The vacancy occasioned by his death was filled by the engagement of Miss Jennie Allen of New York. She proved to be a very valuable acquisition to the troupe; for she possessed a rich contralto voice, sang with excellent method, had a graceful, winning stage appearance, and was well known in New York as a very fine pianist.

The quartet thus arranged then (in 1857) began to travel more extensively, giving performances in the States of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, where their success artistically and financially exceeded any thing before within their experience. Had they so chosen, they might have visited all the free States with assurance of good fortune. Wherever they went, the bitter color-prejudice, the chilling doubtings, or the cold indifference, displayed by those who had not heard these talented musicians, were rapidly dispelled when on the stage they beheld their easy, graceful appearance, and heard the delightful sounds of harmony that proceeded from the voices and instruments of this accomplished quartet. The writer well remembers the emotions of delight and pride that filled his own breast when at this period, in Ohio, he witnessed for the first time their performances. After their first concert, the town became the scene of a most pleasant commotion. No such music had ever before been heard there, and praises of the "Lucas" were on the lips of all. The family were entertained at the residences of the first citizens, who vied with each other in extending to them the most complimentary attentions. In these homes of wealth and culture, where the study and practice of choice music formed a portion of each day's employment, these talented artists, surrounded by a selected company of educated persons, shone even more brightly than when upon the public stage; for here they could confine themselves to a rendition of that higher class of music so suitable to their own tastes and powers, as well as most welcome to their cultivated audience. But what befell the Luca family in this town—the writer has mentioned somewhat particularly this instance, because he happened to be a witness of the same—is but a sample of the treatment they often received in other places while travelling over the country.

As representing the estimate of the musical abilities of the Luca family, held by the general press of the country during their concert tours, and in order that it may be seen that my own praises of the family are none too great, I give the following notice from a fair and disinterested source; viz., "The Niagara Courier" of Lockport, N.Y., of Sept. 2, 1857:—

"THE LUCA FAMILY.

"This company of singers, consisting of four [three] brothers and their mother, gave a concert at Ringueberg Hall last (Monday) evening; and their performance was such as to elicit the enthusiastic approval of all present. Coming among us as strangers, their merits were not generally understood; and we presume that the entire audience were agreeably disappointed in the entertainment presented. We hazard nothing in saying that we have not had in our place for years a concert which combined all the elements that please the musical ear, and satisfy the cultivated taste, as did this. The introductory piece, 'Fantasia,' from Lucia, evinced the highest order of musical culture, the most excellent taste, with that superior power of execution which long practice only gives. The two brothers John and Alexander have superb voices, guided by a correct knowledge of music, and enriched by cultivation. Madame Luca was laboring under indisposition; but she sang well, and gave abundant assurance of superior vocal powers. But the great feature of the entertainment was the performance of C.O. Luca on the piano. With the exception of the celebrated Mason, we have never had his superior as a pianist in Lockport; and even he could not execute the pieces presented with greater effect. There is music in his playing which we seldom hear from the piano. It is not simply the striking of the keys in order, emitting a succession of musical sounds; but it is one continual flow of melody without interruption. From the moment he first strikes the keys, the harmonious melody gushes forth, note melts into note imperceptibly, wave after wave of melody goes forth and mingles into one as do the waves of the sea; and there is no breaking of the majesty of its harmony until the last note is touched.

"The family, as has been before announced, are colored, and consequently labor under some disadvantages; but we predict for them a successful future. Such superior musical powers must win for them a reputation that will bring its recompense. The pieces they sing are selected with good taste, and evince a determination to deserve public favor. And we may here say, that we believe the Luca family, in the quiet and unostentatious display of their musical powers, are doing more to secure position for the colored man than all the theorists and speculators about the right of man have yet accomplished in America. The possession of such talent, and its cultivation, show genius and industry which any man might emulate; and, when the colored men shall be represented in all the arts and sciences by those who are able to occupy front ranks, they will need no moralist to assert their rights: they can then maintain their own position. The human mind is so constituted, that it will always pay homage to genius, let it be exhibited under a white or black surface.

"A large number of the audience joined in a request that the Luca family repeat their concert; and they have consented to do so on Friday evening next, when we hope to see an audience out worthy of their superior merits. In the mean time we commend the Luca family to the press wherever they shall go, as every way worthy of their aid and indorsement."

During their second tour of Ohio, in 1859, the "Lucas" met and joined the famous Hutchinson family, giving many entertainments in conjunction with them. The Hutchinsons thus proved the entire sincerity of their professions that they loved their brother man "for a' that." The press of the country was much excited over this novel union, and the expressions emanating from the former were various. Without, however, minding the pros or cons, these two troupes travelled more than a month together, experiencing a pleasurable and profitable season.

I append below two advertisements of concerts given by these troupes at the time mentioned:—

(I.)