Mr. Staunton makes reference, in conclusion, to "very ill advisers." I suppose I must take this mainly to myself, more particularly as it is not the first time of his using the expression during the discussion. Without attempting to defend myself, I would say to Mr. Staunton: "I can reconcile it with my sense of honor and honesty, to impute to you a wilful suppression of the paragraph so frequently referred to. Had you given that paragraph, you would, _per force_, have been obliged to give your reasons for the assertion therein contained. And I would remind you, sir, that, in all this discussion, you have never touched the real point at issue--never apologized for the misstatement of which Mr. Morphy complains with so much cause. Paul Morphy is acquainted with the reason for that misstatement, but he has never evinced a desire to force you to state it publicly. He can afford to be generous." It may be cause of regret to some that the match between these two _athletæ_ did not take place. Such a contest would not have afforded any test of comparison, inasmuch as Mr. Staunton is not now the player he was eight or ten years ago. But an infallible test exists by which to judge of their respective merits--viz. _their games_. "By their fruits ye shall know them." * * * * * MORAL. Mr. Staunton's weakness was want of sufficient courage to say, "He is stronger than I." Löwenthal said it _before his match with Morphy was finished_; Mr. Boden openly avowed his inferiority, as also Mr. Bird, and many other eminent players. And Saint Amant, in Paris, led the young hero up the steps of the throne, and seated him beside Labourdonnais, proclaiming, "Voiçi notre maitre à nous tous." Had Mr. Staunton so done, he would merely have anticipated the verdict of posterity, and honored himself in the eyes of his countrymen and the world. FOOTNOTES: [C] CAPTAIN KENNEDY'S OPINION OF PAUL MORPHY. _To the Editor of the Era_: SIR,--As I understand that Mr. Morphy contemplates another visit to England before his return to America, will you permit me, through your columns, respectfully to suggest to the chess community of this country the propriety of offering him a public entertainment, together with some adequate testimonial which may serve to mark our sense of his transcendent ability as a chess player; and also our appreciation of him as a chivalrous, high-spirited, and honorable man--a character which I hope Englishmen know how to value far more than even any amount of skill at chess. Should this proposal take any definite shape, I shall be happy to be allowed to contribute £5 towards its accomplishment. I am, sir, your obedient servant, A. A. KENNEDY. BATH, _Jan. 1, 1859_.