S. to Frederick Douglass, October 26, 1855

FROM OUR BOSTON CORRESPONDENT.

A Mass Meeting of the Colored Citizens—The National Convention—"Cosmopolite," "Ethiop," and "Communipaw"—The active members of the Convention, and their traits—The Courier.

BOSTON, Oct. 26th, 1855.

F. DOUGLASS, ESQ.: MY DEAR SIR:—A few evenings since, a large and enthusiastic meeting of the colored citizens of Boston was held in the vestry of the Twelfth Baptist Church. Robert Morris, Esq., was called to the chair, and Dr. J. S. Rock appointed Secretary. The President stated the object of the meeting, when Dr. Rock offered the following resolutions, which were received with applause, and unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the recent aggressions of the Slave Power, in the admission of Texas, the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act, the admission of Slavery into California, the burning of Greytown, the rendition of two unoffending Massachusetts citizens into Slavery, the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, the murderous outrages on the persons and property of Northern freemen in Kansas, and the scandalous decision of Judge Kane in the Wheeler slave case, all call aloud to the freeman of the North to form a great political part, without concealment and without compromise, fully committed to Freedom.

Resolved, That we gladly hail the union of all political parties upon an Anti-Slavery platform; that we entirely approve of the Republican party and ticket, formed and nominated at Worcester; and we will give that party and ticket our earnest and undivided support.

Resolved, That as the single issue is between Freedom and Slavery, we look with deep anxiety for the result of the coming election, and especially so as some of those whom we have long regarded as good and tried friends are connected with the Pro-Slavery parties, who are arrayed against us, and we ask them, in the name of humanity, to review their course, and place themselves upon the side of freedom.

Resolved, That we will use our utmost exertions to forward the prospects of the Republican party in the coming election, and that we call upon all the friends of Freedom, who place the interests and prosperity of their country above party, and liberty above slavery, to unite in this movement.

Speeches were made by Robert Morris, Esq., Mr. Wm. C. Nell, Mr. Lewis Hayden, and other gentlemen.

We had the pleasure of attending the National Convention, held in the city of Philadelphia; and although that Convention did not come up to our expectations, it certainly exceeded the most sanguine wishes of many; and we believe it has formed the fulcrum up-on which the gigantic lever must be placed, to raise us from our degraded condition. The work now revolves around to the people, and each man, woman and child, who desires to forward the movement, is expected to volunteer in the work.

We had the pleasure of forming the acquaintance of many great and good men there.—Among them were "Communipaw," "Cosmopolite," and "Ethiop." Our acquaintance, though very short with the last named gentleman, was exceedingly pleasant to ourself. "Cosmopolite," though fiery, is good company, eminently social, quick witted, and possesses an uncommon share of sterling good sense. "Communipaw" is a singular genius, anyhow you fix him; he understands human nature—is an indefatigable worker, a shrewd politician, an able debater, and a fluent speaker. Mr. Stephen Myers, who is by no means a drone in the hive of creation, cut a neat figure in that Convention. He shows superior knowledge in political tactics, far-sightedness, indomitable perseverance, and correct deductions, which makes his advice generally sought after and followed. He publishes the Reporter in Albany, a smart paper, to which everybody should subscribe. Mr. Wm. J. Watkins is a promising young man, a good debater, and an eloquent speaker; his style of oratory is much improved, and we do not flatter him when we say, that if he receives that encouragement which he deserves, he will be a lion among us. Mr. Isaiah C. Weare also figured extensively in the Convention, and eminently sustained himself as a skillful debater.—

Mr. Frederick Douglass was a bright star in the Convention, and made more than one able and eloquent speech. Mr. C. Remond and Mr. R. Purvis, both eloquent speakers, made their mark in the Convention. Dr. Bias, who is too well known to be described, made a happy speech. The Convention lost a valuable assistant on account of his inability to be there much of the time, owing to sickness in his family. We also regret that we were deprived of the services of Rev. Wm. T. Catto, who had just recovered from a severe fit of sickness, and who was unable to take an active part of the Convention. Philadelphia was, however, largely represented in the Convention—one-third of the Convention being representatives from the city of Philadelphia. Among the active members, were Rev. Mr. Campbell, Mr. Francis A. Duterte, Mr. Isaiah C. Weare, Mr. Burton, Rev. Wm. Moore, Mr. J. C. White, Mr. J. C. Bowers, and Mr. Stephen Smith.

The distinguished men from New York City were Dr. J. McCune Smith, Mr. Gibbs, Capt. Simons and Mr. Crosby. Brooklyn, Mr. Wilson, Dr. White and Mr. J. C. Morell. Rochester, Messrs. F. Douglass and Wm. J. Watkins.—Albany, Mr. Stephen Myers and Mr. W. Topp. Massachusetts, Rev. L. A. Grimes, Mr. Wm. C. Nell and Dr. J. S. Rock. Providence, Mr. Geo. T. Downing. Middletown, Rev. Jehiel C. Beman. New Haven, Rev. A. G. Beman, and Dr. T. Gray. On the whole, the Convention was highly successful, and much good must grow out of it.

The news here has not been unusually interesting. The Courier has been making, or rather trying to make, a great time about Mr. Hayden's being on the Committee for nominating Senators, &c. But the Courier is no great gun. Its ignus fatuus whims will, no doubt, carry it along with the party it is trying to support; and, like Paddy's flea, when you attempt to put your finger on it, it will not be there.

S.