1857

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October 02, 1857

• Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois Friday, October 02, 1857 - Page 1 — The National Chess Congress. — The Committee of management of the National Chess Congress have issued a circular stating that the players in the Grand Tournament will commence their games at Descombes Rooms, New York City, October 6th. Among the Amateurs who will be present, are Messrs. Paul Morphy of New Orleans, Lewis Paulson, Iowa, Judge A.B. Meek, of Alabama, T.J. Grotjan, of California, George Hammond, of Boston, S.R. Calthrop, of Connecticut, W.W. Montgomery, of Georgia, and Hiram Kennicott of our own city. Read More

• Liverpool Mercury, etc. Liverpool, Merseyside, England Friday, October 02, 1857 - Page 12 — Blind Boys Playing Chess. — On Monday evening, two blind boys, about 14 years of age, who recently made a debut at the Chess Congress in Manchester, were introduced to the Liverpool Chess Club, who meet weekly at Anderson's Cafe. The boys, who have only studied the science about six months, played with great success against some of the strongest members of the club. They are at present very poor, being the sons of factory employees, and are raising a small fund to start in business as matmakers. / ★ / ★ Read More

October 03, 1857

• New-York Tribune New York, New York Saturday, October 03, 1857 - Page 5 — Chess, And The Approaching Chess Congress. — The game of Chess ranks many of the greatest names in Science, Literature and the Arts among its votaries. Europe and Asia have long disputed each other's eminence in the knowledge of its intricacies; and the honor of originating it is as much a Quaestio vexata in Eastern climes as was the birthplace of Homer among the cities of ancient Greece… Read More

October 04, 1857

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, October 04, 1857 - Page 14 — Chess.

October 06, 1857

• The Brooklyn Daily Eagle Brooklyn, New York Tuesday, October 06, 1857 - Page 2 — The American Chess Congress — will meet in New York to-day, and continue in session until the 15th inst., or until business is finished. This Congress is a new idea, originating with the New York Chess Club, which appointed a committee to correspond with chess associations and eminent players throughout the country, and get their views on the subject. The answers were very encouraging, and probably not less than two hundred chess players, from various parts of the Union, will be present at the Congress. The most attractive features of the session will be two grand tournaments for first and second class players, in each of which four prizes will be contested for. A part of the session will be taken up with debate on the reports of committees appointed in advance by the Committee of Management, relative to a Chess code and an American Chess Association. Prizes will also be awarded for best chess problems. Read More

• The Democratic Pioneer Elizabeth City, North Carolina Tuesday, October 06, 1857 - Page 1 — Relics Of Napoleon In The Louvre. ★

October 07, 1857

• New-York Tribune New York, New York Wednesday, October 07, 1857 - Page 5 — National Chess Congress. — The first Congress of the Chess Players of the United States opened yesterday at Descombe's Rooms, No. 764 Broadway, and will probably prolong its sessions through the next three weeks. The scene of operations is the most eligible in the city, and the manner in which the rooms have been decorated reflects much credit upon the New York Chess Club, and the Managing Committee of the Congress… Read More

• The New York Times New York, New York Wednesday, October 07, 1857 - Page 4 — The First National Chess Congress met in this City yesterday. Hon. A.B. Meek, of Alabama, was chosen President. The sessions of the Congress will continue some three weeks. Representatives are present from Louisiana, Minnesota, and various distant points, and the hearts of the chess-players are made glad by the advent of the most celebrated players in the country. ★ Read More

• Brooklyn Evening Star Brooklyn, New York Wednesday, October 07, 1857 - Page 2 — Chess Congress in New York — The tendency of the times to combination as to everything of public or even private interest, is illustrated in a novel convention of chess players from all parts of the country, now assembled in New York. The “Chess Congress” opened yesterday and will continue for some three weeks. Read More

