Master Paul Morphy

[John Townsend]

In reply to a correspondent, The Era, 30 November 1856, p. 13:

“AMERICANUS. - Yes; it is quite true that in 1850, Herr Löwenthal lost one or two games with Master Paul Morphy, of New Orleans, then a lad of thirteen. It is six years ago, and he has only an imperfect recollection of the circumstance, because the games were careless once over the board, neither intended as specimens of Chess, nor for publication. Players of the first order lose a game now and then to Rook players.”

[Geoff Chandler]

Hi John.

It seems 3 normal games (not Rook odds) were played with Morphy winning two and the 3rd.....a draw?

In one game apparently Lowenthal made a silly blunder and Morphy offered him his move back.
Lowenthal refused so....legend has it....Morphy said let's call it a draw.

Again, apparently, Lowenthal also juggled the move order in one of Morphy's wins
to make the game a draw when he did a book on Morphy's games.
I cannot confirm this as I do not have the Lowenthal book on Morphy.

The boys here have been doing some digging. (make of it what you will.)

http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgam ... 96&kpage=1

You also get all the lyrics to 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic.' (...which was sang at Winston Churchill's funeral.)

[Gordon Cadden]

According to Lawson, Johan J. Lowenthal arrived in New Orleans, in 1850. There was great excitement, with everyone wanting to meet the great Hungarian Master. A prominent citizen, name of Ernest Morphy,
invited Lowenthal to dinner, which he gratefully accepted. It was at dinner, that he was introduced to his brother, Judge Morphy. After dinner, Judge Morphy suggested that he play a game of chess with his little son, name of Paul. Lowenthal was introduced to Paul, and he patted him on the head, suggesting that he give him odds of a Rook. His father intervened, insisting that they play a level game.
Lowenthal soon discovered that he was facing the strongest player that he had ever encountered. He lost all three games.

[John Townsend]

Interesting post from Gordon. May I comment on one sentence of it?

Lowenthal soon discovered that he was facing the strongest player that he had ever encountered.

That assessment seems a million miles away from the "Rook player" remark.