Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1852-05-22
From the Enquirer.
GENERAL SAM HOUSTON.

Will you be kind enough 10 insert the follow,
ing letter, from the veteran Democrat, Thomas
Richie, Esg, in your next papefi While it has
been published in Democratic journals, in seve
raj other States, Il has so far failed to secure
place in any Democratic paper in Virginia. The
position which General Houston occupies before
the country in connection with the Presidency,
is such, as not only to Justify, but demand is
publication in the Democratic papers Of the
State of his nativity: .. +. q.
IHomAs RrrcuE's OPINION or GEN HousroN.
RICHMOND, June 49, 1896.
My DEAR SIR The affair OF Texas is indeed
all romance, Houston has hitherto borne himself
so nohly that he seems almost 10 have 81,
lcnccd his ancient enemies This plot OF super.
seding him by Gen. Hamilton If Il has ever
been seriously entertained must now be abandon
Cd What | fear most, for Houston is tho trial
To which he is now to be subjected. VIII he en-
10y his triumph VITA moderate on I'll is one Of
nv marims, that It is harder TO bear prosperity
than adversely. More distinguished men have
been ruined by great good fortune than by ILL.,
fortune. When sGemming an adverse current,
the swimmer bends every snew and never re-
lakes for momeuG bat when gliding down the
stream,he becomes listless aud strikes against the
fatal rock Adversely tries the man. II calls forth
the stern virtues in those who have ihem--great.
err efforts and mere unirng industry, a saga
cious prudence and more moderation of charac-
ter. Whereas any considerable improvement of
your concerns makes you too commonly AFRO
giant, opinionated, idle and supine. To go no
further than the present case what ruined Santa
Anna An unbounded security arising from
his previous success He had destroyed Travis,
4 r Lt he y,ipht with ibp
saloc ease overcome Houston. Now is the time
to warn Houston of the excess Of his feelings,
to suppress his pride, 20 avoid arrogance, to sub
due the spirit oldomnaon,o conquer his own pas
sion as he has conquered hlsenemies; &rabove all,
TO advise hin against the besetting sin OF aspiring
to the capital Of the Montezumas, instead oibe
ing contented with the wise scheme OF
aniating his fine, adopted country win the
free, soed, and well balanced republic of
the United Sales. If had the honor ol a
persannl acquaintance with Houston, ! would
write him as have written you, because have
always taken an interest in him, and now | re-
nard him with a species OF enthusiasm. bul
really wish that you would write him, to anl-
mate his efforts in the cause TO which he Is oes
voted aud advise him 10 be upon his guard
npainst himself | should hate to see bis brill
liant reputation oYenhrown by some hasty freak
or violent aLiltion.' Let hun but preserve Il
with The same care with which he has obtained
it, and we may well call him the Hero Of San
Jdciaio.
You think my maxim, perhaps AN absurdity.
But paradoxical as it sounds, there is neverthe-
less great truth in it. II is true of your country
of ourselves individuality poHies,and Of the rap
ID accumulation Of riches. There is some com
fort at least 10 my philosophy, to one who, like
myself, is on the shady side of fortune. Bu,
occupy too much Of your time.
am, dear sir truly yours,
THOMAS RlrCHlE.
To Major w. q. LEWIS, ashington City.