October 08, 1857

• New-York Tribune New York, New York Thursday, October 08, 1857 - Page 5 — “National Chess Congress” — “…Dr. Raphael turned the tables upon Mr. Kennicott—these gentlemen now standing one to one. Messrs. Thompson and Paul Morphy did not play in the match yesterday. Mr. Perrin gained once from his antagonist, Mr. Knott, thus standing one to one. Although Mr. Paul Morphy did not engage in the tournament yesterday, a number of distinguished amateurs tried their best against him. Mr. Hammond of Boston was beaten twice by him, and the same number of times by Col. Mead, President of the New York Chess Club. Mr. Morphy also beat Mr. Thompson; the latter gentleman essaying the Evans Gambit upon him without success. It is probable that Mr. Paulsen will shortly play four blindfold games simultaneously against four strong players; we shall not omit announcing the time and the result to our readers. There seems to be a general opinion that the first two prizes may fall between this gentleman and Mr. Paul Morphy; the latter is remarkable for the brilliance of his attack, and the former for the obstinancy of his defense, and when the two come together there will be seen some magnificent playing.” Read More

• The Baltimore Sun Baltimore, Maryland Thursday, October 08, 1857 - Page 4 — National Congress of Chess Players — The first national chess congress assembled in this city yesterday. Some fifty persons were present. The objects are a trial of skill between a number of the best players in the country, the consideration of amendments to the chess code, and of the feasibility and propriety of organizing an American Chess Association. Paul Morphy, of New Orleans, Louis Paulssen, of Iowa, Judge Meek, of Alabama, and T.J. Grotjan, of California, are among the celebrated chess players who will participate in the congress. There will be a grand tournament, in which none but first class players will be permitted to engage, but a minor tournament for those who have not yet attained the highest eminence. Four prizes will be awarded to the four best players in the minor tournament; the first of $75, the second of $50, the third of $25, and the fourth of an inlaid chessboard. ★ Read More

October 09, 1857

• New-York Tribune New York, New York Friday, October 09, 1857 - Page 5 — “National Chess Congress.” — “The members of the Congress had quite a lively time yesterday, and considerable progress was made in the Grand Tournament. Mr. Paul Morphy of New Orleans won his third game of Mr. Thompson, and is, therefore, now in company with Mr. Montgomery of Philadelphia, and Mr. Paul of Iowa; that is to say, these three gentlemen have nothing more to do until five more winners declear themselves, when the eight will draw anew for opponents and start afresh. … After the Congress had adjourned to Monday, at 9 p.m. Messrs. Morphy and Paulsen commenced a game, in which the former was ultimately successful. Mr. Montgomery lost a game to Mr. Morphy during the morning. The two former gentlemen will play together again to day. One Saturday next, Mr. Paulsen will play four blindfold games simultaneously against Messrs. Elkin of Philadelphia, Fuller of New York, Julien of the St. Denis Hotel, and Paul Morphy of New Orleans. The latter gentleman will play his game also blindfold. This episode of four games will probably be the most interesting in the Congress.” Read More

• The Buffalo Daily Republic Buffalo, New York Friday, October 09, 1857 - Page 2 “The National Chess Congress” — “Judge Meek, of Alabama, as President, who, on taking the Chair, delivered an eloquent eulogium on the noble game, and expressed a hope that it would yet be admitted into our Public Schools as a powerful means of mental culture, and of the development of natural tact and acumen. Rev. Dr. Walton, C.D. Mead, and Theodore Lichtenhein, or New York, H.P. Montgomery, of Philadelphia, and Paul Morphy, of New Orleans, were appointed to act as the umpires of the games. In the play of Tuesday, the three great players, Morphy, Paulssen and Meek, fully sustained their reputation. Morphy is a young man of twenty, and Paulssen is a German, of Iowa, who is able to play four games at a time, blindfolded. the Congress is expected to continue about three weeks. The financial panic has had the effect of preventing the attendance of as large a number of delegates from clubs and amateurs as was anticipated, and of lessening the amount of the subscription to the general fund, but notwithstanding these drawbacks, the indications are that the Congress will prove highly successful.” Read More

