AT the Annual Meeting of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION in March last, Admiral Sir GEO. F. SEYMOUR, K.C.B., some time since Commander-in-Chief of H.M.'s Squadron on the North American Station, read the following interesting letter from Miss D. L. Dix, an American lady, well known for her universal philanthropic labours. We feel assured that its perusal will be as gratifying to our readers as the noble conduct of the benevolent lady herself is creditable to her.

In appreciation of Miss Dix's long and valuable services in the cause of humanity, the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION has presented to her its special thanks inscribed on vellum.

New York, SIR, November 28th, 1853., WHEN I was last summer in Nova Scotia an opportunity occurred of visiting Sable Island, the seat of a provincial humane establishment.

I found it deficient in libraries, opening a source of amusement and instruction to isolated mariners stationed there, and that there was no lighthouse for warning passing vessels, nor life-boats for rescue in the event of perilous shipwrecks. The first and last deficiency I was confident I could, by myself and my friends at home, supply; but the second, a lighthouse, I could only hope to see established through your Excellency's influence, met and sustained by the gubernatorial authority of SIR GASPARD LE MARCHANT. This measure has more than once been favourably commended to your Government; and is, I think, sustained by the opinions of naval experience. I believe that I am correct in quoting the views of the surveying officer, CAPTAIN BAYPIELD, in support of this position : and his judgment upon such questions, I am led to believe, is received as authority. The opinions of most members of the civil Government differ; but as they suffer none of the exposures, and encounter none of the dangers of maritime life, I presume they will concede the decision to those who unite prudence with courage, and who, while they unshrinkingly meet perils, do not despise aids for averting destruction.

I shall regard elaborate argument unseasonable in presenting this subject to your Excellency for cordial support; and in the confidence which your reputation for humanity and energy inspire, I leave this work in your hands, for early accomplishment.

I may inform you that a library of several hundred volumes, the joint gift of some of my friends, and of several liberal publishers and booksellers in Boston, unostentatiously made, has already been forwarded to Halifax to constitute a mariner's library for Sable Island. In- view of supplying life-boats to meet a pressing necessity— and in a spirit of neighbourly good will and " fraternal kindness " for " the humane establishment " already referred to—1 asked a few of my mercantile friends in the cities of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, informally for a contribution, to purchase four life-boats, a life-car, with mortar, waggons, cables, &c., with every appliance for the use of the boats at these' several stations.

These at my request have all been constructed expressly for this object, and the cables, &c., all wrought and selected with the special view to permanent use and durability. In Boston, the work has been directed by the experience and judgment of K. B. FORBES, Esq., a name well known in England, associated with liberal and humane endeavours, and at home, in the United States, for nautical skill and liberal action. I am under great obligations to Mr. E. MERRIAM, of New York, for efficient service in selecting apparatus and aiding in such parts of this business as it was neither suitable nor possible for mei to direct. The Philadelphia boat has been constructed in New York. I have named the Philadelphia beat The Grace Darling. The New York boats severally. The Reliance, and The Samaritan; the life-car, The Rescue; and the Boston boat, The Victoria. The mortar, dedicated for ever to the life-car service, I have called " The Life Preserver." I have written to you, dear sir, in the belief that you would sympathise in my interest and exertions, in procuring these means for the assisting mariners in perilous positions, and in saving human life. I intend that the boats should reach Halifax in a few weeks. Inevitable delays have prevented the accomplishment of my wish at an earlier season—for 1 had hoped to have anticipated the autumnal storms.

I suppose the boats will be landed temporarily on the Queen's Wharf, and I shall be gratified if you will do me the honour "of inspecting them.

I have seen them mount the breakers in a heavy sea, without shipping a bucket of water, but must add that they were admirably manned.

should like that such of your officers as have judgment and skill in these matters should test their sea-worthiness proved in the hands of those who are subjects of Her Majesty's sovereignty.

I have the honour to be, &c., (Signed) D. L. Dix.

To His Excellency Admiral Sir George Seymour, K.C.B., Sfc.