User:Krakatoa/Sandbox

Morphy arrived in England on June 20, 1858 [1] "After making the perfunctory introductions, Morphy inquired about the challenge made by the New Orleans Chess Club concerning a match between himself and Staunton. Staunton accepted the challenge on the condition that he be allowed a month to brush up on his chess openings, a condition which Morphy gladly agreed to". Id. Staunton evaded Morphy; "When Morphy finally caught up with Staunton, Staunton proposed that they delay their match until after the Birmingham tournament in August. Morphy reluctantly agreed." Id. Staunton publicized the agreement in the July 10 Illustrated London News, stating that "the match will probably take place in London shortly after the Birmingham Meeting." Id. On August 14 Morphy, having just won his match against Löwenthal, sent Staunton a note stating, "As we are now approaching the Birmingham meeting, at the termination of which you have fixed our match to commence, I think it would be advisable to settle the preliminaries during this week." [2] "Staunton replied that he needed an extension to finish preparing". Id. On August 21, 1858 Morphy sent another note asking Staunton to set definite terms for the match, which he left entirely up to Staunton. Id. Staunton left for Birmingham without replying. Id. "Originally, Staunton had declared that he wouldn't enter the tournament but would be present to play to consultation and at odds games. While his motives can't be presumed, it's note-worthy that once he arrived at Birmingham (and learned that Morphy wouldn't be playing), he signed up to play." Id. Morphy went to Birmingham. "When he finally met with Staunton in the courtyard of the college where he was walking with Lord Lyttelton, Thomas Avery and Mr. Wills. Staunton immediately took the initiative, asking for more time, citing his urgent business and his publisher's pressure, etc. Morphy, exasperated, asked, 'Mr. Staunton, will you play in October, in November, or December? Chose your own time but let the decision be final.' Staunton replied, "Well, Mr. Morphy, if you will consent to the postponement, I will play you the beginning of November. I will see my publishers and let you know the exact date in a few days.'" Id.

On August 28, Staunton, using a tactic for which he had become infamous, published in his own chess column a letter signed "Anti-book" but undoubtedly written by Staunton himself, stating:

1.As you surmise, "knowing the authority," the slang of the sporting pages in question regarding the proposed encounter between Mr. Staunton and the young American is "bunkum." In matches of importance, it is the invariable practice in this country, before anything definite is settled, for each party to be provided with representatives to arrange the terms and money for the stakes. Mr. Morphy has come here unfurnished in both respects; and, although both will no doubt be forthcoming in due time, it is clearly impossible, until they are, that any determinate arrangements can be made.

2. A statement of another contemporary that the reduction in the amount of stakes from £1000 a side to £500 a side was made at the suggestion of the English amateur is equally devoid of truth; the proposal to reduce the amount having been made by Mr. Morphy.

These were "blatant lies", but the reading public would not know that. [3] Morphy, after winning his match with Harrwitz, wrote to Staunton on October 6 "expressing his dismay at the Anti-book letter, blankly declaring the availability of the stakes to any amount, and solving the question of seconds. He asked yet again for a fixed date, mentioning that a copy of the letter would go to several editors to clear any public misconceptions." Id. "Staunton replied on October 9 reiterating all his same reasons for previous postponements, but now using them to bow out of the match altogether." Id.