Your extremely kind letter came during my absence from N. Y. and since my return I have been very busy indeed with editorial work.  I however take the earliest opportunity (since finishing the March number of the magazine which is now in binders hands) in which to thank you most sincerely for your generous recommendations.

Knowing you to be an old admirer and friend of poor Morphy I should like to have your opinion on my essay about him after it is finished.  It is impossible to say all at once and many important points have not been even touched yet.  If you happen to have time I should be very glad to have a letter from you on the subject which I would be only too proud to publish with the fullest permission extended to you to criticise me as severely as you may in my own paper.  My object is to show that I have no personal feeling in the matter.

I was very much struck with the remark you made repeatedly after we had played several games together: “A pawn ahead wins.”

I was in hopes of having the pleasure of seeing you again soon in case the tournament at New Orleans should come off.  But I fear I shall hardly be able to make arrangements for a lengthy absence from N. Y. as my editorial labours require my personal attendance here.

With kindest regards to yourself and all chess friends in the Crescent City I have the honor to remain