The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-07-24

At moment when the strangest and most unexpected
revolutions OF political fortune exhibted-when pol
icisns who are down to-day up 10. morrowwe ven
tuse the experiment of publishing private letter. which
was written fourteen years ago, Immediately after the
battle OF San Jacinto We preserved copy of the let
ter 1t the time il written but has been recently
furnshed by the gentleman TO whom the original let
ter was addressed. We should have been happy to
company it with the brief reply of Gen Houston Major
Lewis. The maxim which it inculcates appears para
dox bat has some foundation in the philosophy Of hui
man nature There is wide distinction between pros
perty and the use that is made Of it. Bonapare was
ruined by his and died the rock of St Helena
because he dad restrain the into which his
long good fortune had betrayed him. Many Of the ancient
republics were ruined by their prospeny and SUCH too
u the lot OF many who suddenly rise to great wealth
Ths letter published for the sole object of intoxicating
this maxim, which, the present wonderful vicissudes
Of the fortunes of politicians may suggest warning
lessons to the prosperous adventares and
lation to the unfortunate 1t said OF ancient gen.
ssal that be knew how gain victory but how
profit by it. II remains for u.s. aho, to how the poll
scians Of the day know how exercise the power to
which they have been suddenly promoted. As ed
tos il in the habit of saying-Nous Verrons
RICHMOND, June Is, 1886.
MT thank you cordially for ssvenson's vol
and ask tho favor OF you 10 request Mr. Forsyth
10 tho enclosed into his first budget Of DIES
patohss tell you how deeply feel tho loss OF my
s nss
hes hitherto borne himself noby that he almost
have senced his ancient enemies This plot Of ding
mus now be abandoned Wh., fear mos. Ior Hoa..on i.
the trial which he is now TO be subjected Will he
joy his triumph with moderstionl Il 10 OF my maxms
that harder 10 bear prosperity than adversely More
distinguished men havebcen ruined by great good fortune
bv III fortune. When stommnQ adverse
de swimmer bends every snew. and never reiaxes for
moment; but when gliding down the stream, he becomes
lsess, and strikes against tho fatal rock Adversely
The eals forth tho virtues those who have
prudsncs and moderation character whereas any
coosdsrebls improvement Of nakes
farther than The present what ruined Santa Annr
An unbounded security arising from his previous
Hsht with the overcome Houston. Now the
time Houston Of the Of his eelingto
pres his Prdeo avoid afrogsnceto subdue the spirit of
domnaiion--to conquer his passions he has
queed his enemiesand, above ALL advise him against
the bsng sin Of aspiring 70 the capital OF tho Monsezn
instead OF being contented with the wise scheme OF al
Aiang his ne adopted country with the free, soid and
wsl.bclancsd republic of the United STATES II had the
n0so' O. psr'Sn. sean.n,. a WITH Houston would
taken interest in him, and now regard him with spe
eies Of enthusiasm But really wish that would wrsc
him, animate his efforts In the which hea de-
vosd and advise him be upon his guard against him.
ELI should his brilliant reputation overthrown
prsssvs with the with which he has obtaned
Il, md may we'll call him the hero of San Jaei~to
Yea think my maxim pe,hsps. an .bsurdiy Bur para
posss and Of tho rapid accumulation Of riches There
nySoiL IL on shady side OF fortune But occupy
mach ef your time.
am. dear sir, truly yours,
To Major w. B. LEWIS,
Washington City