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''[Year 1809] The automaton was sitting on the ornate flooring behind a rope barrier with Maelzel at its side. Napoleon and his entourage came in the grand ballroom and it was easy to see Napoleon's excitement. Maelzel asked that they take seats in
the chairs provided while he began the exhibition. He opened the doors,
showing the lit candles through the back door. He wheeled the Turk around
and opened and exposed all the areas inside as Kempelen had done before
him. Once the audience felt that they had seen the impossibility of having
a human hidden inside, the Pipe was removed, the candles lit, and Napoleon
was invited forward. When he went to cross the rope barrier, Maelzel
politely and diplomatically explained to the Emperor of France the rules
that would apply. The opponent would play at the chess table set upon the
side of the Turk. This was done to allow an unobstructed view by the
spectators. Napoleon acquiesced and took his seat at the side table.
Maelzel explained that he would move back and forth between the tables,
relaying the moves of the players. Napoleon sat and quickly shoved his
King's Pawn two squares forward. He awaited the Turk's response. Usually
the Turk had the first move in all games. Maelzel, surprised by Napoleon's
brashness, decided to let the powerful General have the first move in this
contest. Clockwork sounds filled the air as the Turk's arm positioned
itself above its King's Pawn. The General who was in the process of
conquering Europe with his armies was obviously enjoying the spectacle.''
--Gerald M. Leavitt, 'The Turk, Chess Automaton' 2000