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84 in which they all acquitted themselves. The people were delighted and at the close of the performance it was announced that it would be given on Friday evening making three performances instead of two as originally contemplated: Gertrude acted with great good taste and Miss Lottie Anderson made a most favorable impression. I attended all three representations but the last one was decidedly the best. Many of the Kingston people were down and acknowledged that it was better done than by their company. They decided to give it once more in Kingston and are giving it tonight. I enjoyed the whole thing immensely. The enthusiasm of the people, the rivalry of the two sections of the city and the universal interest shown in it. I think it has been a capital thing for Rondout and I hope something like it may be done next winter. I ordered a carriage today to take our people all up to Kingston to see it tonight. I came down in the noon train. It snowed last and has hailed at intervals all day. I had a lovely visit home and enjoyed all this excitement very much and shall always have pleasant remembrances of Esther. All these excitements which call out home talent ought to be encouraged. Rondout has developed musical and dramatic talent quite universal and no one supposed them to possess much of either. [[newspaper clipping]] Esther Last Evening. The second performance of Esther at Sampson Hall last evening drew still larger house than the evening before, and among the audience were many from a distance. The performance passed off quite as successfully as on the previous night, and in some respects was superior to the first one. Great regret was felt that Miss Anderson had been taken ill and was in no condition for singing, having come to the hall from a sick bed. She pluckily went through with her part, however, and in the third scene of the third act and in the last act was really magnificent in her acting, representing the heart-broken Zeresh to perfection. We hope her indisposition is but temporary, and that she will be enabled to do justice to herself this evening. There is probably no part of the performance that pleases the audience more that taken by the children who are always greeted with heartiest applause. Little Libbie Stephan, as Ida, the child of Haman and Zeresh, has won the hearts of all by her artlessness. One wonders that so young a child can be taught to act so well and naturally.Misses Annie Staples and Mattie Weber, the Queen's pages, are also specially applauded. Two more graceful little actors could not be found, and the house rings with applause when they appear in the banquet scene. To-night the last presentation will given, and undoubtedly as before will be witnessed by a crowded house. [[//newspaper cut]] [[newspaper cut]] Esther at Rondout. Hudson Register Mrs. Jervis McEntee, the lady who personated the character of Queen in the scriptural drama of "Esther" at Sampson Hall, Rondout, is said to have been magnificently attired, the diamond ornamentation of this royal personage having been estimated at a cost of $20,000. The musical and dramatic performance of this gifted lady, report also says, was very fine, as was also the general effect of the charming oratorio. Prof. Peaslee certainly understands his business. [[//newspaper cut]] [[newspaper cut]] -Twenty-seven thousand five hundred dollars is probably a low esimate of the value of the diamonds worn on the stage in Sampson Hall last night. [[//newspaper cut]] [[newspaper cut]] Esther to be Repeated. The managers of the Esther entertainment have yielded to the general wish of the public and have concluded to give it for a third night at Sampson Hall to-morrow evening. Many persons have obtained the impression that there would be no performance this evening, which is, of course, very erronous. [[//newspaper cut]] [[newspaper cut]] -The throne and canopy at the Esther entertainment last evening were arranged according to the suggestions of Mrs. Jervis McEntee, and her artistic taste in various details went far toward insuring the success of the performance. Mrs. McEntee's attire as Queen was universally admired, especially the flowing robe and the magnificent jewelry worn by her. The long necklace was composed of genuine precious stones, diamonds, rubies, amethysts, topazes, etc., and made a very royal glitter. [[//newspaper cut]] [[newspaper cut]] -The New York Herald of this morning contains a complimentary allusion to the performance of Esther at Rondout. [[//newspaper cut]]
