Original autograph letter of Andrew Jackson to his ward, Edward G. W. Butler, dated at the Hermitage, March 3, 1823; 2 1/2 pp. folio, with integral postmarked cover. Butler's father had served with Jackson at New Orleans and on his death, Jackson served as Butler's guardian. At the time of writing, Butler was a newly-minted lieutenant in the Artillery Corps, posted at Washington. Jackson includes lengthy life advice, "by studying human nature, you may come to avoid its treachery - be not too suspicious, but never take a man to your bosom as a confidant, until you are certain he merits it." He explains his reasons for declining to lead an embassy to Mexico and comments on reports of the British gaining control of Cuba, with other interesting details. Together with photocopies of three other letters from the correspondence

Some light uneven toning, particularly to the cover page; small holes at the intersections of the folds