Syracuse, March 18, 1852.

Frederick Douglass—Dear Brother:—My carpet-bag is packed, and I am ready to start for Rochester, this morning. But last evening, the members of our Church had a meeting, and determined that it will be necessary for me to proceed, as soon as possible, to New England, and New York City, that we may get some aid towards the rebuilding of our Meeting House.

I have consented to start on Monday, and that I may do so, I must be very diligent at home, in making arrangements to be absent three of four weeks.

It is a great disappointment to me, that I cannot attend your Convention. But if you have Gerrit Smith, and R. R. Raymond, and Samuel D. Porter, there, you will not miss me.

The two great topics which I suppose will be discussed, are the Fugitive Slave Law, and Colonization. Upon each of them, I have some thoughts I should have been happy to present to the friends who will be assembled at Rochester, to-day and to-morrow. But I am denied that pleasure.

Yours very truly,

Samuel J. May