[Boston—Saturday, 29 June 1872]
Saturday. To the great Coliseum. All the world has written about this and a large proportion of all the world (so we fancy as we see the crowds) have enjoyed it. This afternoon was Mr. Gilmore’s benefit. We admired afresh the arduous labors of the man; we admired for the first time the wondrous sight of this great assembly in harmony and with holiday faces; we admired also the different nationalities, as seen through the music of the various bands. It was a glorious scene; this moving human shouting mass,—and the notes of music fell from the chorus as lofty as if they had fallen out of the air. As the seats ascended almost to the roof, the effect was that of a living fresco.
The heat was excessive—women fainted and one poor police man was sun-struck.