• The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer Wheeling, West Virginia Friday, October 09, 1857 - Page 2 — The National Chess Convention. — From the N.Y. Post, Oct. 6, The assembling of the first national convention of chess-players ever held in America, to-day, in this city, is an important event in the history of an ancient and noble game. Chess conventions are not of unfrequent occurrence in England and on the continent of Europe… Read More

• Evening Star Washington, District of Columbia Friday, October 09, 1857 - Page 4 — The Gathering of the Chess-Players. — A National Chess Congress—the first of the kind held in the United States—opened yesterday morning at Descombes' rooms in Broadway. The rooms are admirably fitted for the purpose, and are furnished with some twenty sets of tables, boards, and chessmen. The attendance of players yesterday was fair, though not so large as it is expected to be before the week is out. The Congress will continue from day to day for a period of some three weeks. The hours are from 9 in the morning to 12 at night. The preliminary organization was effected in the day. Col. Mead, President of the New York Chess Club, moved the appointment of Judge Meek, of Alabama, as President of the Congress, and the nomination was confirmed unanimously. Judge Meek, on taking the chair, spoke briefly of the objects of the gathering, and grew enthusiastic upon chess. He saw the day approaching when that noble game would be introduced into our Public Schools, to take the place of mathematics, in considerable measure, as a means of instruction and an effective method of mental culture.
  The Congress, having been organized, began to work. The lot was drawn for candidates for the Grand Tournament, and the following sets were formed: 1. Messrs. Perrine and Nott, New York.
  2. Messrs. Juline, of New York, and Paulson, of Iowa.
  3. Messrs. Meek, of Alabama, and Fuller, of New York.
  4. Messrs. Marrace and Fiske, of New York.
  5. Messrs. Thompson, of New York, and Morphy, of New Orleans.
  6. Messrs. Raphael, of Kentucky, and Kennicott, of Illinois.
  7. Messrs. Allison, of Minnesota, and Montgomery, of Philadelphia.
  8. Messrs. Stanley and Lichtenhein, of New York.
  The first set-to was between Allison and Montgomery. After an hour and a half's play Allison resigned. Then Thompson resigned to Morphy, after fifty minutes. Thompson and Morphy renewed and were playing late in the day. Other sets were formed and some fine play exhibited. Among the noted chess-players present at his gatherings are Paulsen, of Iowa, a young German, who plays four games at once, blindfolded, and Morphy of New Orleans, a young but very skillful tactician.
  During the session of the Congress, the Chess Code will pass under revision. A committee has the subject in charge. The umpires of the Congress are five in number—Rev. Dr. Walton, C.D. Mead, and Theodore Lichtenhein, N.Y.; H.P. Montgomery, Phil.; and Paul Morphy, of New Orleans.—N.Y. Times. / ★ / Read More

• The Washington Union Washington, District of Columbia Friday, October 09, 1857 - Page 3 — The Chess Congress. — The American Chess Congress met in New York on Tuesday, embracing many of the most prominent chess men in the country, and the congress and tournament will probably be not only a brilliant but most useful affair. Among the contestants for the palm of success in the tourney are Mr. Louis Paulson of Iowa, the Hon. A.M. Meek of Alabama, Paul Morphy of New Orleans, Hiram Kendicott of Illinois, W.S. Allubone of Minnesota, George Hammond of Boston, C.H. Stanley, C.D. Mead, W.A.J. Fuller, and James Thomson of New York, and other distinguished players. Besides these trial of strength and skill on the mimic field of battle, the congress will take up the revision of the chess code for the decision of all points of difference as to the game—a matter much desired by players. Read More

• The Baltimore Sun Baltimore, Maryland Friday, October 09, 1857 - Page 4 — The National Chess Congress excited much interest among parties partial to that species of play. The rooms are only open to subscribers, a few invited guests and patrons of the game.

