254 Chronicles of the Cape Fear River

pearance, can only be appreciated by those who have under-
gone a similar ordeal. The performance was a great success,
each actor was perfect in his part and remarkably correct in the
delineation of the character assumed. The machinery of the
stage, that most vital adjunct to the success of all theatrical
exhibitions, was admirably managed, and the applause, long
and continued at the close of the performance, testified in lan-
guage too plain to be misunderstood the hearty. approval of the
delighted audience. Many representations followed with equal
success, and the association soon became a permanent institu-

tion. Allied to the entire community, as nearly all its members
were, by the ties of consanguinity or business relations, it was
felt that their characters were sufficient guaranty that nothing
would be presented that would shock the sensibility of the mod-
est or wound the piety of the devout. The association modestly
but confidently appealed to the public for generous support.
Need we say how such an appeal was responded to by a Wil-
mington audience? Their well-known liberality was bestowed
with no. niggard hand, and the association flourished beyond
measure and became immensely popular.

The great ability displayed by the members of this last asso-
ciation was fully recognized and appreciated by all classes of
society, but as most of them are still living and are residents
of our city, it would be rather indelicate to particularize, and
we can therefore only refer to them in general terms of com-
mendation; but, as memory brings up the vanished past and
the virtues of the departed, we may surely pause, if but for a
moment, to lay a few mosses upon the mounds of some of those
who joined with us in sportive glee and shared alike our sorrows
and our joys.

James T. Miller, the first president of the association, was
very active and instrumental in perfecting the organization, but
never appeared upon the stage. He took great interest in its
success and was always very busy behind the scenes during every
performance. Mr. Miller became quite prominent as a party
leader, served in the House of Commons, was mayor of the town
and also chairman of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions,
and from 1854 till his death was collector of customs. Poor
Miller! We miss thy familiar form, thy pleasant greeting, thy
hearty laugh, thy harmless idiosyncrasies; we miss thee from
the favorite spots where friends did mostly congregate to while
away the time in pleasant converse and innocent amusement,

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Interesting Memories 255

and thou, the centre of attraction, making all merry with thy
playful humor. In the vigor of stalwart manhood, Miller was
struck down by the fearful pestilence of 1862, and our city
mourned the loss of a most useful, most popular, and most esti-
mable citizen.

Eli W. Hall was an admirable light comedian, a capital repre-
sentative of humorous characters and an actor of great promise
and versatility of talent. He sometimes essayed the higher
walks of tragedy, commanding the attention of the audience by
the power of his representations. He became a lawyer and com-
manded an extensive practice. He was elected to the Senate in
1860, 1862, and again in 1864, and won fame in the legislative
halls as a ready and able debater. He possessed a brilliant
imagination and vivid fancy, with a wonderful command of

language, and few men could address a popular assembly with
more eloquence and effect. He was a courteous, honorable, well-

read gentleman, of strict integrity, entirely devoid of ostentation
or egotism, and justly popular in all classes of society.

Thomas Sanford was the oldest member of the association,
and one of the best amateur performers that ever appeared in
Wilmington. He was entirely at home upon the stage; his style
was easy, graceful, and natural, and his voice, of remarkable
power and compass, never failed him under any circumstances.
He had had much experience in theatricals, for in early youth
he was a member of a Thespian association in Philadelphia.
Edwin Forrest, the eminent tragedian, was also a member of
the same company, and at that time Sanford was regarded as
the better actor of the two. He was the star of the association,
always appeared in leading characters, and his appearance in
any character and on any occasion was always a success.

Talcott Burr, jr., not only excelled in genteel comedy but was
Most excellent in the higher branches of dramatic art. Gifted
with a strong and discriminating mind, which extensive reading
had highly improved and cultivated, he at first devoted himself
to the practice of law, but finding it unsuited to his taste,
adopted the profession of public journalist, in which so many
men have risen to eminence and usefulness.

John R. Reston—who does not remember and who did not
love John Reston ? One of the most amiable, kindhearted, gen-
crous beings that ever lived; guileless as a child, a creature of
Impulse and of the most unsuspecting generosity; a friend to
“very one and an enemy only to himself, he was never so happy

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