Daily national Democrat., 1861-06-14
Letter from Henry Squires, the Tenor.

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Letter from Henry Squires, the Tenor.
The Bulletin publishes, by permission, the
following extracts from letters written by
Squres, of Lysters Opera Troupe from Aus
tralia, to q friend at San Francisco. The
great tenor writes with as much facility as he
sings:
MELBOURNE, March II, 1861.
My DEAR FRIEND We saluted the att
podes on the lst, after li5htlul voyage of
81 days. We reached the trade-winds eight
days after sailing, when we had weeks of
charming weather. For days and days, the
glorious Pacific was as quiet as duck-pond.
| shall not attempt to give you scenes dU roy
age, as your knowledge of the world will en-
able you to picture for yourself the various
characteristics, eccentrcities, etc, of a Gagged
troupe of opera singers. Captain Hart and
his agreeable half contributed largely to the
pleasure of the voyage. The table was Al
fresh meats, vegetables and fruits in abun-
dance. The heat was severe in the tropics,
but we managed to keep below boiling heat
under the h-awning
| Ike this shore. Melbourne is a fine city
| but everything and every body are "blawsted
| English The streets are broad and clean,
some of them as wide as Pennsylvania Ave
nue.. The public buildings, churches and
residences generally are built of beautiful
stone. and present an elegant appearance
could almost imagine myself dropped down
! in some provincial town in England there
are the same Saturday night markets in the
streets, the same gn-shops Oar-maids. hawk
ers etc. and the same prOmiScuous use of the
eighth letter of the alphabet
There are three theatres in operation here,
besides the Cremorne Gardens, singing sa-
looms, etc.
Lyster has made arrangements for the
troupe to open the Theater Royal on Easter
| MONDAY. the 25th inst. L3tcia dj Lau,,aer-
moor has been selected for the opening, when
your most ohedient will make his bow in the
character of the unfortunate and broken
hearted Edgardo.
The Banchis are at the Adelaide. | hear
so many conflicting opinions with regard to
their success, that know not what to credit
Nine. Biauch is by far the favorite here. y =
We have a chorus of seventeen men and
eleven women, and a capital orchestra. The
theatcr is larger than the American, in San
Francisco. 1t is handsomely decorated; has a
full depth OF stage; is halmonic, but badly
lighted.
| can foresce that my absence from San
Francisco will seem interminable. | could
gladly return to-day; and the sentiments
you expressed on board the Golden Age, upon
your return to California, can fully appre-
ciate. H. S.
MELBOURNE, April o, 1861.
Dean FnIEND:-I wrote you on the llth
of March per the Sea Nymph which letter.
| trust, was duly received. Nothing has
al. r, 1
to you, except the deJut of "Lyster's Opera
Troupe" which came off on the 25th March
1t was "A great hit Nine Escott and myself
received cordial welcome and call after first
act-second act, grand sestette cncored, and
call at close-nbundance Of applause in last
act-and a Jolly call at close of the opera,
which was Lucia, as stated in my last. q
Lactd was played three nights successfully.
On the second opera, which was 4Nartdna, IA
greater triumph awaited US There were
Seccst encores during the performance! So
you see the Mebournites mean to have the
worth of their money. It is good public,
and the applause, if vocilerous, is discrimi-
mating. Friday, being Good Friday, Lyster
gave grand concert at the theater, which
was success, On Monday, Lurljne was
produced, and though every attention was
paid to its production, l. failed, comparatively
speaking. Nine. Escott and myself have up
hill work, rehenrsing all day and singing
every night. Miss Hodson made her APP
pcarance in -Naritana, and pleased; she will
become a favorite here.
Lariine held sway for five nights, and on
Saturday Miss Durand came out in Fra Dia-
roio, which had been deferred from the first
week. in consequence of her illness. She had
a fine reception. The press is liberal in
speaking of her.
Last night the opera was repeated to a
meagre house. Tonight Wdritand, and to-
morrow TrdUiata, then the Crowm DiamondS,
then LucrcEia Borgia.
Nine. Escott has taken the position here
, that was awarded her in San Francisco viz:
that as a singer and actress, she has had no
comparison in the colonies. She has not yet,
as you discover played her Norma" Leo
nora" or "Borgia."
must not omit to mention Mr.. Farquehar-
son, our new basso and baritone. lie has a
magnificent voice, and is withal a gentleman.
Unfortunately, he goes to London, in July,
to join the troupe at her Majesty's Theater.
We have some hopes that he may join us in
California upon our return.
Lyster seems in good spirits, all goes as fine
as a picnic
, | was delighted to receive your letter per
the Otto. lit received at the theater and cut
: all rehearsing until | had devoured it.
shall never find another San Francisco, and
; such friends, and | shall certainly return in
six months. Ii. S.
FATAL AcoIDENr-On Saturday, June lst
John Sterling, while working in his claim on
Smiths Flat, Trinity county, was instantly
Eilla1 by the cnvinc of the hank
, FIRE IN CoLUMBIA.-The dry goods store o
Isaac Levy, in Columbia caught fire on the