1863

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January 01, 1863

• Belfast News-Letter Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland Thursday, January 01, 1863 - Page 3 — “Morphy, The Chess Player.” — Paul Morphy, the celebrated chess-player, has arrived in Paris, having slipped through the blockade and reached Europe by way of the Havannah. He has returned a devoted Southerner. Many persons, admirers of his magnificent combinations over the checkered board, thought that he would have made a great general. They had, perhaps, in mind Charles XII., but that monarch would always try and play with his king, and, consequently, seldom won fairly. Morphy played on more Republican principles, but, with the exception of having been appointed to the staff, it does not appear that he has made any noise in the military world. ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ Read More

January 03, 1863

• The Courier and Argus Dundee, Tayside, Scotland Saturday, January 03, 1863 - Page 4 — Chess. - Arrival Of Mr. Morphy In Paris. “We learn from the French Chess organ, “La Regency,” that this distinguished player has just arrived in Paris, where he intends sojourning for a few months. Mr. Morphy had not yet gratified the habitues of the “Cafe de la Regence,” by a visit, owing probably to indisposition from the fatigues and anxieties occasioned him by the present war, but it was expected that he would resume his favourite pastime amongst them in the course of a week or two. Read More

Arrival of Mr. Morphy In Paris 03 Jan 1863, Sat The Courier and Argus (Dundee, Tayside, Scotland) Newspapers.com

January 08, 1863

• Buffalo Evening Post Buffalo, New York Thursday, January 08, 1863 - Page 2 — Cigar bearing the name of Paul Morphy / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★

January 09, 1863

• Buffalo Evening Post Buffalo, New York Friday, January 09, 1863 - Page 2 — Cigar bearing the name of Paul Morphy

• Sheffield and Rotherham Independent Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England Friday, January 09, 1863 - Page 4 — “Mr. Paul Morphy, the celebrated American chessplayer, has been for some days in Paris. He has not, however, called at the Cafe de la Regence, and gives no intimation of any design to play. As Kolisch is also in Paris, some games between them would excite much interest. Read More

January 15, 1863

• New York Daily Herald New York, New York Thursday, January 15, 1863 - Page 2 — Our Paris, London and Berlin Correspondence — …Much of this softening down of the French press may be attributed to the removal of General Butler from the command of New Orleans, which was communicated by our Minister to the French government nearly a week ago, and which was received with great satisfaction. Taken altogether, our relations with France may now be considered on a safer, surer footing than they have been in many months. … Several American families also kept open house. So did Mr. John Slidell, who was called upon by a large force from secessia.
  Our “secesh” friends are chuckling over a letter, which, they say, has been written to a person in Paris by a federal officer of high rank, stating the federal loss at Fredericksburg at 35,000.
  Paul Morphy arrived here from New Orleans a few days since. He says he did not come over to play chess and shall make no matches if he can avoid it.
  — Paris, Jan. 2, 1863 * General Butler was dubbed “"Beast Butler” by the citizens of New Orleans. Read More

January 23, 1863

• The Buffalo Commercial Buffalo, New York Friday, January 23, 1863 - Page 2 — “Paul Morphy.” — Paul Morphy, the celebrated chess player has arrived in Paris, having slipped through the blockade and reached Europe by the way of Havana. He is reported a devoted southerner, but not enough so to stay at home and fight. ★ / ★ / ★ / ★

Paul Morphy Arrives in Paris 23 Jan 1863, Fri The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York) Newspapers.com

January 25, 1863

• The New York Times New York, New York Sunday, January 25, 1863 - Page 3 — A Paris correspondent says: “Since my arrival, I have met with Mr. Paul Morphy, the famous American chess player, about whose doings and whereabouts such contradictory reports have been circulated in the United States. Mr. Morphy has not been on any rebel General's staff, nor has he taken any part in the war. He left New Orleans long after the capture of the city by the Federal forces, and went to Havana, taking passage thence to Cadiz, and reached Paris a few days ago. Kolisch, the eminent Hungarian player, is also here, and chess amateurs are making efforts to bring about a meeting between the greatest chess genius of the world and another star not unworthy to encounter the master. Morphy, however assures me that he has renounced chess altogether, and the unhappy state of affairs at home will not permit him to bring to the task of meeting a great player the calmness and coolness which are essential to success. He has also matters of more importance to occupy his mind, and seems to be in feeble health.” Read More

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, January 25, 1863 - Page 5 “Chess by Herr Loewenthal”