• New York Daily Herald New York, New York Friday, October 09, 1857 - Page 4 — The National Chess Congress held an adjourned meeting last evening, and a report respecting the revision of the laws of the game was made by the committee appointed for the purpose. Other interesting details are given in our report in another column.

• The Buffalo Daily Republic Buffalo, New York Friday, October 09, 1857 - Page 2 — The National Chess Congress. - Revision of the Laws of the Game.

October 10, 1857

• Brooklyn Evening Star Brooklyn, New York Saturday, October 10, 1857 - Page 4 — Wonderful Exhibition of Intellectual Capacity. — Probably one of the most astonishing exhibitions of intellectual power ever given, so far as games are concerned, was afforded at the National Chess Congress on Saturday evening. Mr. Louis Paulsen, of Dubuque, Iowa, undertook to play four games of chess simultaneously, against four strong players, without seeing either of the boards. The magnitude of this undertaking may be faintly comprehended when it is known that on each board there are sixty-four squares, making one hundred and twenty-eight squares; each of these squares; according to the present defective system of chess notation, has two names—one for each color of piece on its line at the commencement.—Each board has thirty-two pieces, comprising six different capacities for moving. The king moves and takes one square at a time in any direction. The queen moves and takes any number of squares in any direction, when nothing intervenes. The pawns move at first two squares, if the player desires, and afterwards one, forward, but never backward, but it takes diagonally. There are also a number of complicated rules of the game, which require extraordinary skill to play one game, even when looking at the board. But, to play at once four games, without seeing the board, against strong players, not only without becoming confused, or losing pieces but also making wonderful moves, and skillfully checkmating in one instance, is a feat of intellectual power which undoubtedly has rarely before been equaled. The great Phillidor played three games at one time, but never essayed four. The only man now living who can at all approach the present feat, is the celebrated Harwitz; but he only plays three games at once, and then if his opponents are strong players, exacts odds.
  In the commencement of the last century, at Turin, there was a General named Saccheri, who played four games at once, blindfolded, generally winning, and as stated by Verchi, a writer on chess, committed not even trivial errors. In 1851 Kiezeritsky, a celebrated player of the Baltic provinces in Russia, played in Paris four games at once, of which he won three and lost one. Mr. Paulsen is usually quite slow in making his moves when looking at the board, but when blindfolded, he plays quite as fast, and often faster, while his style of play is not weaker.
  The games Saturday night were played against Mr. Paulsen, by Paul Morphy, of New Orleans, Mr. J.A. Fuller, of New York, De Julien, of New York, and Mr. Schultz, of New York, and were numbered respectively, one, two, three or four. The tables were ranged across the room, and were surrounded throughout the evening by an interested crowd of spectators. Mr. Morphy, of New Orleans, played his game also without seeing the board, the pieces being matched and the moves announced by secretaries. The other players announced their moves as they were made, commencing with board No. 1, and following in rotation. Mr. Paulsen and Mr. Morphy were seated back to back at the upper end of the room, on a platform, and were objects of much interest to the visitors, among whom, by the way, were a number of ladies. The playing was commenced at half past four in the afternoon and lasted until twelve o'clock, yet Mr. Paulsen did not make a single mismove, or become confused in any of the games.
  The first game was won by Mr. Morphy after six hours hard work, when he announced checkmate in five moves, amid enthusiastic applause. Mr. Paulsen was perfectly aware of the position at the time, but saw too late his mistake in taking an unprotected pawn. Mr. Morphy's checkmate was beautifully ingenious, and accomplished by sacrificing a rook. The play of both gentlemen, without seeing the board, up to the time of Mr. Paulsen's fatal error, was quite as good as if they had seen the board. Mr. Morphy announced the checkmate on the twenty-third move. His style of play was less brilliant than usual, but he carelessly lolled in his chair as if he was not performing an astonishing feat. It is a remarkable fact, however, that he could have checkmated Mr. Paulsen much more beautifully in four moves.
  The second game won was number four, by Mr. Paulsen against Mr. Schultz, who resigned on the twenty-sixth move, in view of the invincible attack of Mr. Paulsen. A few moves before Mr. Schultz resigned, Mr. Paulsen captured a knight, exposing his men to capture by a rook. His opponent however, dared not take the proffered piece, as, had he done so, he would have been checkmated on the next move, eliciting much applause. Mr. Schultz shortly afterwards resigned.
  The play on the other two games continued uninterrupted until 12½ o'clock, when, at the request of the committee and the consent of the players, they were discontinued, to be resumed on Monday. At the request of the committee, Mr. Paulsen then, without yet seeing the pieces, announced correctly the position of every piece and pawn on the two boards, involving the bearing of from thirty to forty pieces in two complicated games. This crowning wonder of the evening elicited a spontaneous cheer from the spectators, and on leaving his seat Mr. Paulsen was heartily greeted by his many friends on the success of his undertaking. He looked but slightly wearied after his eight hours severe mental labor, and remarked that he thought he could play five games at one time with equal success. The interest of the spectators was intense, and the impressive scene will never be forgotten in the annals of chess.—Herald Read More

