Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-03-01

| We published yesterday the admirable letter of
Mr. Webster to the Union Committee of New
York City, which was read at the late celebra-
ton. We now add the following:
FROM MR.. FILLMORE.
WASHINGTON, Feb. II. 1851
Gentlemen--I have the honor 10 acknowledge the
receipt ofyour kind letter. informing that the Union
| Safety Committee intend to unite with their fellow
citizens in celebrating the anniversary of Washingten's
birthday and inviting me to participate in the estivi-
ties. Many considerations would tempt me to &C.
cep this halterng invitation, did my official duties
compel me to decline it.
Nothing could be more gratifying than to meet nv
Old trends In your enterprlslng city. There uniform
kindness has laid me under many Obligations and the
noble stand which they have taken in support of the
| mendaion.
It appears to me- too, that the birth day of WASH
ngton is deserving OF every honor which Americans
can bestow upon it. 1t more than half century
since the grave closed over all that was mortal OF
this illustrions man; but his voice still speaks from
the tomb. His paternal advice still sounds in ears
and his tar seeing wisdom still warns of our danger
How truly prophetic is that parag aph in his Farewell
address in which he says
In contemplating the causes which m ay disturb our
Union, it matter of serious concern that any
ground should have been furnished for characerizng
parties by geographical dscrmin sons-N orthem and
Southem-Atlantc and Western whence designing
men may endeavor to excite belief that there real
difference oil local interests and views. One OF the ex
pedents OF party to acquire influence within particular
districts TO misrepesen the opinions and aims OF 9TH
er districts. GU cannot shield yourselves too much
aga inst the jeaouses and hearburnings which spring
from these misrepresentation. They tend TO render
alien to each other those who ought to be bound together
| by frternal affection"
| Who can doubt thai his calm, contemplative mind
looked down at the long vista OF coming years and saw
in the distance that designing men" would SOW sec
tona eaousles for selfish Objects which might destroy
that Union which he we'd we'll, and which he Justly
regarded as the very palladium OF our liberties and ma
| tional prosperity.
But this lluStiious patriot taught quite as much by
his example as his precepts. He blessed by nature
win vigorous constitution and we'll balanced aud
discriminating mind Not brilliant, but sin guarly calm
| and practical. His Judgment was never clouded by
prejudice or disturbed by passion With never fail
ing trust IN an overriding Providence, ne doubted
that righteous cause must succeed and with self
reliance, which nothing could give but dsinteresed
devotion to his country, and firm resove-t neeessa
ry--to of.r himself upon its altar, he proved himself
The prudent brave and victorious general and the wise
and sagacous statesman. He never sought office, but,
when conferred, he devoted soul and body to the per-
ormance OF its duties. He shrunk from no labor or
sacrice and whenever his services could be dispensed
WITH he voluntarily resigned the high trusts with which
he was invested, and without regret retired to pri-
vate llfe. 1t is truly refreshing to empate such a
character and slake ones thirst from SO pure fountain
OF patriotism.
But have said more than l intended aud must close
by returning my thanks TOR your invitation aud express
ing the hopes that far from weakening the recent
agatons, may!srenghen the bonds.o Union; that eve
ny sectloa jealousy may be dspeed that every CON
sttutional right may be held sacred aud inyoate and
that our glorious Union may be enduring the lame
Of the immortal Washington
have the honor to be-
Your friend and fellow citizen,
WILLARD FILLMORE.
Ihe letter was received with Tremendous applause