Decipherment of Hitherto Unsolved Historical Ciphers (by George Lasry)

I collect unsolved historical ciphers in a separate article, to which I receive or find solutions from time to time. In May 2022, I received solutions of no less than 10 ciphers from George Lasry, a computer scientist and expert in cryptanalysis, who has solved many historical ciphers (some of which I mentioned). (It seems his solver can readily solve any cipher mainly based on letter-by-letter substitution, even with many homophones. I guess the most time-consuming process in his codebreaking is preparing a transcription to be fed to the algorithm, for which he developed a tool to assist manual work.) While there remain some unknown or uncertain symbols, his decipherments seem to generally make sense.

The following presents his solutions (key & decipherment) in chronological order.

(Within a month after the first batch, I received additional solutions (also included in the following), which doubled the number to 21.)

In 2023, I received additional 15 solutions.

In 2026, I received another.

In Octoober 2026, I received many solutions achieved by using AI.

Francis I

See another article for ciphers during Francis I's reign.

Bayonne's Cipher (1528-1529)

BnF Clair. 329(Gallica), f.9 is annotated as Bayonne's. As seen in the images below, it uses a cipher different from a known cipher used by Bayonne in f.139 (1529).

The same key also fits Clair. 328, f.291 (Bayonne to Montmorency, 28 October 1528). Since this letter is printed in Ambassades en Angleterre de Jean Du Bellay (from BnF fr.3077, p.145-147; the beginning of f.291v corresponds to the last paragraph on p.432 of vol.1 (Google)), comparison may reveal more symbols.

I could not find the letter of Clair. 329 in the printed edition. But since the editor was aware of Clairambault 330 (p.7, n.3; p.118, n.2), it may be simply that I overlooked it.





Grammont's Cipher (1529)

BnF Clair.330 (Gallica), f.53 is a letter from Mr. de Gramont, Bishop of Tarbe (Wikipedia), to Montmorency (Rome[?], 5 October 1529). It uses a cipher different from a known cipher used in 1530.

(In 1525, the Bishop of Tarbe had been despatched by Queen Regent, Louise of Savoy, (mother of Francis I) to obtain the freedom of the king in captivity in Spain. Then, he was sent to England to encourage Henry VIII to divorce Catherine of Aragon. Then, he was sent as ambassador to Rome.)



French Marshals and Charles Hémard de Denonville (Bishop of Mâcon)

BnF fr.3081 (Gallica), f.41, is a letter wholly in cipher ("Dupplicata des articles envoyez par messrs les marechaulx françoys au roy"). It is solved as follows.





George found the same key is applicable to BnF Dupuy 265 (Gallica), f.132, which is a letter from Bishop of Mâcon to the king (29 May 1535) according to catalogue information. Its beginning can be read as follows.


Although the marshals' letter is filed with letters from the 1520s, it may also be from ca. 1535. Mâcon was ambassador in Rome from 1534 to May 1538. I wonder whether it has something to do with the Italian War of 1536-1538 (Wikipedia). Historian's help is needed to find out how the same cipher came to be used by the marshals and the bishop.

Henry II

See another article for ciphers during the reign of Henry II of France.

?Cipher of Philibert de Babou de la Bourdaisiere with His Son

BnF Dupuy 44 (Gallica) has a ciphertext (f.39), which, according to the catalogue information, corresponds to a decipherment (f.40), a letter of Philibert Babou de la Bourdaisiere (c. 1484-1557) (Wikipedia) from his son, Philibert (made cardinal in 1561) (Wikipedia).

With this pair of ciphertext and plaintext, I could not reconstruct the cipher. To me, the plaintext (containing about 3000 letters according to my very rough counting) seemed too long for the neatly written ciphertext (about 1000 letters). George Lasry's solution now made it clear that the ciphertext is independent from the plaintext letter. Now it is interesting to see to whom the ciphertext should be attributed.





Charles Marillac - Du Bellay (Bayonne) (1550)

BnF Dupuy 265 (Gallica) contains several cipher texts, which Paul Friedmann used to reconstruct some ciphers (see another article). George Lasry noted the cipher f.101 is left undeciphered and solved it as follows. According to catalogue information, it is a letter of Charles Marillac, ambassador in Germany, to cardinal Jean Du Bellay (Bishop of Bayonne), Augsburg, 18 November 1550.



Montmorency - Du Bellay (Bayonne)

BnF Dupuy 265 (Gallica) also contains an undeciphered letter from Montmorency to cardinal Du Bellay (f.228-238). It is solved as follows. (This may be the same as f.231 in Paul Friedmann's list.)



Nicolas Raince - Du Bellay (Bayonne)

BnF Dupuy 265 (Gallica) also contains an undeciphered letter from Nicolas Raince, resident in Rome, to cardinal Du Bellay (f.336) (not in Paul Friedmann's list). It is solved as follows despite the shortness of the ciphertext. The cipher turned out to be monoalphabetic.




Claude de la Guiche, Bishop of Mirepois (1551)

BnF fr.3138 (Gallica), f.59, is a letter from Claude de la Guiche, Bishop of Mirepois, to Montmorency (Rome, 22 November 1551) (which was not in my list). The cipher is solved as follows.





The volume contains more ciphertexts already deciphered.

Charles IX, Henry III

See another article for ciphers during the reigns of Charles IX and Henry III.

Hurault, Ambassador in Venice (ca.1564?)

A letter (BnF Colbert 395, p.335) from Jean Hurault[?], French ambassador in Venice, is solved as follows. (As it turned out, the plaintext is in p.337, which generally proves the accuracy of the solution and will allow identifying a few more symbols.)



Charles IX to Philibert du Croc (1565-1567 or 1572)

A letter in cipher from Charles IX to Philibert du Croc is reproduced in Paul Destray (1924), Un diplomate français du XVIe siècle: Philibert du Croc (Gallica) (p.80 and the next leaf). Although the letter is not dated, the endorsement indicates Philibert du Croc was then ambassador in Scotland. See another article for contemporary ciphers.

This is solved as follows.




A Letter to the King in BnF fr.3254

A letter "to the King" in BnF fr.3254 (Gallica), f.76, is almost entirely in cipher. (This was not in my list.) The volume contains many letters of Charles IX or Catherine de Medicis to Matignon and others from 1570-1573 and a copy of one letter of François de Cornelian, bishop of Roddez from 1583.

This is solved as follows.







Duke of Guise? in BnF fr.15564 and fr.15565

There are letters to Mr de Mercoeur probably from the Duke of Guise in BnF fr.15564 (Gallica), f.27, f.78, f.119, f.142 The same cipher is used in letters "probablement de princes de la maison de Guise" in BnF fr.15565 (Gallica), f.105, f.122.

The solution is as follows. (The nomenclature symbols appear to be Roman numerals.)



