Mr. James P. Thomas is a finished violinist.
With such artists as the above mentioned, and others whose names I have not learned, it will be seen that the city of St. Louis is not behind in musical culture.
Helena, Ark., is fortunate in numbering among its citizens George H.W. Stewart,—a gentleman of rare musical and general culture. He was, I think, educated in Indiana, and received a diploma as a graduate from a college of music located at Indianapolis. Mr. Stewart's specialty as a performer is the piano, with which instrument he finely interprets the best music of the masters. He has also a soft yet powerful baritone-voice; and, as a singer, he has often delighted private and public audiences.
Miss Annie S. Wright of Memphis, Tenn., has few equals in that State as a ready reader of music, or in the feeling and expression with which she awakes the echoes of the piano-forte.
In Memphis there are several others possessing good ability as instrumentalists.
No fears need be entertained that Nashville, Tenn., will not keep pace with the advance of other cities in musical culture. The famous Jubilee Singers of Fisk University, located near Nashville, may well be mentioned here as noble representatives of that city, and as those whose splendid example and achievements as singers will always serve as a stimulus to the cultivation of music by their towns-people.
I mention here with much pleasure the Lord family of Charleston, S.C. The father was a musician of good ability, a pleasing performer on the cornet and (I think) one or two other instruments, and was leader of an orchestra. He early gave his two daughters instruction in music.
I recall with much interest a visit I made this accomplished family early in 1865, when the regiment with which I was connected lay encamped near Charleston. On this occasion, after our indulgence in conversation touching the war, &c., I begged that I might be favored with some music. The request was readily complied with, the father and daughters uniting in a performance of several very pleasing selections.
Other members of my regiment, I know, also retain very pleasant recollections of the Lord family, not only on account of the charming musical qualities of the latter, but also on account of their winning courtesy to the Union soldiers. One of these was so far captivated (it could not have been by the music alone) by the elder daughter, as to invite her to adorn as his bride a home of his own. Our gallant Sergeant White was accepted; and the lady has since shared with him the enjoyment of many honors which his fine abilities have won for him in the "sunny South."
Mr. Lord died a few years ago. His example in inculcating in his children a love for the elevating art of music cannot be too strongly recommended for the imitation of all heads of families who desire to form at their firesides such sources of interest, refinement, and pleasure, as will cause their children to prefer them, as they ever should, to all places not comprised in the sacred name of "home."