Over Protection
Lincoln writes:
“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.”
What modern politician says that? He’s declaring that concealing facts - even for friendship - is betrayal. That public trust outranks personal gain. And then, with the same clarity he’d later wield in presidential addresses, he adds:
“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.”
Integrity here isn’t just a trait—it’s a choice, actively made in real time.
Why It Still Matters
In an era of spin, silence, and selective outrage, Lincoln’s response remains radical. He doesn’t beg for the damage to stay hidden—he begs for honesty to take precedence.
This letter is the blueprint of a man who would later say:
“Let every American… swear by the blood of the Revolution never to violate in the least particular the laws of the country.” ~ Lyceum Address, 1838
Even at 27, Lincoln spoke with the same candor, honor, and principled resolve that would define him as one of America’s most enduring leaders. The echoes began early—and they never faded.
This was another anecdote about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.
Mac
Works Cited
[1] Lincoln, Abraham. "Letter to Robert Allen, June 21, 1836". Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Edited by Roy P. Basler et al., vol. 1, University of Michigan Digital Library, https://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/lincoln3.. Accessed 19 July 2025.
Here's Lincoln's letter to Allen in its entirety:
To Robert Allen
Dear Col. New Salem, June 21. 1836
I am told that during my absence last week, you passed through this place, and stated publicly, that you were in possession of a fact or facts, which, if known to the public, would entirely destroy the prospects of N. W. Edwards 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.
Very Respectfully, A. LINCOLN.
[Despite Lincoln's encouragement, there is no record of any reply.]
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