"Lincoln Hall was literally packed. Of course the majority of the audience was colored, and included a host of the personal friends of the singers. Glancing over the house, the full opera-dresses scattered liberally through the audience reminded one not a little of the scene at a concert by Carlotti Patti or the Theodore Thomas orchestra. Quite a third of the audience was composed of white ladies and gentlemen, largely attracted, perhaps, by the novelty of the affair; and among them were many representatives of the musical circles of the city, somewhat curious to hear and compare the performance with those they have been accustomed to hear. "The criticisms, as a whole, were favorable. It was evident that the voices of two or three of the singers will be bettered by cultivation. The choruses were effective. In dramatic ability there was little lacking, and the singers were quite as natural as many who appear in German and French opera." From "The Daily National Republican," Washington, Feb. 5, 1873:-- "The second representation of 'The Doctor of Alcantara' at Lincoln Hall last night was an improvement upon the first. The natural nervousness of the singers was better overcome, and they made a better use of their fine voices. "For the sake of making some just reflections and comparisons, we select the name of Miss Lena Miller, who sang the _role_ of 'Isabella.' Here is a young lady, really pretty in form and features, graceful in stage-presence, modest in manner, and imbued with true affection and spirit for art. At present she is not a great singer; but her voice is sweet and clear, and at times sympathetic. In this simple statement high but judicious praise is included; and here we might stop. But Miss Miller's presence in opera has a significance and a promise infinitely pleasing to all candid and well-judging minds concerning the race to which she belongs. "Neither Miss Miller nor Mrs. Smallwood, nor any of the company, have had the advantage of musical training in European or American conservatories. They have to depend alone upon their natural gifts and personal acquirements. This fact is one which makes vastly in their favor, and protects them from the standard by which Adeline Patti or Louise Kellogg would be judged as artists. Under all the circumstances, they sing and perform extraordinarily well; and as for the chorus, it is superior to that of any German or Italian opera heard in this city for years. "Mr. Benjamin's impersonation of 'Dr. Paracelsus' was really a good bit of acting, and Mr. Grant's 'Carlos' won for him deserved applause. "The _role_ of 'Don Pomposa' by Mr. Williams, the _basso profundo_, was finely rendered. His acting was good, and his voice full of richest melody.