BOSTON, Sept. 12th, 1853.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS: DEAR SIR:—The
American Baptist Missionary Convention
held its Thirteenth Anniversary in the Sec-
ond Baptist church of New Bedford, com-
mencing on Friday evening, August 19th,
1853. L. A. Grimes, of Boston, preached
the introductory sermon before a large audi-
ence, from Col. 1. 28 , "Whom we preach,
warning every man, and teaching every man
in all wisdom, that we may present every
man perfect in Christ Jesus." A collection
was then taken up for the cause of missions;
and a committee appointed to nominate offi-
cers for the ensuing year. After some other
preliminary arrangements, the meeting ad-
journed to Saturday, 9 o'clock.

Saturday morning, the meeing re-assem-
bled, pursuant to adjournment. The Com-
mittee reported the follwing named breth-
ren for officers of the Convention:—Rev.
William Thomson, of Boston, President; L.
A. Grimes, of Boston, Vice President; David
Crosby, of Philadelphia, Rec. Secretary;
Rev. William Jackson, of Philadelphia, Cor.
Secretary; Paul Ponteau, of New York,
Treasurer.

There were present eighteen ministers of
the gospel, eight deacons, and a large dele-
gation of lay members of the twenty-six
churches, connnected with the Convention.—
The reports from the churches and auxillary
societies were very interesting and encourag-
ing to our hearts. Various subjects were dis-
cussed in relation to the moral and relig-
ious condition of our people in this country,
and in the Canadas, and in the Provinces.—
Strong resolutions were passed (which will
be printed in the minutes of the Convention)
against American slavery, colonization, in-
temperance, and all kindred sins—calling on
the people of color to be united and active
in carrying forward the reforms of the day.
The meetings was well attended during the
eight days of its sitting, and closed on Fri-
day, the 25th, by solemnizing the Lord's Sup-
per. The occasion was one of deep solem-
nity, closing with the hymn, "Blessed be he
that binds our hearts in Christian love."

It is due to the noble-hearted citizens of
New Bedford, to speak of their noble
hospitalities and kindness; also of the choir
of the Second Baptist church, who performed
during the meetings. We shall not forget
the sweet sounds we heard from them under
the lead and guidance of their excellent
chorister, Mr. Freedom.

My friend Douglass, I have given you a
few of the facts at your request. You can
make what disposition of them you think
proper.

I am very truly yours,

LEONARD A. GRIMES.