Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-06-01
The MOrphy Presentation.

LETTER FROM PROF. MORSE - SPEECHES BY
JOHN VAN buren, AND PAUL MoRPHY.
We have already published elaborate de-
scriptions of the magnificent chess men and
board prepared for presentation to Mr.. Nor
ply. The Tribune, Of Thursday, says:
Last evening the long expected ovation to
the American chess champion took place in
the Chapel of the University. 1t was crowd
ed to its utmost capacity, large number of
ladies were obliged to remain standing
throughout the exercises. Mr.. Morphy. John
Van Bnren, Esq. and Charles O'Conor, Esq,
and others, occupied the platform.
John Van Buren, made long speech, Civ
ing the history of chess somewhat in detail.
Mr.. Van Buren, said of it:
1t has elected essays and poems from the
pen of Goldsmith, Of Sir William Jones, of
DIR. Franklin. 1t has engaged the eXertions
of men in every age, and of the highest order
of ability, and the first rank sovereigns are
enrolled by historians as contestants for its
honors: Tamcriane, Charlemagne. Elizabeth,
Louis XIV, Charles ", Charles Nil. Catha-
rne of Medicis, Frederick of Prussia, Leo X,
were among its distinguished votaries; Frank
lin, Vultaire and Napoleon wOrshipped at its
shrine in the celebrated Cafe de l.. Regence.
where you have just won such imperishable
honors.
Mr.. Van Buren, introduced the following
letter:
PouGHKEEPsIE, May "a, 1859.
SIR: have this moment received your po-
lite invitation and ticket as Chairman of the
Testimonial Committee. to witness the '.pre-
sentation of testimonials to our distinguish
ed cOuntryman, Paul Morphy, Esq, and as
signing me a seat on the platform ON the oc-
caSion.
While regret exceedingly that my engage
ments will prevent my being present, would
yet take this opportunity to offer through you
my humble tribute Of admiration. not merely
to the man of unequaled skill. in the time
honored game of chess, (the most valuable,
for certain kinds of mental discipline, of all
existing gaInes) bat to the man of modesty
who can receive such demonstrations of en-
thusiasm as have been showered upon him
without any show Of vanity or conceited in
fati0n. l was so fortunate as to be present
at Paris at the Cafe de Regence at the mar
veious contest of Mr.. Morphy with the most
skillful European players, when he engaged
with them in eight different games at the same
time, aud without seeing their boards, unaId-
cd but by his most extraordinary memory
and unrivaled skill
witnessed not only his marvellous triumph,
but his modest and unassuming bearing in
the moment of victory. And not the least
gratifying part of the scene was the spontan-
eous outbursis of generous aud magnani-
nous applause from his French antagonists
that filled the air with shouts as they con-
Quoted him in triumph to his carriage.
Ii was a beautiful proof TO me that the
fame of hgh-Souled chivalry still burned
in the hearts of Frenchmen.
In asking that my personal gratnlations to
Mr.. Morphy may be allowed to mingle with
IN this ncpaSipD / NIL III
spect your most obedient servant,
SAM'L f. b. MORSE.
To 5. ID. Bradford, Esq, Chairman OF Tes-
timonial Committee.
Mr.. Van Buren, also said:
Mr.. Morphy: Your readiness TO engage at
all times, and with all Corners, in chess con-
tests; your refusal to make the condition of
your health an excuse or reason for declin-
ing; your utter rejection of all advantages
that might be your due in a contest. and the
intrepid spirit You manifested at Paris, in
duc,d Monsieur St. Arnaut, one of the ablest
and frankest cf your adversarieS TO name
you ''the chivalrous Bayard of Chess"
But il is not for your qualities or conduct
only as a chess player that l have united in
tais proceeding. Your intercourse with your
friends here, the accounts we have from New
Orleans the uniform representations from
abroad, all concur in showing that in high
bred Courtesy, true generosity and courage,
innate modesty and integrity, you have IL
Illustrated at home aud abroad the character
of au American gentleman; and it is there
fore, with unaffected pride, that l have be-
come the medium of conveying to you the
sentiments | have expressed, and that |
again offer for your acceptance this appro-
pirate token of The regard o. your country
men. and of their recognition OF your genius.
Ladies' and gentlemen, ask you TO unite
with me in welcoming with all tie honors,
Paul Morphy, this Chess Champion of the
World.
Mr., aoRPHY's REPLY To Mr.. VAN BURES
M. President. Ladies asi Gentlemen = Twelve
months have elapsed since bidding adieu to
my Western home, sought beyond the blue
waters the foreign skies OF another hemis-
phere. and again have | retnrned 10 the land
OF my birth aud affection. Another year has
gliled by, aud once more do l ind myself
SURROUNDED by the Friend whose good wishes
aud appreciation cheered my wandering
coarse thank them-I most sincerely thank
them for The more than cordial welcome
which has greeted my retaru TO the Empire
City. Wen may they say that they have
made their city the yerdant spet la my sandy
path--the green and eyer-blooming oasis OF
repose, whore, like the Say-worn traveller, |
forget the fatigue and exposare OF the journey.
aud gather renewed life and energy for is
completion. Not satisfied. however, with