It's a bit more convoluted than that.  Staunton, turning down an invitation to come to America, invited Morphy to come to England and wrote in his chess column in the "Illustrated London News:"

...if Mr. Morphy - for whose skills we entertain the highest admiration - be desirous to win his spurs among the chess chivalry of Europe, he must take advantage of his proposed visit next year; he will then meet in this country, in France, in Germany and in Russia, many champions whose names must be as household words to him, ready to test and do honor to his prowess.   

  Morphy took this as an implication that Staunton would play him if he were the one to travel. Even if Staunton didn't intend this, he never once disavowed Morphy of this belief.

When Morphy arrived much earlier than anticipated, Staunton was a bit taken back. Morphy met Staunton at St. George's Chess Club and renewed the challenge in person. Staunton asked for a month ot brush up on his openings.  In fact, Staunton was under severe pressure to deliver his installments on his annotated Shakespeare, at that time Staunton's bread and butter.  Rather than just tell Morphy he couldn't play, Staunton led him on - as if he would play him at some indefinite time. Eventually Morphy, who had just a limited time in Europe, demanded a set time to which Staunton agreed in front of the president of the London Chess Society and other dignitaries with "Mr. Morphy, if you will consent  to the postponement, I will play you the beginning of November. I will see my publishers and let you know the exact date in a few days."  This was August, so Morphy sailed to Paris, waiting for November.  While in Paris, Staunton wrote, declining the match.  Morphy played Anderssen instead.

Staunton's excuse not to play was quite real and valid.  That he couldn't simply admit he couldn't play under such pressure is hard to understand, but Staunton had a very strong personality, and one that alienated his friends and enemies alike.  Unfortunately, his awkward mishandling of Morphy would go on to define him forever.

Staunton and Morphy did meet over the board however, in two games at Staunton's home in Streatham. They were consultation games Morphy & Barnes vs. Staunton & Owen.  Undoubtedly, Morphy and Staunton had the final decision on each move.  Morphy & Barnes won both games.

"No, I said that Morphy, in his 19th century form, would be an average player."

That would hardly be the case.  While playing with such limitations would put Morphy at a serious disadvantage at a professional level, players like yourself he would mop up blindfolded while sipping on water discussing French literature.

Does so-called challenging a popular opinion in itself show insight??  While, indeed there is a certain myth surrounding Morphy - even PW Sergeant noted that back in 1916 - there is much clarity too. The "brain-dead zombies," if that's the case of people who admire Morphy for what he was and appreciate his legacy of games against the great talents of his era, include Steinitz, Capablanca, Botvinnik, Reti, Soltis, Edouard Lasker, Em. Lasker, the great Alekhine, Smyslov, Euwe, Fischer and Kasparov himself.

"No, I said that Morphy, in his 19th century form, would be an average player."

That would hardly be the case.  While playing with such limitations would put Morphy at a serious disadvantage at a professional level, players like yourself he would mop up blindfolded while sipping on water discussing French literature.

Does so-called challenging a popular opinion in itself show insight??  While, indeed there is a certain myth surrounding Morphy - even PW Sergeant noted that back in 1916 - there is much clarity too. The "brain-dead zombies," if that's the case of people who admire Morphy for what he was and appreciate his legacy of games against the great talents of his era, include Steinitz, Capablanca, Botvinnik, Reti, Soltis, Edouard Lasker, Em. Lasker, the great Alekhine, Smyslov, Euwe, Fischer and Kasparov himself.

Actually i would have preferred a Steinitz-Morphy match though.

Love that story, Batgirl. I'm going to try to play it out tomorrow. Sounds like a great game and the writing's very good

Thanks for sharing that:)