January 26, 1863

• Reading Times Reading, Pennsylvania Monday, January 26, 1863 - Page 3 — “The Chess Champion.” — A Paris correspondent says: ‘Since my arrival, I have met with Mr. Paul Morphy, the famous American chess player, about whose doings and whereabout such contradictory reports have been circulated in the United States. Mr. Morphy has not been on any rebel general's staff, nor has he taken any part in the war. He left New Orleans long after the capture of the city by the Federal forces, and went to Havana, taking passage thence to Cadiz, and reached Paris a few days ago. Kolish, the eminent Hungarian player, is also here, and chess amateurs are making efforts to bring about a meeting between the greatest chess genius of the world and another star not unworthy to encounter the master. Morphy, however, assures me that he has renounced chess altogether, and the unhappy state of affairs at home will not permit him to bring to the task of meeting a great player the calmness and coolness which are essential to success. He has also matters of more importance to occupy his mind, and seems to be in feeble health.’ Read More

• The Baltimore Sun Baltimore, Maryland Monday, January 26, 1863 - Page 1 — The Parisians are trying to get up a chess match between Morphy and Kolish, the Hungarian chess player. ★

January 29, 1863

• The Leavenworth Bulletin Leavenworth, Kansas Thursday, January 29, 1863 - Page 2 — “At last accounts Paul Morphy” was in Paris, but would make no matches at chess.”

January 31, 1863

• Birmingham Daily Post Birmingham, West Midlands, England Saturday, January 31, 1863 - Page 3 “We (Galignani) understand that Mr. Paul Morphy has positively declined” to play the match proposed with M. Kolisch, his intention being to abstain from all chess-play at present.” ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★

• Wrexham Advertiser Wrexham, Clwyd, Wales Saturday, January 31, 1863 - Page 2 — The King of the Castle. - Paul Morphy

February 06, 1863

• The Nottinghamshire Guardian Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England Friday, February 06, 1863 - Page 6 — “We understand that Mr. Paul Morphy has positively declined to play the match proposed with M. Kolisch, his intention being to abstain from all chess play at present.”

February 07, 1863

• The Courier and Argus Dundee, Tayside, Scotland Saturday, February 07, 1863 - Page 3 “Mr. Morphy In Paris.” —We learn from 'L Regence' that this distinguished player has devoted but little time to Chess since his arrival. The only amateur of note he had as yet encountered was M. d Riviere, with whom he contested three games, and singularly enough lost all. Mr. Morphy has, we understand, positively declined to accept at present the challenge sent him by Herr Kolisch.” Read More

Mr. Morphy In Paris 07 Feb 1863, Sat The Courier and Argus (Dundee, Tayside, Scotland) Newspapers.com

February 11, 1863

• Daily News London, Greater London, England Wednesday, February 11, 1863 - Page 3 “Chess In Paris.” — M. Kolisch, who now writes on chess in the Nord, has the following:—“A chess-soiree took place a few evenings back at the residence of the Countess de Colbert. Among the persons present were Mr. Paul Morphy, M. de Riviere, one of the best French players and M. Preti, the author of several well-known works. We cannot unfortunately offer to our readers the games played on this and other occasions lately between Mr. Morphy and M. de Riviere; we can only announce the result of five games played—three were won by M de Riviere, and two by Mr. Morphy.” ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ Read More

March 02, 1863

• The Baltimore Sun Baltimore, Maryland Monday, March 02, 1863 - Page 1 — “Paul Morphy Beaten At Chess.” — “A friendly match of five games of chess was played recently in Paris, between Paul Morphy and M. de Riviere. The latter came off the victor, winning three of the five games.” ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★

March 16, 1863

• The Courier and Argus Dundee, Tayside, Scotland Monday, March 16, 1863 - Page 4 — Chess

March 18, 1863

• Montgomery Weekly Mail Montgomery, Alabama Wednesday, March 18, 1863 - Page 2 — Paul Morphy was not beaten so very badly at chess after all. His opponent, in the late match at Paris, was M. de Riviere, who beat him three games out of five. ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ / ★

March 22, 1863

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, March 22, 1863 - Page 5 — “Chess by Herr Loewenthal”

• The Times-Picayune New Orleans, Louisiana Sunday, March 22, 1863 - Page 4 — “Mr. Paul Morphy is in Paris, and in excellent health. He is staying at the Grand Hotel, which, by the by, is filled with people from New Orleans. Mr. Morphy has not played a game of chess since he reached Paris; he has not even entered the Cafe de la Regence; he says the course of events in America engross his thoughts so entirely, and painfully, he cannot play his favorite game.” Read More

Mr. Paul Morphy in Paris 22 Mar 1863, Sun The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana) Newspapers.com

March 25, 1863

• Pittsburgh Daily Post Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Wednesday, March 25, 1863 - Page 2 — “Met His Match.” — M. de Riviere, the famous Parisian chess player, has beaten the American champion, Paul Morphy, three games out of five.