Other Letters in BnF fr.15565

The cipher used in letters in BnF fr.15565, f.7, f.62, and f.91 are deciphered as follows.



A Letter in BnF fr.15566

(Gallica), f.50, is solved as follows. (The solution is preliminary because the ciphertext is too short.)



Villeroi to Henry III (1577)

A letter in cipher from Villeroi to Henry III of France was sold at an auction. It is wholly in cipher except for the complimentary ending: "Sire ie prie dieu conserver vre mté en parfaicte santé / De Bergerac ce viiie jour de sepbre 1577" and the signature "Vre très humble très obéissant & très obligé subjet & serviteur. Deneufville" in Villeroi's hand. (The date is shortly before the Treaty of Bergerac (Wikipedia) was made between the King and the Huguenot princes.)

This is solved as follows. (I had made a try by using some interlinear decipherment, but was unsuccessful (my blog).





An Unsigned Letter in BnF fr.15572 (1586)

An unsigned letter, wholly enciphered, dated January 1586 is in BnF fr.15572, f.43 (see another article). It is solved as follows.





BnF fr. 15573

The cipher used in a letter of Duval to Villeroi in f.127 of BnF fr.15573 (Gallica) is solved as follows. It appears to be a sequel of f.124 (the intervening f.126 is another letter), which is by René Duval, Sr de Stors according to catalogue and in which the key below reveals words such as "j'estim", "promect", "au[x] les forces leur ... agreable".




A Letter to(?) Pasquier in BnF fr.4712 (1592)

A letter partly in cipher to(?) "Monsieur Pasquier Lrre[?] des finances" (?Wikipedia) (1592) is in BnF fr.4712, f.35 (see another article). (According to catalogue information, this is no.26 "Fragment de notes et reflexions sur la conduite a tenir par Henri III pour abattre "les huguenots".) It is solved as follows.



Louis XIII

See another article for ciphers during LouisXIII's reign.

Melchior de Sabran (1631)

BnF Baluze 155 (Gallica), f.79, contains a letter, dated Dijon, 28 March 1631, of Louis XIII (undersigned Bouthillier) to Melchior de Sabran, a diplomat then resident in Genoa (1630-1637). It has a paragraph in cipher. It is solved as follows.




George Lasry confirmed this cipher is also used for many letters of Sabran in BnF fr.4134 and fr.4135.

?Odoardo Farnese, Duke of Parma (1637)

BnF Baluze 156 (Gallica), f.40, is wholly enciphered, undeciphered. It seems to be an enclosure of a letter (in French) of Odoardo [Édouard] Farnese, Duke of Parma (Wikipedia), to Sabran, dated Plaisance, 27 May 1637. It is solved as follows.



Spanish

See another article for contemporary Spanish ciphers.

An Unidentified Cipher

A letter in cipher in BnF Espagnol 318 (Gallica) (f.122, no.95, 8 January 1497) is solved as follows (it is "approximate").




Achievements in 2023

In 2023, George Lasry provided solutions of no less than 15 unsolved ciphers in BnF, most of which were not in my list. In the following, I collated the keys provided by him with catalogue information and ciphers known from elsewhere (if any).

Fuentes-Pimentel Cipher (1595): BnF es.336


(<44> may be DE from the last line of f.95: uno de los dos grandes ministros. But this should yet be checked in other instances.)

This cipher is uesd in the following letters in BnF Espagñol 336 (Gallica). The count of Fuentes was Governor of the Spanish Netherlands in 1595-1596 (Wikipedia). Diego Pimentel was his nephew (Historia Hispanica):

f.95 no.49 Lettre de Diego Pimentel au comte de Fuentes, gouverneur des Pays-Bas. Madrid, 17 juin et 4 juillet 1595. En partie chiffree.

f.97 no.50 Lettre de Diego Pimentel au comte de Fuentes, gouverneur des Pays-Bas. Madrid, 4 juillet 1595. En partie chiffree.


The ciphertexts in BnF es.336 are as follows:

f.69 no.36 Lettre de Juan de Cuniga a Frances de Alava. Rome, 5 novembre 1571. *Cg.4 (see another article)

f.81 no.42 Lettre d'"El duque de Sessa," D. Antonio Fernandez de Cordova, a Philippe II. Roma, 29... 1596. *Cp.57 (see another article)

f.95 no.49 Lettre de Diego Pimentel au comte de Fuentes, gouverneur des Pays-Bas. Madrid, 17 juin et 4 juillet 1595. En partie chiffree. (Fuentes-Pimentel Cipher above)

f.97 no.50 Lettre de Diego Pimentel au comte de Fuentes, gouverneur des Pays-Bas. Madrid, 4 juillet 1595. En partie chiffree. (Fuentes-Pimentel Cipher above)

f.101 no.52 Lettre d'"El conde de Benasco," Pedro de Mendoca, a Philippe II. Genes, 10 avril 1597. *This seems to be a substitution alphabet plus three-figure code for syllables and some words, alphabetically arranged. Diacritics (: ^) seem to be used consistently but may be meaningless.

f.148 no.74 Lettre d'Antonio Descovar a Diego de Ibarra, a Paris. Madrid, 15 novembre 1593. *Almost monoalphabetic.

f.158,f.159,f.160 no.79-81 Trois lettres de l'ambassadeur de Savoie a son souverain. 2 mars, 4 juillet et 18 mai 1593. Duplicata en partie chiffres. En francais. *The first cipher at another article. There may be many additional symbols.


George found f.164-186 all use the same cipher (no.54 of the Nevers Collection) and found some vowel indicators not in my reconstruction (another article).

f.164,f.166 no.83-84 Deux lettres de Diego de Ibarra au duc de Feria et au prince Doria. Paris, 4 novembre 1592 et 9 janvier 1594. En partie chiffrees.

f.169,f.171 no.85-86 Deux lettres de Joan Battista de Tassis a Josephe de Acuna, ambassadeur d'Espagne a Turin, et au comte de Vinasco, ambassadeur a Genes. Paris, 11 janvier 1594.

f.173 no.87 Lettre de Diego de Ibarra a Juan de Idiaquez. Paris, 15 novembre 1593. En partie chiffree.

f.175,f.177,f.179 no.88-90 Trois lettres d'"El duque de Feria," Lorenzo Suarez de Figueroa, a Juan de Idiaquez, a Martin de Ydiaquez et a Christoval de Mora. Paris, 4 janvier 1594. En partie chiffrees.

f.181,f.183 no.91-92 Deux lettres de Diego de Ibarra au prince Doria et a D. Juan Fernandez de Velasco, connetable de Castille, gouverneur de Milan. Paris, 15 novembre 1593. En partie chiffrees.

f.185 no.93 Lettre du duc de Feria a Philippe II. Paris, 30 decembre 1593. Chiffree.


f.196 no.99 Lettre de Matheo de Segura au connetable de Castille. Madrid, 8 aout 1596. Passages en chiffre. *Short ciphertext, undeciphered.

De Morvillier's Cipher (1546): BnF fr.2996


(The symbol "|| with a strikethrough", representing A, looks like a null symbol, which seems to be "tt." The symbol "||| with a strikethrough", representing L, looks like a null simpol, which seems to be "m with a strikethrough.")

This is used in the following letter in BnF fr.2996 (Gallica):

f.52 no.25 Depeche en chiffre de "DE MORVILLIER (Wikipedia),... au roy... De Venize, le XXIIIIe jour de janvier 1546"

Duke of Guelders' Cipher (ca.1526-1536): BnF fr.3015


This is used in the following letter in BnF fr.3015 (Gallica):

f.16 no.8 Lettre, en chiffre, de "CHARLES", duc DE GUELDRES (Wikipedia), avec une adresse en chiffre.

George observes that many symbols are unnecessarily doubled in this ciphertext. I note such doubled symbols are "e" (or cursive "l") representing R and "d" representing S, and they never occur alone. Thus, I think the symbol for L is actually "ee" rather than "e" and the symbol for S is actually "dd."


BnF fr.3015 also contains ciphertext (in a different cipher, with decipherment) in the following letter:

f.91 no.40 Lettre chiffree au roi. "De Amptonhill, ce XXIIIe de juillet".

Perez-Charles V Cipher (1527): BnF fr.3022, Clair.326

Partial reconstruction from BnF fr.3022, f.12:


(Three-letter codes are yet to be identified.)

This is used in the following letters in BnF fr.3022 (Gallica) and also in BnF Clair.326 (presented in another article).

f.12 no.5 Lettre chiffree, en espagnol, de "PEREZ" a l'empereur Charles-Quint. "De Roma, XXIIII° de septiembre 1527".

f.20 a loose sheet.


F.16 (no.6 Rapport, en espagnol, avec chiffre, a l'empereur Charles-Quint.) seems to remain unsolved. What seems to be a copy of f.12 is in BnF Clair. f.49.

Gasto-Charles V Cipher (1527): BnF fr.3022


This is used in the following letters in BnF fr.3022 (Gallica):

f.26-28 no.10 Lettre, en espagnol, avec chiffre, d'"el marquese DEL GASTO" a l'empereur Charles-Quint. "De Ysola, XXVII de setiembre 1527"

f.39 a loose sheet.


F.40-43 (no.19 Lettre chiffree d'"el marquese DEL GASTO" a Charles-Quint. "De Roma, VI de noviembre M.D.XXVII") seems to remain unsolved.

De la Tremoille's(?) Cipher (??1520-1521): BnF fr.3029, BnF fr.3092

(I call this "De la Tremoille's(?)" only for expediency. The letters in cipher in BnF fr.3029 are filed with de la Tremoille's letters, but there is no evidence to attribute this de la Tremoille.)


This is used in the following letters:

BnF fr.3029 (Gallica)

f.67 no.34 Lettre en chiffre.

f.100,f.105 no.49 Lettres en chiffre. (F.105 has "voy les chiffres cy devant" in the margin. The cleartext as well as the plaintext are in Latin.)

f.134 no.59 Lettre, en chiffre, adressee " au roy ".

f.162 no.66 Lettres en chiffre.

f.172,f.176 no.68 Lettres en chiffre.

f.182 no.70 Lettre en chiffre.

f.186 no.72 Lettres en chiffre.

BnF fr.3092 (Gallica)

f.101 no.43 Memoire chiffre.

f.103 no.44 Autre memoire chiffre

f.107 no.46 Memoire chiffre.

(Notes on 6 December 2023)

I changed the dating to (??1520-1521). Originally, I labelled this as (ca.1520-1521) simply from other letters in clear in BnF fr.3092. If these letters were indeed from 1520-1521, they would be the earliest extant specimen of French cipher letters. In order to help dating, I edited two raw decipherments provided by George into readable text and added one (fr.3029, f.186) I deciphered.

BnF fr.3029, f.67
L'ambassadeur de Hongrie m'a mande que en faisant au Cardinal les remonstrances mencionnees aux lectres que escriptz au . Il l'a trouve fort variable et n'a sceu comprendre sur sa responce aucune ferme resolucion et par fin de compte luy avoit dit laissez moy faire. Je scay bien que faiz pour ce que le Cardinal nous a tourjours persuadez de condescendre a laisser les armes soubz couleur de ceste gerre de Hongrie. Je luy diz hier ....

The reference to the war in Hungary may refer to the Turkish invasion in 1520-1566 (Wikipedia).

BnF fr.3029, f.186
Ceulx qui dependent de Cluny deciste aulx de premonstre et autres plusieurs eglises abbacialles de Sainct Benoist ont previlege d'eslire comme si ont plusieurs eglises metropolitaines et cathedralles de cedit royaume et mesmement toutes celles que sont en la province de Bourdeaulx et autres plusieurs esquelz quant vaccationes cherrales fault laisser eslire et confermer leurs eslections et n'est besoing que voys en ta romme fors ceulx qui de droit sont tenuz y aller comme les metropo...

BnF fr.3092, f.100
On ne se devoit glorifier jusques a la fin <.> et que tant de choses restoient encor a faire entre vous et eulx et en divers lieux que leur gloire </> pourroit retourner a honte et confusion et que en telz actes le peu braver et bien executer est a louer sur quoy nous dit que disions verite et que souvente fois on avoit veu advenir telle chose nous avons mis peine de scavoir de divers lieux ce que le Cardinal a voit fait en Flandres et trouvons que ce qu'il nous a dit est veritable et que sans point de faulte. Il s'en estoit venu fort mal <?> content nous essaierons encores si pourrons tirer de luy ou de son maistre quelque ayde par promesse ou autrement et si cela se povoit faire serviroit de beaucoup comme entendez tro mieux la chose qui nous sera plus contraire a l'obtenir sera l'estimation qu'il a raporte di celuy <Nom 2> et de sa tante et puis la royne d'Angleterre nous entretiendrons les afaires jusques au dixiesme de ce mois, ansi qu'il vous a pleu nous mander, et garderons a nostre povoir que riens ne se innnovera contre vous l'evesque de Lin en conduisant moy chancelier par la ville entre autres propoz tumba sur le <Nom 4> et dit que cestoit ung merveilleux esprit et que le Cardinal et ceulx du conseil d'Angleterre avoient sceu qu'il faisoit conduire par autre main et apart d'avoir paix et amitie avec vous lan quelle chose j'ene deniay ne confessay ains par admiration luy demanday comment le scavoit, il me dit nous le scavons et dautres choses et ne tira le propoz plus avant le Cardinal ne nous en a par le peult estre le garde pour une autre fois ....

The "royne d'Angleterre" may refer to Henry VIII's queen, but may also refer to Elizabeth I. The latter fits "Cardinal ... en Flandres", which may refer to the Cardinal of Granvelle (created in 1561).

Galeaz Vesconte's Cipher (1528-1529): BnF fr.3045, BnF fr.3034, BnF fr.3096


(One of the symbols for L looks very similar to one of the symbols for R to me.)

This is used in the following letters:

BnF fr.3045 (Gallica)

f.28 no.24 Lettre chiffree, en italien, de "GALEAZ VESCONTE" a "Angelo Bolano,... Da Alexandria, a li XII de ottobre 1528"


BnF fr.3034 (Gallica, also catalogued in Italian)

f.154 no.68 Lettre, en chiffre, "a mons. le grant maestre... Data al campo a Landriano (Wikipedia), a li XXX d'aust 1528"


BnF fr.3096 (Gallica)

f.91 no.47 Lettre chiffree, en italien, de "GALEAS VISCONTE,... al christianissimo re [Francois Ier]... Datum in campo, in la pieve de Loccate, a li XII de giugno M.D.XXIX "

Ambrosio Bizozola-Maximilian Sforza Cipher: BnF fr.3034


This is used in the following letter in BnF fr.3034:

f.156 no.69 Lettre, en chiffre, d'"AMBROSIO BIZOZOLA,... allo... principe... Maximiliano Sforza (Wikipedia)"


The catalogue of this volume also mentions "cyfra" for f.160 (no.70 "Copia de avisi de una lettera parte extratta de cyfra de Alexandria"), but it is only the plaintext.

Gramont's Cipher (1529): BnF fr.3040, BnF fr.3091


BnF fr.3040

(Gallica)

Ciphers used in the five ciphertexts are identified as follows (for specific ciphers mentioned below, see another article):

f.12 no.4 Lettre, en chiffre, de "G[ABRIEL], cardinal DE GRAMONT,... a monseigneur... le grant maistre... A Rome, le XXVIIme jour de aoust ". *Gramont's Cipher (1530), which may now need to be renamed Gramont's Cipher (1527)

f.16 no.5 Lettre, avec chiffre, de " G[ABRIEL] DE GRAMONT, evesque de Tarbe... a monseigneur... le grant maistre... A Romme, le Vme jour d'octobre mil V.C.XXIX ". *Undeciphered. Deciphered by George immediately above. Previously deciphered by George farther above from Clair. 330. I call this Gramont's Cipher (1529)

f.18 no.6 Lettre, en chiffre, de " G[ABRIEL] DE GRAMONT, evesque de Tarbe... a monseigneur le grant maistre... A Boulongne, le XXVIIIme jour de mars ".*Gramont's Cipher (1530)

f.21(-p.43) no.7 Lettre chiffree de NICOLAS RAINCE " a monseigneur le grant maistre... Ce mercredi septme jour de novembre mil V.C.XXVI. Rome ". *Raince's Cipher

f.68(p.112-p.116) no.23 Lettre chiffree de " J[EAN] DU BELLAY, evesque de Bayonne... De Londres, le dernier de juing ". *Undeciphered. Bayonne's Cipher (1529)

BnF fr.3091

(Gallica)

There are three ciphertexts.

f.19 no.11 Lettre, avec chiffre, de " NICOLAS RAINCE,... a monseigneur... le grant maistre... De Rome, ce jeudi XIIe jour d'aoust M.V.C.XXIX ". *reconstructed (to be published later)

f.25 no.14 Lettre de " G[EORGES] DE SELVE, e[veque] de Lavaur ", au roi. " De Venise, ce IIIIe de septembre 1535 ". *Selve's Cipher

f.45 no.23 Lettre, en chiffre, de " G[ABRIEL] DE GRAMONT, e[veque] de Tarbe... a monseigneur... le grant maistre et mareschal de France... A Romme, le XIme jour d'octobre ". *Deciphered by George above. Gramont's Cipher (1529)

Mascon's Cipher: BnF fr.3071


This is used in the following letter in BnF fr.3071 (Gallica).

f.9 no.4 Depeche, avec chiffre, de CHARLES HEMART-DENONVILLE, " cardinal de Mascon... a monseigneur de Montmorency,... A Rome, le XIe jour d'avril 1537". *The same as Mascon's cipher from BnF fr.3053.

Gramont's Cipher (1530): BnF fr.3071


This is used in the following letter in BnF fr.3071 (Gallica).

f.17 no.7 Lettre, avec chiffre, de " GABRIEL, cardinal DE GRAMONT,... a monseigneur le grant maistre... A Rome, le XXIe jour de juillet ". *Gramont's Cipher (1530)

Avranche's Cipher 1: BnF fr.3083


(From the beginning ("mesmement") of another letter with decipherment on f.55v, "C" (and probably also "A") in the "unknown" can be safely deemed null.)

This is used in the following letters in BnF fr.3083 (Gallica).

f.20 no.8 Lettre, avec chiffre, de JEAN DE LANGEAC, "evesque d'Avranches... a monseigneur... le grant maistre... Escript a Venise, ce XIIIIme de janvier"*Avranche's Cipher 1.

f.55 no.22 Lettre chiffree de JEAN DE LANGEAC, "evesque d'Avranches... a monseigneur... le grant maistre... Escript a Venyse, le XVme de septembre " *With interlinear decipherment.

Gaspar Sormano's Cipher: BnF fr.3096


This is used in the following letters in BnF fr.3096 (Gallica). Gaspar Sormano is also spelled as Gaspard Sormano.

f.113 no.62 Lettre en italien, avec chiffre et dechiffrement, de " GASPAR SORMANO,... al re [Francois Ier]... Da Ferrara, 22 marzo 1529 ".

f.105 no.63 Lettre, en italien, avec chiffre, de GASPAR " SORMANO " et de " JOACHIN... DE VAULX " au roi Francois Ier. " Da Ferrara, penultimo de febraro M.D.XXVIIII ".

f.117 no.64 Lettre, en italien, de JEAN DE LANGEAC, " e[veque] d'Avranches ", et de " JOACHIN... DE VAULX ", au roi Francois Ier. " Da Vinecia, el VI di magio 1529 ".

f.119 no.65 Lettre, en italien, avec chiffre, de " GASPAR SORMANO " et de JOACHIN " DE VAULX " au roi Francois Ier. " Da Ferrara, alli XXIII febraro M.D.XXVIIII ".

f.121,f.123 no.66 Lettre, en italien, avec chiffre, de " GASPAR SORMANO " et de " JOACHIN " DE VAULX au roi Francois Ier. " Da Ferrara, alli 23 febraro 1529... Duplicata ".

f.124 no.67 Lettre avec chiffre et dechiffrement : " Doppio de lettere scritte per mi GASPAR SORMANO al Sr duca d'Urbino ".

A Cipher from Henry II's Time?: BnF fr.3147


This is used in the following anonymous note in BnF fr.3147 (Gallica).

f.35 no.15 Memoire en chiffre.

Nevers no.7: BnF fr.3976

George deciphered f.62 of BnF fr.3976, after which he realized it was already mentioned in my article.

Charles V's Ciphers in the 1520s

In 2026, when I called for a match for undeciphered ciphertexts from a collection of reconstructed ciphers in a blogpost, George Lasry sent in his analytical solutions for two of them.

Gasto-Charles V Cipher 1 (1527)

BnF fr.3022 (Gallica)
f.26-28 no.10 Lettre, en espagnol, avec chiffre, d'"el marquese DEL GASTO" a l'empereur Charles-Quint. "De Ysola, XXVII de setiembre 1527"
f.39 a loose sheet.

To my embarrassment, I find George already sent me the same solution in 2023 (see "Gasto-Charles V Cipher" above). I mistook this as unsolved in my blog(!), but it was all for the best because, by asking Google AI questions after questions about Spanish (ChatGPT was not cooperative.), I somewhat complemented the solution as follows.


The deciphered text I edited as best possible for me is here. If someone versed in Spanish can complete (or at least improve) this, please let me know.

Gasto-Charles V Cipher 2 (1527)

BnF fr.3022 (Gallica)
f.16 no.6 Rapport, en espagnol, avec chiffre, a l'empereur Charles-Quint
f.40-43 no.19 Lettre chiffree d'"el marquese DEL GASTO" a Charles-Quint. "De Roma, VI de noviembre M.D.XXVII"

Again, the preliminary results of George's solver (see his paper quoted in my blog) require an attention of someone who knows Spanish. Most of three-letter codes remain to be identified. While the few identified syllables are assigned two three-letter codes each, I guess this is because of the setting of his syllabic solver. I'm inclined to read the symbol "bnz" as esta (rather than la), "cif" as ha (or te?, not de), "dm" as se (not al), "boz" as fin (not sin). After all, the letter codes may have unique assignments. Further, I think the symbol "ci" for T (always followed by "f") is actually a part of the three-letter code "cif". The symbol "n" for L appears to be reserved to LL. (I thought symbols in the substitution alphabet that are not Caesar shifts (e.g., "m" for L) might be double letters, but I found no clear distinction other than LL.) The symbol "7" with two bars above tentatively deciphered as m needs reassignment to something else.

All in all, I hope someone versed in Spanish will take a look at this to move the decryption to completion. The raw decryption is here.

Achievements with the Assistance of AI (2026)

On 10 October 2026, George Lasry provided me with no less than 56 decipherments/keys, including ciphertext-only decipherments (13), messages read with matching keys (3), and keys recovered from plaintext (40). It is amazing that he says all this was done in 3 days.

He says this was an exercise primarily to get familiar with the use of LLMs for the cryptanalysis of classical ciphers. All processing was done by AI (ChatGPT Astra 6 and Anthropic Opus 5.5) under his very close supervision: transcription, cryptanalysis, decryption, and producing the summaries, including the reconstructed keys.

Very precise instructions and guidelines he gave to AI include:

- Where to look for matching keys and plaintext (he also gave AI access to his very extensive database of documents, solutions, and software codes)

- Which cryptanalytic methods to use and which assumptions to make about the nature of the ciphers, and a clear taxonomy.

As many people have observed, LLMs need encouragement to perform better. George told AI things like: "try harder", "you are a language model and all you need here is sharp linguistic skills", "spend 2 more hours on this", "I want clean, vetted transcription and decryption artifacts, do not settle with less".

The following presents his achievements. Since there are so many of them and it will take time for me to interpret them, I am now sharing these with no review. Though I did spend many hours in de-aesthesizing his neat pdf file to fit the terse format here, my formatting is less than desirable. I ask the reader's patience.

Ciphertext-only

Dupuy 61 — Méry de Vic, f43r

Contents: Méry de Vic writes after the assassination of Henri III and the accession of Henri IV. The opening cleartext reports the arrival of the news and local allegiances. The cipher reports troops near Limoges and divided loyalties; later cleartext discusses expenses, elections, intercepted dispatches and cannon for rebel forts.
6/6 pages transcribed; Partly deciphered
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Méry de Vic
Recipient: Henri IV
Year: 28 August 1589
Key: 81 symbols: 50 alphabet signs, 8 nomenclature signs, 3 nulls, 20 unidentified types
Ciphertext: 545 elements, 523 identified (96.0%)
Gallica f40r Gallica f43r

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f43r
? assembler à huict lieues de ceste ville. Leur troupe ? au plus de douze cents hommes? de pied? et deux cents chevaux et doivent meiner deux ou trois pieces.
Translation
? to assemble eight leagues from this town. Their force ? at most twelve hundred men? on foot? and two hundred horsemen, and they must bring two or three guns.
Excerpt
f43r
? qui avoit tenu le feu Roy en esperance de le servir, s'est déclaré comme plusieurs du ? m'ont asseuré. Il ? amas d'homes et se delibere de
Translation
?, who had kept the late King hoping to serve him, has declared himself, as several of ? have assured me. He ? a gathering of men and intends to

Français 3198

Contents: Reports on Batory, divisions among the Polish nobles, imperial diplomacy and peace with the Turks; outward friendliness conceals political hostility. 7/7 pages transcribed; 6/6 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Desiderio L'Abbé
Recipient: Duke of Nevers
Year: 2 March and 2 May 1577
Key: 30 codes, 27 letter codes, 0 in nomenclature, 1 null, 2 unidentified
Ciphertext: 533 elements, 526 identified; 3 gaps in the binding. Duplicate: 43 elements, all identified; 2 gaps in the binding
(Update from George: He found this had already been done by Daniel Bourdeau.)

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f63r, passages A21–A23 — 63r
Les Polonois sont diuises comme ilz estoient, et iacoit qu'ilz monstrent bon uisage au batori aux coeurs est le contraire, pour certain, comme j'entend non seulement dudict uuarsauicio mais aussi de plusieurs aultres.
Translation
The Poles remain divided as before; although they show Batory a friendly face, in their hearts they feel the opposite, as I hear not only from the said Warsawicio but also from several others.
Gallica Gallica
Excerpt
f75r, five complete body lines
Ledict Weber s'en est allé à Auguste pour voir une signorie qu'il ait achepté dernierement en ces quartiers là, appellée Rombals, et retournera à Vienne quand sa Majesté y sera arrivée. Il suivra encores la Court le temps de deux ans pour estre versé aux affaires d'icelle mais plusieurs ne pleureroient s'il n'i [r]etourno[i]t iamais.
Translation
The said Weber has gone to Augsburg to see a lordship he recently bought in those parts, called Rombals, and will return to Vienna when His Majesty arrives there. He will continue following the court for two years to become versed in its affairs, but many would not weep if he never returned there.

Français 3234

Contents: Fogliani privately criticizes an unidentified person's handling of the duke's affairs and says that fuller disclosure would surprise his correspondent. 2/2 pages transcribed; 2/2 pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Gasparo Fogliani
Recipient: Not established in the checked postscript
Year: 20 October 1568
Key: 27 symbols, 21 letter signs, 3 nulls, 3 unidentified
Ciphertext: f103r–v: 422 elements, 418 identified (99.1%)

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f103r, cipher lines1–3; saved editorial reading — 103r
Io n[o]n posso mancare di dire a uostra alteza che mi pare che il [?] non habb[i?] fauorito le cos[e] del signor duca di quel modo che mi pare che douea, essendo lui che gouerna come fa in questi tempi, et se io pitessi dirle ogni cosa in poca scri…
Translation
I cannot fail to tell Your Highness that it seems to me that [?] has not [helped?] the duke's affairs as he should have, since he governs as he does at present; and if I could tell you everything in a short wri…
Gallica
Excerpt
f103r, cipher lines R3–R5
…che gouerna come fa in questi tempi, et se io pitessi dirle ogni cosa in poca scrittura, uostra alteza uedria che ha mostratto tenire poco conto di sua ecelenza, che mi ha fatto marauigliare assai, perche non lo haurei mai pensato, e[t] se…
Translation
…who governs as he does at present; and if I could tell you everything in a short letter, Your Highness would see that he has shown little regard for His Excellency. This has greatly astonished me, because I would never have expected it; and if…
Excerpt
f103v, cipher lines V1–V2
io fossi in parte che io le potessi parlare, le direi cose che le parerebb[o]no strane, come parsero a me quando soccesse il fatto. Io ho inteso in questo punto da una persona degna di fede et homo di qualita…
Translation
I were somewhere I could speak to you, I would tell you things that would seem strange to you, just as they seemed to me when the incident occurred. I have just heard from a trustworthy person and a man of standing…

Français 3575 — f56r

Contents: The proposed surrender of the château of Clermont to the comte de Montgomery, the danger of alienating the religious party, and a recommendation for a judicial appointment. Transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Unidentified
Recipient: Unidentified
Year: Undated
Key: 43 codes, 43 letter codes
Ciphertext: 782 elements, 774 identified (99.0%)

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f56r, L07–L09 — 56r
…pas dans sa lettre et pretend ne povvoir obeir. Vovs scaves de qvelle importance est Clermont et ez [m]ains de qvi il entrera. C'est à vovs, Monsi…
Translation
…not in his letter, and claims that he cannot obey. You know how important Clermont is and into whose [hands] it will fall. It is for you, Sir…
Gallica
Excerpt
f56r, cipher lines L09–L13
ez [m]ains de qvi il entrera. C'est à vovs, Monsievr, à y povrveoir, ce qve vovs povvez faire librement car vovs estes av dessvs de l'envye, et ne me mettre en bvtte parce qve cela me rvineroi[t] envers cevx de la religion. Il i a avssy vn afa…
Translation
into whose [hands] it will fall. It is for you, sir, to attend to this, which you can do freely since you are above envy; and not expose me to attack, because this would [ruin] me in the eyes of those of the religion. There is also a matt…
Excerpt
f56r, L19–L22 — 56r
[b]on essient. C'est à vovs à adviser sy vovs lvy vovlez procvrer ce bien car ie tiens qv'il en est digne et ce cera chose profitable av service dv roy, à vovs et à moy.
Translation
in [good] earnest. It is for you to decide whether you wish to obtain this favour for him, because I consider him worthy of it, and it would benefit the king's service, you and me.

Français 22225

Contents: French commercial and diplomatic plans in Persia, including an approach to Chah Nadir and a consul at Ispahan; reports of Ottoman, Russian and Imperial military affairs. The June letter repeats the commercial instructions and discusses Otter's journey, oriental languages and political work. 6/6 pages transcribed; 5/5 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Louis-Sauveur, marquis de Villeneuve
Recipient: Jean Otter
Year: 29 June and 19 August 1737
Key: 323 codes: 46 letter signs, 273 in nomenclature, 4 unidentified; 27 structurally inferred
Ciphertext: 815 elements, 811 identified (99.5%)
Gallica

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f145v — beginning of the excerpt; f146r — cipher continuation and cleartext
J'ay fait icy le plu[s] de caresses que j'ay pu à Kerim Bey ; & quoique je n'aye pu avoir avec luy aucune conférence, j'ay lieu d'estre content des disposition favorables qu'il a fait paroître pour notre nation au personnes qui ont été luy parler de ma part. Il faut continuer de cultiver son amitié et luy témoigner la satisfaction que j'ay des marques qu'il m'a donné de la sienne.
Translation
I have shown Kerim Bey as much favour as I could. Although I have been unable to confer with him, I have reason to be pleased with the favourable disposition toward our nation that he showed to the people who spoke to him on my behalf. You must continue to cultivate his friendship and tell him how pleased I am with the signs he has given me of his own.
Excerpt
f145v
l'avenir un consul à Ispahan. Le raport que vous nous faires de ce que vous aures pu decourvrir des disposition de ce prince à ce sujet doit estre accompagné d'un[e] relation exacte & circonstanciee de la situation des affaires de Perse & de quelques refflection mesme sur le tour que vous pouves prévoir qu'elle prendront, pour eviter que les demarches que [le] Roy pourroit faire en cette occasion ne nous missent en conpromis
Translation
[…] in future? a consul at Isfahan. Your report on what you have been able to discover about this prince's intentions on that subject must be accompanied by an accurate? and detailed? account of the state of affairs in Persia, and some? reflections? on the course you can? foresee they will take, so that any steps the King might take on this occasion do not compromise us.
Excerpt
f143v — five completecipherlines
Je vous fis conn[oistre] avant votre depart d'icy qu'il conviendroit au intérêt de la France de retablir le commerce que nous avions autrefois en Perse. Cette idée, qui ne venoit allors que de moy, me paroît avoir esté goutée.
Translation
Before you left here I made [known] to you that it would be in France's interest to re-establish the trade we formerly had in Persia. This idea, which then came only from me, seems to have been welcomed.

