Syracuse, Sept. 22, 1851.

Dear Douglass:—I wish to say that the presidential nomination at Buffalo, if, in some respects, it has surprised, in all respects it has delighted everybody interested in reforms. I have heard but one expression; and that is one of great gratification. I know how reluctant Mr. Smith is to receive a nomination for or to take office, nevertheless when he sees how the country is advancing towards his position and principles, when he sees that it only remains firm and growing in public esteem, while all other party combinations are breaking to pieces around it and falling into disgrace, and when he further sees that the negro-hating spirit of the country turns all eyes upon him as its most acceptable and almost indispensable representative, we think he cannot but feel it to be his duty to sacrifice his prejudices and obey the call of his fellow-citizens. Gerrit Smith is the heaven-gifted and heaven-appointed agent for the redemption of his country and of his fellow-men.

Hon. Charles Durkee, the candidate for the Vice Presidency, is confessedly the most popular man of his own state, and we might say in all the West. He accepted a nomination to Congress from a large number of his constituents, and he now holds his place in Congress by the spontaneous votes of a large majority of his congregational district in a glorious triumph over both the political parties. His virtues and his popularity in that district laid them both at his feet. No man in the United States is more renowned for personal loveliness, industry, courage, ability and worth.

I expect the above ticket will have a large support.

John Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO, May 30, 1854.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS: DEAR SIR:—Pursuant to notice, a public meeting of the colored citizens of San Francisco, was held on Wednesday evening, May 24th—and by adjournment on Monday evening, May 29th— in the "St. Ciprian Church," to consider the claims of your valuable paper, and to adopt measures to extend its circulation in "California."

The meeting was called to order by Henry M. Collins, on whose motion A. H. Frances was elected Chairman. On taking the Chair, he addressed the audience, and said: "Though not fully informed as to the designs of the meeting, it was his pleasure to serve the people at all times." The meeting was further organized by the appointment of Wm. H. Newby and S. Howard as Secretaries. Messrs. H. M. Collins, J. B. Sanderson, and F. Smithey, were appointed a Committee to prepare business for the meeting, The Committee having retired, the Chairman said, "The audience would be pleased to listen to remarks relating to the object of the meeting, from any gentleman."

Rev. Thomas M. Ward being called on, responded in an eloquent speech. He spoke of the able manner in which the Frederick Douglass' Paper had always been conducted; the high estimation in which it is held; its influence at home and abroad; and, finally, its claims upon the colored man, whose organ and advocate it is. The Business Committee now came in and reported the following resolutions:

1st. Resolved, That we regard F. Douglass as one of the ablest and most faithful advocates of the rights of our people; that we approve of his course, and appreciate his labors with voice and pen in our behalf; that we esteem it our privilege, as well as our duty, to sustain him, and we will do all we can to extend the circulation of his paper in California.

2nd. Resolved, That we do, on this occasion, though late, express our entire approval of the action of the National Convention of colored people, held in Rochester, State of New York, July the 6th, 7th and 8th, 1853; and in the formation of a National Council of colored people, with its various committees and their several plans, [vz:?] on Manual Labor Schools, on an Industrial College, on Business Relations, on Publications, &c., &c.