[Printed secret codes, nomenclator]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.601 Author/Creator: Place Written: s.l. Type: Document Date: 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 46 cm, Width: 58.5 cm Order a Copy
The document is printed and handwritten on both sides. One side is typeset with various words beginning with each letter of the alphabet and the other side is printed with numbers 1-1700 in chronological order. The handwritten notes next to each word or number corresponds as a coded translation of the word or number. Accompanied by a note written by Elizabeth Steele of England's National Army Museum Department of Books and Archives. Steele writes "These documents were on loan to the National Army Museum and have now been returned to their owner Mrs F. J. E. Britnell. They were stamped while in our possession." The note is written on National Army Museum stationery, dated 30 October 1968. The document matches exactly to a nomenclator sheet designed and commissioned for printing by Robert A. Livingston, US Secretary of Foreign Affairs between the years of 1781 and 1783. The code sheet would be used for encrypting letters containing sensitive political information. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe were all known to have used the same print of this code sheet, albeit with a different assignment of numbers to words. Thomas Jefferson's copy is found in the Library of Congress. Unknown author of the handwriting.
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