Litchfield enquirer., 1877-06-21
Hampton Institute.

guIafly S1nc0. Ouo cUtCEcu AaAptOu 4A4 stitute in 1872. travelled 2 year through the United States as one of the original troupe of Hampton singers (the troupe which visited Litchfeld, three years ago) and completes her course here with the highest honors. An excellent singer and a careful observer, she can not only viyid- ly recall what she has Seen in her travels, but can converse with great intelligence, and draw accurate conclusions from her observations. She will undoubtedly make O good teacher, as si1e has all those quali- ties which win the respect and love of children. and will prove power in the community in which she may live. for the elevation of her race.
 A LEAF FROM A HAMPTON STUDENTS DIARY =
 BY MARIA ALvICE MALLErrE k The question is often asked, "Where did the first plantation song come from ?' When we study about plants we often wonder where the first seed came from. We cannot tell; we only know that plants are not created, but that the clements of the atmosphere unite with earthly sub stances, and ont of the ground springs up a plant to sustain the life of man. So with this old time music-the Spirit of the Lord united with the prayers of the slave, out and of the heart sprang song to comfort them in their sorrow, and help them bear with patience the burden which the heavenly Father had put upon them
 When they were not allowed to serve him openly as they wanted to. they often op- ened their hearts to him in the songs that they sang. It made them look forward with happy thoughts to the time when their Moses should deliver them from their Pharoah That's what the old time music did for them in the past. sl7
 A few years ago, this school opened with only twenty scholars. It grew un- til the accommodations were not sufficient. The plan was suggested that little band of singers should go out, we'll supplied with this old time music. and see if 1t would not touch the hearts of the north ern friends towards doing something to raise building that would satisfy the needs of those who were seeking an edu- cation. We were at first inclined to scorn thls music; for when we sang the songs with their broken English. it brought to over minds unpleasant recollection of the part. But we found it had 8 mission, and would accomplish the sincere deslre and longings of our hearts in uplifting our race that needs the help of each one of us so much, while through it's means q few of us would have the chance of seeing different parts of the world, getting an idea here and there, and an experience of civil lzatlon and refinement that would affect our future lives, and inspire us even in our thoughts to look for things pure and elevating. ss1 9.s@
 Our journey north was success in more than one way. This music did touch the hearts Of the peopie, and had the de- sired effect of bringing in the widows mite," and the generous gifts of the rich, until the last brick was laid and Virginia Hall threw open it's doors to welcome all that came. A great many who had never paid much attention as to how the colored people were getting along, became deeply interested in them after listening to this music or hearing how this people were struggling for education. We have seen what this music has done for the colored people in general. Let us now look over the leaves of my diary and see what 1t has done for few of us.
 Our little troupe started four years ago on our campaign. Washington was the first city we came to. Through the kind ness..of friend we were invited to sing for President Grant. We were ushered into the ''Red Room" and while waiting for the president to make his apppearance, we entertained ourselves by examining the oil paintings-portraito of some of the old presidents, and prominent mon of the Un- tied States-and in admiring the tapestry that hung in graceful folds from the walls.
 There was stir, and the next moment the president came into the room. We formed ourselves into circle. and after singing number of songs, he spoke to us a few encouraging words, saying that the work we had undertaken was a good one. not only for our race. but for the good of the country, and hoped that we would ter his kindly shaking onr hands we were shown over the public part of the White House. The Treasury department and capital were next visited. Going up flight after flight of winding stairs we. at last reached the dome. where we had good view of the city, Alexandria and adjoining towns. The people in the rotunda looked like little specks, and it was amusing to N see where the music came from. We went into the Senate Chamber and House of Re. presentatives. The patent office afforded us much pleasure,-as we looked at the old fashioned plates, china ware, shoes, slippers, swords and host of other things that were fashionable in Washington's day. a'ta s salsss1 =.
 In Philadelphia the House of Refuge fo~ n1~Sl ll,m,rx sw,,xx~ visited. Our singing gave the httle child kept us from visiting many of the places '' In 5iSssi New iorI Gty, the reservoir and central Park gave us great pleasure. lWe took trip up the Hudson river. stopping atldiferent places; one among them. New
 burgh. where the old headquarters oi Washington stand, and Tarrytown, where Major Andre was captured. e . Boston gave us a kind welcome. w, shall always remember with pleasure ani gratitude the kindness there shown us. II the museum, among the different curiosi. ! tles, we were much interested in tn, Egyptian mumies that had nearly turn cd to stone; also in the collections of wa, 1 figures. Mt. Auburn Cemetery, in Cam bridge, had great attractions for us. for i was the resting place of Charles Sumner EAs we stood singing over his newly mad
 grave. with nothing over it but card ant c simple wreath of flowers, we though
 whatsa true and earnest friend the coloret | people had lost by his death. Mir. Long fellow, who had invited us to his house
 came to meet us there. and stood ther
 while welsahg "My L.drd what tasmorning A few minutes walk brought ma to a larQe quaint house. of Revolutionary date, st 1tihgbaekin the yard with aswillow stand
 ing near, with it's dropping bougfls shad
 ing the porch from the monday sun
 while in front. on the opposite side of tn street extends beautiful green lawn t the waters edge. We went into his study
 where stood a large armchair that he sai
 he thought a deal of. because Mir. Sum ndr loved to sit in it. After pleasan I talk and some singing we to~k our depas
 ture. well pleased with the courtesy tha had been shown us. We visited the Nav
 Yard and Bunker Hill monument. "