By the beginning of this century piano-playing became a more common accomplishment, especially in the large towns, though General Oliver said that in 1810, among the six thousand families in Boston, there were not fifty pianos. Rev. Manasseh Cutler writes in 1801, from Washington, of a young friend:-- She has been educated at the best schools in Baltimore and Alexandria. She does not converse much, but is very modest and agreeable. She plays with great skill on the Forte Piano which she always accompanies with the most delightful voice, and is frequently joined in the vocal part by her mother. Mr. King has an excellent Forte-Piano which is connected with an organ placed under it, which she plays and fills with her feet, while her fingers are employed upon the Forte-Piano. On Sunday evenings she constantly plays Psalm music. Miss Anna plays Denmark remarkably well. But the most of the psalm tunes our gentlemen prefer are the old ones such as Old Hundred, Canterbury, which you would be delighted to hear on the Forte-Piano assisted by the Organ. Miss Anna gave us some good music this evening, particularly the Wayworn Traveller, Ma Chere Amie, The Tea, The Twins of Latma (somewhat similar to Indian Chief) Eliza, Lucy or Selims Complaint. These are among my favourites. In February, 1800, Eliza Southgate Bowne wrote thus in Boston:-- In the morning I am going to look at some Instruments; however we got one picked out that I imagine we shall take, 150 dollars, a charming toned one and not made in this country. In June she said enthusiastically of her “Instrument:”-- I am learning my 12th tune Oh Octavia, I almost worship my Instrument,--it reciprocates my joys and sorrows, and is my bosom companion. How I long to have you return! I have hardly attempted to sing since you went away. I am sure I shall not dare to when you return. I must enjoy my triumph while you are absent; my musical talents will be dim when compared with the lustre of yours.