THE LIFE AND CHESS OF PAUL MORPHY

 


 

Hotel Breteuil, October 8, 1858

 

The Secretary

Breslau Chess Club

Dear Sir,

       I have received lately two letters, one from the Chess Club of Leipzig and the other from Breslau, inviting me to their cities in order to engage in a match with Mr. Anderssen.  It is not possible to accept these propositions, but I wish to give you from the amateurs of the Régence the 295 francs that have remained from my parties with Mr. Harrwitz to help defray the cost of travel for Mr. Anderssen in accepting the Invitation to Paris.

                   Please accept the assurance of my high regard.

                                           Paul Morphy

 

 

 

Anderssen replied at once that it would be impossible for him to leave Breslau before Mid-December, during his vacation  Dr. Shutze, secretary of the Breslau Chess Club, also wrote on behalf of Anderssen, offering in turn to have the match in Breslau for a stake of fifty pounds, and an additional twenty-five pounds to be set aside for Morphy’s travel expenses.  The latter offer Morphy refused:

 

 

 

 

Hotel Breteuil, October 14, 1858

Dr. Shutze

Breslau Chess Club

Dear Sir,

       I regret you do not understand my position: I have never and never will play as a professional and am in a position that allows me to travel at my own expense.  The offer you have made is very kind but should not be addressed to me.

       It will not be possible for me to go to Breslau to contest with Mr. Anderssen.  I had hoped he could accept the invitation of the French players, but the dispatch received Saturday deprives me of hope that I will be able to measure myself with the German champion

Please accept the assurance of my high regards.

                                           Paul Morphy


 

 

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