• New-York Tribune New York, New York Saturday, October 10, 1857 - Page 5 — National Chess Congress. — Charles H. Stanley, Esq. whose reputation as a chess-player has been universal for the last twenty years, appeared at the Congress yesterday for the first time. He was scarcely in a fit state for mental fatigue, having been unwell for the past three days, yet he gave six hour's hard fighting to his antagonist, Theodore Lichtenhein, Esq., and only resigned after his opponent had got to queen. It is needless to say that the game excited great interesting the room, gentlemen crowding round the table and watching each move with absorbind attention.
  One of the most entertaining episodes of the Congress was a bout between Mr. Paulsen and S. Heilbuth, Esq. The latter gentleman's play is brilliant to a degree, and were it not for occasional defects in the analysis of his moves, his reputation would be equal to that of any player in the States. Professional engagements prevented his undertaking more than one game, which he lost after fifteen moves when victory seemed already in his grasp. There is some talk of a match for $500 a side between these two gentlemen, and much sorrow is expressed that Mr. Heilbuth died not enter as one of the contestants in the Grand Tournament. His own reason is, he has no ambition for being a victor.
  The second game between Messrs. Paulsen and Morphy resulted in a draw, after six hours hard struggling on both sides. Mr. Morphy had the first move and played the king's knight opening, to which Mr. Paulsen replied with a new and original defense.
  In the Grand Tournament, Mr. Fiske was unable to meet his opponent, on account of ill health, and in consequence did not attend the Congress during the day. The match will, however, be resumed this afternoon. Messrs. Knott and Perrin did not play, but will resume their unfinished game this day also. Mr. Kennicott now stands twice a winner to Dr. Raphael's once, and they have made the first drawn game during the tourney. Judge Meek and Mr. Fuller had each beaten the other once between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., and wound up with the second drawn game of the Congress. The concluding battle between these two contestants will be played to-day.
  At 4 o'clock this afternoon Mr. Paulsen will perform the unheard of feat of conducting four games without seeing the boards. This has never before been attempted. The first instance of blindfold playing in modern times is that of the celebrated Philidor, but that most famous of chess masters never attempted more than three at once, and all of them very much weaker than himself, otherwise he exacts odds. The peculiarity with Mr. Paulsen is that he plays as well without the boards as with them, and many even say he plays better. Last Saturday night he undertook three games simultaneously against three of te strongest New York players, two of which he gained with wonderful speed and brilliancy, and only lost the third by a mistake of the gentleman who called the moves. Such an unfortunate occurrence will be prevented by the arrangements made for this evening.
  This blindfold playing is exciting much interest in the city, and, in view of its extraordinary character, the Managing Committee of the Congress have determined to admit subscribers for this day, on payment of one dollar. Many of our most prominent citizens have stated their intention of being present, and his Honor the Mayor is also expected. Read More

