ing the valuable diploma of the New-England
Conservatory at Boston. Many of the most pleasing amateurs of Boston
and vicinity received their first instructions in music from Miss
Washington. Hers is a musical family, as her two sisters and brother
are each possessed of nice musical taste and education. The subject of
this notice early awakened their interest, and directed their studies.
It is gratefully acknowledged, too, that to Miss Washington's earnest
efforts, more than to those of any other person in Boston, is due
that love for and proficiency in musical art so noticeable in certain
circles of that city. From what I have learned of this artist's
history from my own observation and otherwise, I am convinced that its
full recital here would add much to the interest and value of this
book. But I am prevented from doing this by her own earnest request,
conveyed in language which, although, as I think, a trifle too gloomy,
yet shows that she is animated by the most elevated ideas concerning
the beautiful art of which she is so noble an exponent. I cannot
forbear quoting a part of her excellent letter, in which she says,--

"Now a word about my own musical life.... Perhaps I have had
much success, and, like many others, many failures. My life
has been one of persevering struggle to attain to a high
degree of musical knowledge, and, through this, to assist in
the elevation of my race. If I have been successful in any
degree in helping to lay the foundation of future or present
success, in awakening a love for the beautiful in musical
art, or in kindling an ardent desire and aspiration for that
which elevates and ennobles, removes the harshness of and
dignifies our natures, then I am glad that I have not sown
in vain, though another shall reap the harvest.

"A part of the reward for all these years of arduous toil
has been the recognition of talent by those of the more
favored race, as well as the appreciation and kindness shown
me by those with whom I am identified....

"As I read the lives of the great composers, and think of
their sacred devotion to the art dearer to them than their
own lives, I feel anxious for the time to come in our
history when a child like Mozart shall be born with soul
full of bright melodies; or a Beethoven, with his depth and
tenderness of feeling; or a Handel, lifting us above this