Dear Readers,—A severe illness during the past week, has prevented me from attending to the editorial department of this number of the North Star. I have been for more than a year past, seriously troubled with enlarged and frequently inflamed tonsils, which has operated very disadvantageously to my public speaking, a well as caused me much suffering. On Friday last, I was induced to have a surgical operation performed, and the tonsils removed; and though I have suffered much by the operation, my readers will be glad to know that I already feel materially benefited by it, and hope to be able to discharge my editorial duties without inconvenience next week.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS.