THOMAS JEFFERSON, CIPHER CODES USED FOR SECRET DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE., 1783/1787

Scope and content:

Nine codes are included. Most of these are simple substitution ciphers, numerals being substituted for words or syllables. Two are more complicated; one is developed from a column arrangement of the Lord's Prayer; another is a dictionary cipher involving the use of a French-English pocket dictionary. One of the number codes in Jefferson's hand has a note, "frequently throw in numbers higher than 1545, which meaning nothing will serve to perplex." Some codes are endorsed with names of users, Robert R. Livingston, J. M. [James Madison?], Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Randolph, Edmund Pendleton. [56]

Physical location:
Slipcase, shelved with other slipcases and volumes
Physical description:
16 items. 24 pp. Printed and manuscript, 13 partly in Jefferson's hand or endorsed by him.

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
170 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Special Collections Public Services & Reference Staff
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Parent restrictions:

The collection is open for research with the following exceptions: Patrons must view a copy or microfilm of materials unless prior permission to view originals has been obtained from senior Special Collections staff.

N 545, MSS 9090-a is restricted. No access without written permission of the owner.

Parent terms of access:
Copyright has not been evaluated for the items in this collection. Visit our Permissions and Publishing page for more information about use of Special Collections materials. The library can provide copyright information upon request, but users are responsible for making their own determination about lawful use of collections materials.