• Detroit Free Press Detroit, Michigan Saturday, October 10, 1857 - Page 2 — Chess Congress. — The national chess congress convened in New York city on Tuesday, at Descombes Rooms. Judge A.B. Meek, of Alabama, was chosen President. The players entered for the grand tournament are — Perrin vs. Knott, Calthorp vs. Paulsen, Meek vs. Fuller, Marache vs. Fiske, Raphael vs. Kennicott, Thompson vs. Morphy, Allison vs. Montgomery, Stanley vs. Lichtenhein. Mr. Paulsen, the celebrated player from Iowa, thinks that no man living, not even Anderssen, the winner at the world tournament, can beat Mr. Morphy, who is from New Orleans. Read More

October 11, 1857

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, October 11, 1857 - Page 14 — Chess. To Correspondents. — Game played between Messrs. Bird and Anderssen. Game played between Mr. Pindar and the Editor of The London Era Chess Column.

October 12, 1857

• New-York Tribune New York, New York Monday, October 12, 1857 - Page 7 — National Chess Congress. Mr. Paulsen Playing Four Games At Chess Simultaneously, Without Seeing the Board. — Last Saturday was the best day of the Congress. Mr. Stanley was early on the scene of conflict, and we were happy to see him in the full glow of health, ready and eager for the fray. The second of the five games to be played between himself and Mr. Lichtenhein resulted differently from the first, Mr. Stanley being the victor after a comparatively short struggle, in which he displayed powers of combination and attack worthy of his early days. The tournament now stands as follows: Montgomery, Morphy and Paulsen are winners in the first section, having won three games apiece; Raphael, Kennicott, Judge Meek, Fuller and Fiske have each to play the concluding game; Perrin, Knott, Stanley and Lichtenhein have won once; Allison, Calthorp and Thompson are played out, and Marache has to win his first game. When the eight successful competitors have declared themselves, they will be repaired, and fight anew.
  The great feature of Saturday's proceedings was Mr. Paulsen's blindfold playing, by which it need not be understood that the player had his eyes bandaged. He plays without seeing any board, carrying the position of the pieces in his memory. Mr. Paulsen plays with his eyes wide open, and informs us that it is a mere matter of volition in calling up each board before him, and that he considered there is no more difficulty in playing without the board as with it.
  Before giving account of Saturday's proceedings a few introductory remarks on blindfold play may not be uninteresting.
  The faculty of playing without seeing the board is by no means of frequent occurrence; the game of chess is of so complicated and varying a nature that it is generally considered sufficient to play well with the organ of sight in full operation. In a late conversation with Daniel W. Fiske, Esq., the learned and accomplished editor of The N.Y. Chess Monthly, we gathered numerous interesting facts with regard to blindfold players. In the year 970 of the Christian Era, a Greek named Joseph Tchelebi, who had traveled throughout Eastern Asia, played a blindfold match at chess in Tripoli, Syria. We should, however, be inclined to call his performance blind-man's playing, for, his eyes being bandaged, he was permitted to touch the pieces and thus discover the position of the game. The next instance on record is that of a famous Saracenic performer named Buzocca, time 1266, and scene the palace of Count Popoli at Florence. This may be considered the first true example of blindfold playing, for Buzecca performed the then unheard of feat of conducting two games without seeing the pieces, and a third one over the board. In Carrera's scarce and valuable Treatise on Chess, published in 1617, we find mention made of several good blindfold players, such as Mangiolini of Florence, Zerone, Medrano, and the brilliant Ruy Lopez of Spain. Leonardo da Cutri and Paoli Boi were also known for like performances. At the commencement of the last century there lived a Jesuit priest, named Girolamo Saccheri, who, according to the assertion of the Turinese historian, Keyster, could play three games simultaneously without sight of any board; and Verci, in his “Letters on Chess,” declares that he possessed the power of playing even four games without scarcely committing the most trivial error in any of them. This is the only instance known, hitherto, of such a number being played simultaneously. The great master and populizer of Chess, Philidor, astonished everybody in the French and English Courts by his wonderful powers in blindfold playing. Such players had merely been heard of, not seen; and, when Philidor undertook three games