(CIRCULAR.)

NORTH STAR OFFICE,

Rochester,

My Dear Friend :

Your deep interest in the cause of the perishing Slave, and in the Improvement and Elevation of the Nominally Free Colored People of our land, is my apology for invoking your aid and assistance in the work of EXTENDING THE CIRCULATION OF THE NORTH STAR. The permanent existence of this paper is of vital importance to the cause with which it is identified; and its claims to support are peculiarly strong.

Belonging, as I do, to the race almost universally despised at the North, and having endured the horrors of Slavery at the South, I feel especially bound to devote my energies to THE FREEDOM AND ELEVATION OF MY PEOPLE.

For the accomplishment of this object, I know of no instrumentality more effective than THE PRESS. This always commands respect, and can never be despised. It is the friend of TRUTH, LIBERTY and INTELLIGENCE; and the enemy of Error, Slavery and Ignorance.

The presence of a tolerably conducted Journal in this country, edited by one of the oppressed, is essential to the proper vindication of the colored race from the charge of inferiority, and to the assertion of their equal claims to fellowship in the common bond of HUMAN BROTHERHOOD.

THE NORTH STAR has reached its third volume, which is sufficient evidence that I am in earnest, and do not mean to be discouraged by difficulties or hardships. I commenced with a determination to persevere; and the strength of my resolution has experienced no abatement. I am convinced that the downfall of the paper would be hailed with a thrill of delight by all those who make merchandize of God's image, and who "gain their fortunes by the blood of souls."

There is nothing more galling to the pride of the oppressor, than to be confronted by the object of his injustice and cruelty. Such an one, is a living and palpable contradiction to all his sophistical theories against equal justice and equal manhood.

While THE NORTH STAR lives, it will cheer with hope the hearts of the enslaved, and alarm the fears of the guilty slaveholder. The fact that such a paper exists, has already been of immense value in the discussions which have been going on in high places during the last two years. Its columns have often been cited as evidence of negro capacity and ability. I say this gratefully—not egotistically.

Having briefly stated my views with respect to the importance of sustaining THE NORTH STAR, I am ready to answer the question as to how this can be done. Here is my plan:

I propose to send this circular to such active and earnest friends as I think will take an interest in the object which it sets forth; and I suggest that each exert him or herself to obtain at least one additional subscriber to our list. Should such friends respond to this call, and comply with this plan, I have no question but that the paper will be permanently and usefully established.

That you may be moved to co-operate with me in this labor of good will, is the sincere desire of

Your friend and co-worker in the cause of Human Freedom,

FREDERICK DOUGLASS.