March 27, 1863

• The Sonoma County Journal Petaluma, California Friday, March 27, 1863 - Page 4 — “Paul Morphy, the celebrated chess player, has arrived in Paris. He slipped through the blockade and reached Europe by way of Havana. He is reported to be a devoted Southerner.”

April 13, 1863

• The Courier and Argus Dundee, Tayside, Scotland Monday, April 13, 1863 - Page 4 — “Match Between Messrs Morphy and Kolisch.” — “…On the faith of this engagement I quitted England, immediately on your arrival to Paris, and placed myself at your disposal. Knowing however that certain private considerations temporarily forbade indulgence in your favorite recreation, I abstained from then communicating to you my determination; but now that you have resumed practice of the pastime in which you excel, and are daily engaged in play with different opponents, the proper moment has it appears to me arrived, and the care of my honor itself commands me to recall to you your yet unfulfilled promise. I am sure that I shall not make appeal to your courtesy in vain, and I venture to believe you will consider me entitled now to use the privilege, which you yourself used on your first arrival to Europe, when throwing down the gauntlet to the most celebrated players of our continent.”
  Herr Kolisch then repeats the terms and conditions on which he would be willing to enter the lists against the formidable American, but notwithstanding his pathetic appeal, Mr. Morphy has positively declined to accept this, or any other challenge. Mr. Morphy also states that he has only occasionally played Chess since his arrival, and only then with one or two private friends.” Read More

April 28, 1863

• Detroit Free Press Detroit, Michigan Tuesday, April 28, 1863 - Page 1 — “Morphy Chess in Paris” —The Countess de Colbert gave a chess soiree in Paris a few evenings ago, at which Mr. Paul Morphy, Mons. de Riviere, one of the best players in France, and Messrs. Pretti and Kolisch, two well known writers on chess, were present. Morphy was prevailed upon to play five games with Mons de Riviere, of which three were won by the latter and two by Mr. Morphy. ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ Read More

May 03, 1863

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, May 03, 1863 - Page 14 — Chess by Herr Loewenthal — “A good move to maintain the attack. It was first played we believe by Mr. Morphy in a casual game with Mr. Medley.”

May 10, 1863

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, May 10, 1863 - Page 14 — “Chess by Herr Loewenthal”

May 15, 1863

• Evening Star Washington, District of Columbia Friday, May 15, 1863 - Page 4 “Paul Morphy, the chess-player, has deteriorated since he became a rebel. They are beating him at chess in Paris. Let him stay a rebel a year longer, and we will challenge him to a chess match ourself, giving him knight and pawn, playing with our back to the board, and at the same time dictating editorial articles against the rebellion.” ★ Read More

Morphy Reported As Having Retreated to Europe, Long Before Any Tide Turned During War; Grieving 15 May 1863, Fri Evening Star (Washington, District of Columbia) Newspapers.com

May 16, 1863

• The Courier and Argus Dundee, Tayside, Scotland Saturday, May 16, 1863 - Page 4 — Chess — Messrs Morphy and Kolisch.—“Mr. Morphy has recently (in ‘La Regence’) more fully explained his reasons for refusing to accept the challenge sent him by Herr Kolisch; the substance of his explanation being that ‘as Herr Kolisch has not proved himself equal to Paulsen or Anderssen in his encounters, on various occasions with these players, Mr. Morphy can only consent to engage in a Match upon the same terms, as those offered Paulsen”—(Pawn and move.) Read More

May 22, 1863

• St Cloud Democrat Saint Cloud, Minnesota Thursday, May 21, 1863 - Page 2 “Fales, of the Quartermaster's Department” the celebrated self-taught chess player, has, I understand, challenged Paul Morphy to a trial of skill. He whipped out a man the other day who had not played a game for seventeen years! A long enough rest, one would think to enable him to play a mighty good game. Read More

May 23, 1863

• The Chattanooga Daily Rebel Chattanooga, Tennessee Saturday, May 23, 1863 - Page 2 — “A chess soiree took place lately at the residence of the Countess de Colbert. Paris. Among the persons present were Mr. Paul Morphy, M. d Rivere, one of the best French players, and M. Preti. We cannot state the games played on this and other occasions lately between Mr. Morphy and M. de Riviere; the result of five games being three won by M. de Riviere and two by Mr. Morphy Read More

May 24, 1863

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, May 24, 1863 - Page 5 — Chess by Herr Loewenthal — Mr. Morphy and Herr Kolisch.—Some time ago Herr Kolisch challenged Mr. Morphy to a match, which the latter declined. Our information as to this matter having been imperfect, we abstained at the time from any observations. We are now, however, in possession of all the facts of the case. The May number of La Regence has the following:— “Mr. Morphy has requested us to add a few lines to complete the answer which he has addressed to Mr. Kolisch, and which clearly show the reasons of his refusal.” “I could have believed at the time when hearing of your successes that you are superior to the other players whom I had encountered in Europe; but since, as you are well aware, the result of your matches with Messrs Anderssen and Paulsen has not been favourable to you, there is now no reason why I should make an exception in your case, having decided not again to engage in that sort of games (‘dans ces sortes de parties’) an infringement of my rules which I should be obliged to extend to others, &c., &c.” Read More

