The result is not, perhaps, what either you or I desired, as it will occasion disappointment to many; but it is unavoidable, and the less to be regretted, since a contest, wherein one of the combatants must fight under disadvantages so manifest as those I should have to contend against, after many years' retirement from practical chess, with my attention absorbed and my brain overtaxed by more important pursuits, could never be accounted a fair trial of skill.
I have the honor to be, Yours, &c., H. STAUNTON.
P. S.--I may add that, although denied the satisfaction of a set encounter with you at this period, I shall have much pleasure, if you will again become my guest, in playing you a few games _sans façon_.
Now the sending of this private communication was a strange course for Mr. Staunton to adopt. It seemed to be a bait for Morphy, in order that Mr. S. might use his reply in the forthcoming article in the Illustrated London News. The young American resolved that all the correspondence should be public and above-board, and did not even acknowledge the receipt of the letter. The Saturday following, Mr. Staunton gave as excuse for not publishing Morphy's missive, the length of M.'s games, but promised it and his own response "next week."
On Saturday the 24th of October, the two following effusions graced the columns of _Bell's Life_. They had also been sent to _The Era_, _The Field_, and _The Sunday Times_; but, being anonymous, and inclosing no name or address, were refused admittance.
ANONYMOUS LETTER, APPARENTLY FROM MR. STAUNTON.