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." In making this brief survey, another locality of the South is now approached, which is so rich in musical culture as to occasion (at least to the writer) delightful surprise, and warrant special mention of the circumstances connected with the same. I refer to the city of New Orleans, which will be treated in the next chapter. III. NEW ORLEANS. THE MUSICAL AND GENERAL CULTURE OF ITS COLORED CITIZENS. "Though last, not least." SHAKSPEARE. Before the late war, the city of New Orleans was often styled "the Paris of America." The Province of Louisiana, originally settled by the French, and until 1812, when it became a State of the American Union, contained a population naturally distinguished by the same general characteristics as those which marked the people of France. The Frenchman has for a long time been proverbially a devotee of the fine arts; and of these that gay and brilliant city Paris--which has ever been to its enamoured citizens not only all France, but all the world--became for France the centre.