Français 14765 — p351

Contents: An alchemical recipe using mercury, with promises of success and a warning against misuse. Transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Not established
Recipient: Not established
Year: 18th century?
Key: 37 symbols, 36 letter signs, 1 ligature; 2 unidentified signs
Ciphertext: 936 elements, 873 identified (93.3%); 61 ?, 2 unidentified

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
p351
soies sure, que vous aures reusi dans vos entrepresi, enco[r] vous seres heureux, si vous non feres acun mau vaise usage —
Translation
Be assured that you will have succeeded in your undertakings, and that you will be happy if you make no bad use of it.
Gallica
Excerpt
p351
Ceux, qui auront le bonheur, de décou[v]rir cet secret, seront heureux, etant bon chretien, et suivant ce, qui suit —
Translation
Those fortunate enough to discover this secret will be happy, provided they are good Christians and follow what comes next.

Italien 2242 — Lucinge, 1588

Contents: Lucinge discusses the king's concessions, Rouen's reception of the king, the Paris factions and the risks of civil war. Later letters concern Corbeil, Melun, marriage plans and the princess of Condé. 7/30 pages transcribed; 1 more in part; 7/30 pages deciphered; 1 more in part
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: René de Lucinge
Recipient: Charles-Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy
Year: 9 June, 18 June and 3 August 1588
Key: 41 symbols, 40 homophones, 0 in nomenclature, 1 null; 19 numerical codes unidentified
Ciphertext: Transcribed passages: 14,608 elements, 14,306 identified
Gallica 9 June 1588 — f122r Gallica 18 June 1588 — f124r 3 August 1588 — f131r

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f123r — six complete cipher lines and cleartext closing
Soit qu'à ruiner [?] et en la ruine de cettuy celle de son fils y a esté comprise. [?] J'ay un escrit de [?] touchant les conditions de [?]. Ensemble un billet qui me sert de croyance. Je ne l'ose envoyer par la voye commune. J'attends quelque courrier que [?] m'envoyera pour le luy envoyer bien seurement. Cependant j'en ay voulu retenir ses particularitez, attendant plus sure commodité. Je prieray Dieu de tout mon cœur qu'il donne à V. A.,
Translation
So as to ruin [?], with his son's ruin included in his own. [?] I have a document from [?] concerning the conditions of [?], together with a note serving as my credential. I dare not send it by the usual route. I am waiting for a courier whom [?] will send me, so that I can send it to him securely. Meanwhile I have held back these particulars, awaiting a safer opportunity. I will pray to God with all my heart that he grant Your Highness…
Excerpt
f131v—cipher lines12–15
[l]eur desseing si, par le moyen de [?], de [?], le cardinal Farnese estoit créé pape, et aveq les voix de France y meller celles de Florence, et qu'en cette façon [?] se conduiroit mieux au but de ses prétention, que est de se faire esli[r]e roy, non pas de Toscane mais en Toscane (je ne scay quelle finesse il entend entre ce [?]). Il [v]
Translation
Their plan: if, through [?], Cardinal Farnese became pope, combining the French votes with those of Florence, [?] would advance his ambitions of being elected king—not of Tuscany, but in Tuscany. (I do not know what subtle distinction he means here [?].)
Excerpt
f132v — cipher lines 3–5
[?] m'a asseuré que le comte de Soissons n'est point mal avec [?]. Cette princes[s]e de Condé est condamnée d'avoir la géhenne après le temps expiré durant lequel l'on ce do[u]te de sa groisse qu'elle a aleguée. On verra ce qu'il en…
Translation
[?] assured me that the count of Soissons is not on bad terms with [?]. This princess of Condé has been sentenced to torture after the period expires during which her claimed pregnancy is being doubted. We shall see what…
Excerpt
f122v — cipher lines1–5
ne veulent accorder. Les Parisiens ont forcé Corbueil et vont assieger Meleun. Ils tienent tous les pons de la riviere de Seine au dessus et dessous Paris. Rouan (dont [?] e[?]t [?] furent bien eastonnés), quand sa Mte y pensa aller, luy prierent de [?] venir pas et que le peuple se mutinoit au bruit qu[?] faisoit qu'il y vouloit fayre entrer ses garde[s]. Il n'y a ville de celles qui…
Translation
[They] do not wish to agree. The Parisians have forced their way into Corbeil and are going to besiege Melun. They hold all the bridges of the River Seine above and below Paris. Rouen (which greatly astonished [?] and [?]), when His Majesty planned to go there, asked him [?] not to come; the people grew restless at the rumour [?] that he intended to bring in his guards. There is no town among those that…
Excerpt
f122v — cipher lines25–28
[Toutes]fois [?] envoya la lettre de sa fille à [?]. [?] la monstra à [?], luy disant : « Madame, si vous nous faisies souvent de ses traicts, vous nous feries penser à des choses que nous ne voudrions pas. » « Quoy, dict elle, vous me voudries tenir prisonniere ? » « Non Madame, nous vous lairrions plustost aller. »
Translation
Nevertheless, [?] sent his daughter's letter to [?], who showed it to [?], saying: “Madam, if you played such tricks on us often, you would make us think of things we would rather not consider.” “What,” she said, “would you want to hold me prisoner?” “No, Madam, we would sooner let you go.”
Excerpt
f124r — three full cipher lines
u qui perd le plus en cet accord qu'ils traictent mais il semble que [?] estant les ch oses reduictes a ce point et qu'il ne pouuoyt se uenger iacoit qu'il eut eu les moyens sans domage et danger a mieux faict de laisser passe[r] l'orage s'il est re
Translation
…or who loses more in this agreement they are negotiating. But it seems that [?], matters having been reduced to this point and being unable to take revenge, although he had the means to do so without damage or danger, did better to let the storm pass [?], if he is re…

NAF 11355 — Emperor–Empress code

Contents: Napoleon III's policy toward the Pope, his criticism of diplomatic speculation, and reports from the Italian campaign; private family news exchanged with Empress Eugénie. 15/15 pages transcribed; 9/11 cipher pages deciphered; 2 more in part
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Napoleon III / Empress Eugénie (both directions)
Recipient: Empress Eugénie / Napoleon III (both directions)
Year: June 1859
Key: 233 codes, 12 letter signs, 220 in nomenclature, 1 separator
Ciphertext: 440 elements, 370 identified (84.1%); 4 assumed readings; 50 ? Literal plaintext: f35r: L'ennemi s'est retiré cette nuit. — One ciphered sentence only; fatigue passage not printed. · L'Écho saumurois, 28 June 1859, p. 1 ·
Gallica ff3r–5r Gallica f9r Gallica ff14r–15r Gallica ff17r–19r Gallica f27r Gallica ff29r–30r Gallica ff32r–35r