at the same time, he was considered to have performed an incredible feat. He did not after repeat the performance, and the games are not at all characteristically of his ordinary strength over the board. Herr Harrwitz is the most noticeable instance of blindfold playing in the present century, and is considered in Europe as the great master of the science. He, however, plays but three games at a time, and when his opponents are of equal strength with himself he exacts odds from them. He has lately performed at the Chess soirees given by Prince Napoleon at Paris, and also at the Manchester Tournament in England, where he won a game from the great German player, Anderssen, both gentlemen being blindfold. Labourdonnais, the vanquisher of McDonnell and Bilguer, could conduct two games at once, and it is pretty generally the case that a first-rate Chess player can undertake one game without seeing the board.
  In the accuracy and strength of his play, in the rapidity of his moves, in the number of games simultaneously maneuvered, and as regards the perfect ease with which he executes his task, no one has yet equaled Mr. Paulsen in this wonderful effort of the imagination and the memory. A short reference to his early life will be interesting and new to the Chess world. Mr. Luis Paulsen is now twenty four years of age, and is a native of the sovereign State of Lippe Detmold, on the borders of Westphalia. He came to this country some eighteen months since, with the intention of becoming a citizen, and settled down in Dubuque, Iowa, where he prosecutes the business of a wholesale dealer in tobacco, in partnership with his brother. He states that he began to play Chess at the age of five years, learning the moves by seeing his father teach them to his brother, then ten years old. The young Luis made short work of the players in the neighborhood, and at fourteen years of age, on reading the “Life of Philidor,” he determined also to essay blindfold playing, and immediately succeeded. He states that he never lost a blindfold game until he came to New York, some three weeks since, the first through a mistake in the calling of the moves, and a second one to which we shall shortly refer. Mr. Paulsen has never played with any noted men in Europe but when he was eighteen years of age he challenged Herr Anderssen, who had just carried off the principal prize at the London Tournament. Anderssen, however never replied, though Mr. Paulson gave him the full choice of terms. He was first brought out in this country, if we may so express it, by the Chicago Club, who made known to chess players in New York that a gentleman was residing at Dubuque, Iowa, who could play four games at once, blindfold. On Mr. Paulsen's coming on to our city to attend the present Congress, great desire was shown to test such wonderful powers. No member of the Club believed what they heard. Last Saturday fortnight, he performed for the first time at the Club rooms in Twelfth street, playing two games simultaneously, and winning them in the most brilliant manner. The following Saturday he played three games, two of his opponents being among the strongest in the State; two games he won, the third was lost by his being misled as to one of his opponent's moves. On Saturday, he played four games at once for the first time in his life, and during the Congress he will undertake five.
  It is needless to state that a large crowd of chess players were assembled on Saturday at Descombes' Rooms. Mr. Paulsen's opponents were Mr. Paul Morphy, who played his own game also blindfolded, and Messrs. W.J.A. Fuller, Julien of the St. Donis Hotel, Broadway, and Schultz; all of them well known strong players. Operations commenced at half-past four o'clock and continued till midnight, Mr. Paulsen stating that he was no more fatigued than when he commenced playing. We are sorry we are not permitted to give the different moves, but the following is the result: The first game finished was that with Mr. Morphy, the celebrated player from New Orleans, who announced mate for the twenty-eighth move. Shortly afterward, Mr. Schultz resigned his game, Mr. Paulsen being ready to check-mate him, and the other two games were adjourned until to-night. Mr. Paulsen has a great advantage over Mr. Fuller as the battle now stands, while there is no choice as to sides in Mr. Julien's game, which may probably result in a draw.
  Mr. Paulsen is considerably above the middle height, and remarkably quiet and reserved in his manners. We are indebted to Messrs. Fowler & Wells, the eminent phrenologists, for the following admirable examen of his mental organization. It will be interesting and valuable in a scientific point of view. ★ Read More