For some time he was
organist in a church at Washington, and of course knows the service
perfectly. Our star, however, is a sergeant! He came to this country
with an opera troupe, but an attack of diphtheria ruined his voice for
the stage, so he enlisted! His voice (barytone) is still of exquisite
quality, and just the right volume for our hall.
FORT SHAW, MONTANA TERRITORY,
January, 1879.
THERE has been so much going on in the garrison, and so much for me to
attend to in getting the house settled, I have not had time to write
more than the note I sent about dear little Billie. I miss him
dreadfully, for, small as he was, he was always doing something
cunning, always getting into mischief. He died the day we moved to
this house, and it hurts even now when I think of how I was kept from
caring for him the last day of his short life. And he wanted to be
with me, too, for when I put him in his box he would cling to my
fingers and try to get back to me. It is such a pity that we ever
cracked his nuts. His lower teeth had grown to perfect little tusks
that had bored a hole in the roof of his mouth. As soon as that was
discovered, we had them cut off, but it was too late - the little
grayback would not eat.
We are almost settled now, and Sam, our Chinese cook, is doing
splendidly. At first there was trouble, and I had some difficulty in
convincing him that I was mistress of my own house and not at all
afraid of him. Cagey has gone back to Holly Springs. He had become
utterly worthless during the summer camp, where he had almost nothing
to do.
Our little entertainment for the benefit of the mission here was a
wonderful success. Every seat was occupied, every corner packed, and
we were afraid that the old theater might collapse. We made eighty
dollars, clear of all expenses. The tableaux were first, so the small
people could be sent home early. Then came our pantomime. Sergeant
Thompson sang the words and the orchestra played a soft accompaniment
that made the whole thing most effective. Major Pierce was a splendid
Villikins, and as Dinah I received enough applause to satisfy anyone,
but the curtain remained down, motionless and unresponsive, just
because I happened to be the wife of the stage manager!
The prison scene and Miserere from Il Trovatore were beautiful.
Sergeant Mann instructed each one of the singers, and the result was
far beyond our expectations. Of course the fine orchestra of twenty
pieces was a great addition and support. Our duet was not sung,
because I was seized with an attack of stage fright at the last
rehearsal, so Sergeant Mann sang an exquisite solo in place of the
duet, which was ever so much nicer.
