These few thoughts, which, it may be, present nothing new to the student of the various forms of musical expression, fall very short of doing justice to a subject of most delightful interest, and one which, for its proper treatment, requires far more of elaboration than can here be given. They are among such as come to me while reflecting upon an achievement, that, although not in a general way extraordinary, was nevertheless, in some important respects, exceedingly remarkable and noteworthy. I refer to a series of performances given at Washington and Philadelphia in the month of February, 1873, by an organization called "_The Colored American Opera Company_." This troupe, formed in Washington, was composed of some of the most talented amateur musical people residing in that city. The following-named ladies and gentlemen were the principal members and performers:-- MR. JOHN ESPUTA _Musical Director._ MRS. AGNES GRAY SMALLWOOD _Soprano._ MISS LENA MILLER _Contralto._ MISS MARY A.C. COAKLEY _Contralto._ MR. HENRY F. GRANT _Tenor._ MR. RICHARD TOMPKINS _Tenor._ MR. WILLIAM T. BENJAMIN _Baritone._ MR. GEORGE JACKSON _Baritone._ MR. THOMAS H. WILLIAMS _Basso profundo._ Mr. Henry Donohoe acted as business manager. Around these, the central figures, were grouped a large, well-balanced chorus, and a fine orchestra; nor was appropriate _mise en scene_, nor were any of the various accessories of a well-equipped opera, wanting in the presentation. The opera chosen for these performances was Julius Eichberg's excellent "Doctor of Alcantara." The first performances were given in Lincoln Hall, Washington, on the evenings of Feb. 3 and 4, 1873; the next at Philadelphia, in Agricultural Hall, Feb. 21, 22, and 23. Returning to Washington, the two last performances of the series were given in Ford's Theatre. Of the highly meritorious character of these presentations of opera there exists abundant evidence, emanating from disinterested, trustworthy sources, from which I quote the following. From "The Daily Washington Chronicle," Feb. 4, 1873:-- "THE AMERICAN OPERA-COMPANY. "The first colored opera-troupe of any merit ever organized in this country appeared at Lincoln Hall last night in Eichberg's opera, 'The Doctor of Alcantara.'