Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-02-16
LETTER FROM WILLIE LIGHTHEART,

CHARLESTON, s. c.. Feb'y. 10, 1860.
Me,srs. Editors: For some weeks back our
city has been so dusty thatit was really disagree
able to be out but on Sunday, last, We were
blessed with copious showers of rain which con
tinued until last night, when the clouds disper-
sed, and the beautiful stars
Shining in order like allvins hymn,
Written In Light
once more blessed our eyes with their ever vel
come presence. This is charming day. Nei.
ther too warm nor too cold.
Last week-to certain olasses-was quite
gala week in old Charleston. Multitudes Of
strangers were here to see the Races, and the
usual degree of folly and nonsence manifested BY
the patrons of the turf. The 'bloods" Of Caro-
lima exhibited themselves gratuitously to our
citizens, in splendid vehicles and upon fact hor-
ses. Our hotels were oil full, I believe, and q
large amount of money left in Charleston by
visitors. The usual amount of liquor was drunk,
presume; the usual amount Of wagers won and
lost; and the usual amount Of rascality and vice
perpetrated by blacklegs, gamblers and such
like. Not having been on the Background, !
cannot report anything concerning the races
Everybody in the "ENoU1RER" Office knows my
opinions upon all such amusements and exhibi-
tions; 80 1 need not trouble you by stating them
here.
Anna Bishop was here last week, and gave
two or three grand concerts, all Of which were
well attended by the lovers Of music, and the
possessors of refined taste. If anything, her
voice has improved; such, at least, is the opin-
ion of those who heard her in former years.
Charleston always patronizes, literally, these
first class concerts. So much the better ; the
influence of music upon the public morals is de-
cidedly good particularly such music as Bishop,
Parodi, Lind, Piccolommini, and others Of their
stamp, can sing.
Tom, the blind negro boy pianist was also here
last week. He gave several concerts to crowd
ed houses, and made most successful and bril-
liant debut The boy is ten years of age never
saw piano in his life played tune the very
first time his fingers came in contact with the
keys, and can now reproduce the most difficult
compositions of our most brilliant, and famous
musicians; play anything that is once played in
his hearing; compose q march, Polka-in fact
everything that it is possible to conceive of. Tom
is equal to the most celebrated performers, per-
feet master of his instrument; wonder Of the
age: sublime miracle q genius, beyond all
controversy. You must hear him to appreciate
him; you must see the poor little blind negro
boy swaying the learned, refined and great by
the omnipotency of genius, that is OF once,
Sublime, awful and terrific; you must catch the
inspiration, Us it kindles in his dark counten-
ance, and makes the idiotic face gloriously beau
tiful you must watch the quick, nervous move
ment of every limb as the voice of music falls
upon his impassioned ear, before you can have
the faintest conception of this wonderful being.
The world-the wide, wide world, must bow
before, and do homage to poor blind Tom; and
all the education and effort in cristendom could
not produce his equal
The theatre is still open, and, as have been
informed, the Gravel Family" are drawing very