Mr. Morphy and Herr Kolisch 24 May 1863, Sun The Era (London, Greater London, England) Newspapers.com

June 07, 1863

• The Times-Picayune New Orleans, Louisiana Sunday, June 07, 1863 - Page 4 — “A Rival of Morphy's - The New York Courrier des Etats Unis” “A chess player has appeared in France who seems destined to throw the renowned Paul Morphy completely in the shade. This gentleman, whose name is Ladislans Macuzki, has given a public exhibition of his skill in a cafe of the Rue Imperiale in Lyons. With his back turned to the chess board, he has played with and beaten ten good players at one and the same time; without apparent effort and while appearing only to be engaged in making and smoking cigarettes, he heard the announcement… Read More

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, June 07, 1863 - Page 14 — Chess by Herr Loewenthal

June 11, 1863

• The Daily True Delta New Orleans, Louisiana Thursday, June 11, 1863 - Page 4 — “Paul Morphy is still in Paris,” playing occasionally some private games. He has not yet made his appearance at the Cafe de la Regence, the scene of his former triumphs.

June 28, 1863

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, June 28, 1863 - Page 14 — Chess by Herr Loewenthal — “A move favoured by Morphy; it is certainly the most attacking, and affords White the advantage of having a rapidly developed game.”

August 01, 1863

• The Courier and Argus Dundee, Tayside, Scotland Saturday, August 01, 1863 - Page 2 — Chess. — “(a)The introduction of this clever deviation from the usual line of play is due to Morphy, and first occurs, we believe, in one of his games at odds of Q Kt. (Vide “Morphy's Games by Lowenthal,” p.p.405, 406.) (b)This at once enables White to develop their forces, and is a capital mode of carrying on the attack, where the advantage of a piece is given. (c)In the Game referred to, Morphy continued as follows— Read More

August 20, 1863

• Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois Thursday, August 20, 1863 - Page 2 — “Paul Morphy.” — Paul Morphy, the champion of chess, still sojourns in Paris, but steadily refuses to play except in private circles. Recent events are reported to have somewhat dampened his Southern enthusiasm. Both he and his mother, who is the widow of a Louisiana Judge, are large losers by the rebellion, their wealth having been chiefly invested in that precarious kind of property, which, even if not possessed of arms, has learned in these warlike times, to make the best use of its legs. It is not improbable that Mr. Morphy, who is, in language and habits, a thorough Frenchman, will make Paris his future home. ★ / ★ / ★ Read More

September 05, 1863

• The Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Saturday, September 05, 1863 - Page 5 — Shoulder Straps, a Novel which mentions Paul Morphy and Howard Staunton.

September 06, 1863

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, September 06, 1863 - Page 14 — “Chess by Herr Loewenthal”

September 08, 1863

• The Baltimore Sun Baltimore, Maryland Tuesday, September 08, 1863 - Page 1 “Paul Morphy, the chess player”, intends to return to the United States shortly.” ★

October 04, 1863

• The Era London, Greater London, England Sunday, October 04, 1863 - Page 14 “Chess by Herr Loewenthal”

October 07, 1863

• The Times-Democrat New Orleans, Louisiana Wednesday, October 07, 1863 - Page 2 — “Mr. Paul Morphy intends to return to the United States, shortly, accompanied by his bandage and chessmen, probably.” ★

October 29, 1863

• Rutland Weekly Herald Rutland, Vermont Thursday, October 29, 1863 - Page 4 — “— Paul Morphy, the chess player, is in Paris, fraternizing with Slidell and others of the rebel persuasion. Paul! much playing hath made a fool of thee!” ★ / ★ / ★ / ★

Northern Fanatics Persist To Falsely Label Paul Morphy A "Bitter Secessionist" and Rebel 29 Oct 1863, Thu Rutland Weekly Herald (Rutland, Vermont) Newspapers.com

November 06, 1863

• The Nottinghamshire Guardian Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England Friday, November 06, 1863 - Page 5 — Nottingham's Mechanics' Institution - Chess Class.

December 18, 1863

• The Buffalo Commercial Buffalo, New York Friday, December 18, 1863 - Page 4 — A Detroit Chess Player — “…At New York he played 20 games, winning 18 of the number—beating those players who formerly contested with Morphy and Paulsen. Thus far, Mr. Elder has shown himself the best player in the Northern States, although he is but 22 years of age.” ★ / ★ / ★ / ★ Read More