"In 1846, General Winfield Scott visited the city, and let his hosts know that he desired an evening of Chess with a strong local Chess player. Chess was an infrequent pastime of Scott's, but he enjoyed the game and considered himself a formidable Chess player.

After dinner, the Chess pieces and board were set up and Scott's opponent was brought in: a diminutive, eight-year-old Paul Morphy, dressed in a lace shirt and velvet knickerbockers and looking like anything but a ferocious opponent.

Seeing the small boy, Scott was at first offended, thinking he was being made fun of; but when assured that his wishes had been scrupulously obeyed, and that the boy was a "Chess prodigy" who would tax his skill, Scott consented to play.

To General Scott's surprise, Morphy beat him easily not once, but twice. The second time, the boy announced a forced checkmate after only six moves. Two losses against a small boy was all General Scott's ego could stand. He declined further games and retired for the night, never to play Morphy again."

You can also check our Paul Morphy pages at:

http://www.chess-poster.com/great_players/morphy.htm

http://www.chess-poster.com/great_games/morphy/morphy_complete.htm

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