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f19r — the Pope and diplomacy
Je suis bien peiné au milieu de mes travaux d'avoir à répondre à toutes les sotte[s] suppositions de la diplomatie. Je maintiens le pape à Rome avec mon armée. Je ne me mêle en rien du reste de ses États.
Translation
I am very distressed, amid my work, to have to answer all the foolish suppositions of diplomacy. I keep the Pope in Rome with my army. I do not interfere in any way with the rest of his States.
Excerpt
f35r — the battle and the Austrian emperor's room
Impossible de donner des détails sur la bataille d'hier. Tout [le] monde était mort de fatigue. L'ennemi s'est retiré cette nuit. J'ignore le nombre précis de canons, de drapeaux et de prisonniers. J'ai couché cette nuit dans la chambre où l'Empereur d'Autriche a déjeuné hier matin. Niel est nommé Maréchal. La bataille prendra le nom de Solférino.
Translation
It is impossible to give details of yesterday's battle. Everyone was dead tired; the enemy withdrew during the night. I do not know the exact number of cannon, flags and prisoners. I slept last night in the room where the Emperor of Austria had breakfast yesterday morning. Niel has been appointed Marshal. The battle will be named Solferino.
Excerpt
f27r — Eugénie's message
Je suis désolée de vous avoir fait de la peine, ce n'était? pas mon intention. Ne vous inquiétez pas du petit, il va à merveille. J'écris aujourd'hui par la poste.
Translation
I am sorry to have caused you sorrow; that was not? my intention. Do not worry about the little one; he is doing wonderfully. I am writing today by post.

Earlier Work

Jimmy Apples, with the help of GPT 6 Astra and a little bit of help from Opus 5.5, notified me (13 October 2026) of his solution. He had published it on X on 5 October 2026 (github published later). He recovered 232 code groups with confidence, covering 422 of the 447 tokens in the ciphertext (94.4%). His reading of f.15 is given below. He says "Header groups (753, 1098, 504, 302, 163-455, 163-725) open several telegrams and are not part of the text. 163-725 heads both Solferino telegrams".

753 quartier impérial de covo 16 juin 1859
702(la) 102(armée) 116(aura) 927(passé) 115(aujourd'hui) 708(le) 868(o) 548(g) 721(li) 868(o) 1155(sans) 1113(rés) 660(is) 1244(tan) 199(ce) 858(nous) 1226(sui) 1376(vons) 702(la) 102(armée) 329z(autrichien) 926(pas) 30(à) 926(pas) 677(je) 1074(re) 310([cueille]) 925([partout]) 357(des) 381(981 in George's transcription; the handwriting is difficult to read but it looks like "3" in "310")([do]) 708(le) 81([ances]) 1099([relatives]) 123([aux]) 495([exact]) 656([ions]) 257([commises]) 914(par) 439(ennemi) je vais bien au revoir

L'armée aura passé aujourd'hui l'Oglio sans résistance. Nous suivons l'armée autrichienne pas à pas. Je recueille partout des doléances relatives aux exactions commises par l'ennemi. Je vais bien. Au revoir

I marked with [] those groups George conservatively left blank. While Apples calls them "inferred or tentative", the solution here is not just a fabrication but is carefully chosen so that the assigned readings fit in the alphabetically ordered code list.

Apples provided me with a brief account of his method. It appears he first identified high-frequency figures with monosyllable words such as 30(à), 323(de), 702(la), 708(le), .... He says the gap between la(702) and le(708) was the first clue to assume the assignment is alphabetical and thought it was confirmed by a clerk's correction of 702 to 708 (probably referring to f.9). Once several figures are identified, candidates for other figures can be checked by their placement in the alphabetical order and of course by a cross-occurrence check (to see if it makes sense in other instances). When placenames were identified (O-G-LI-O, MIN-CI-O) and single letters and syllables were accepted, groups that had resisted word readings began to emerge.

Français 2933

Contents: Salviati discusses restoration of possession and imperial territory, defence and government of the state, nobles and people, captains and guards, the archbishop of Toledo, Modena, and correspondence sent by land and sea. 2/8 pages transcribed; 1 more in part; 3/8 pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Giovanni, cardinal Salviati
Recipient: Not established
Year: 16 October 1525
Key: 78 symbols: 18 letters, 54 syllables, 3 doubled letters, 3 words
Ciphertext: 838 elements, 704 identified; 2 further groups with unresolved boundaries; transcription incomplete
Gallica f54r

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f54r — complete lines 13–15
e bisogniera trovare qualche modo [?] Pure a me pare che l'essere restituita la possessione basti [?] maxime. Stando ancora le cose [?] di Modena [?] come stanno hora, V.S.…
Translation
and it will be necessary to find some way [?] Yet it seems to me that having possession restored should suffice [?] especially with matters [?] of Modena [?] still as they now stand, Your Lordship…

Français 4687 — ff5v–7v

Contents: Italian family correspondence mentioning Milan, a stable master, Carlo, a brother, and an offer of scudi for a state. The letter remains partly unread. 4/4 pages transcribed in part; 2/4 pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Marguerite Paléologue (catalogue attribution for ff1 onward)
Recipient: Louis de Gonzague, duke of Nevers (catalogue attribution)
Year: 1562–1564 (catalogue group; individual dates unchecked)
Key: 17 numerical code classes; some written forms remain uncertain.
Ciphertext: f5v/f6r: 241 elements transcribed and deciphered. f6v/f7v: 356 base signs transcribed, none deciphered; code groups unresolved. Gallica f5v

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f6r, cipher rows 8–10
Averia dat volontier a cuatr cento mila scudi per aver cuel stato et pareva ? ascoltase ? parla
Translation
[He] would willingly have given four hundred thousand scudi to obtain that state, and it seemed ? would listen ? speaks.

Français 3142 — Du Bellay, ff65–66

Contents: Du Bellay complains to the Constable about efforts to remove him from Rome and a dispute over the bishopric of Bazas. 4/4 pages transcribed; 1/4 pages deciphered; 3 more in part
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Jean, cardinal Du Bellay
Recipient: The Constable
Year: Undated
Key: 43 symbols
Ciphertext: 851 elements,547 identified (64.3%) Gallica — f65r

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt f66r, cipher lines 10–12
à ses freres et aux gens de Burgos les raisons qui luy poisent sur le cueur il les veult payer de bourdes [?] devant eulx pource [?]
Translation
To his brothers and the people of Burgos, the reasons that weigh on his heart; he wishes to fob them off with tales [?] before them because [?].

Français 5581 — Letter from Mondesir

Contents: A private letter from Isle de France criticizes the governor's conduct, weak coastal defence and food shortages caused by price controls. The writer also discusses an artillery appointment, the forge enterprise, debts, and selling his share to provide for his wife. 13/13 pages transcribed; 11/11 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Writer in Mondesir, Isle de France (name not established)
Recipient: The writer's wife
Year: 20 November 1769, with later additions
Key: 24 mapped signs: 23 letter forms, 1 name; 2 personal signs unidentified.
Ciphertext: 4,923 elements: 3,950 deciphered, 949 separator marks (?), 24 unidentified
Gallica f50r

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f50v
même de son metier, aussi est on, on peu dire, ignorant presomptueux, entete comme un bas Breton qu'on est [?] se lai[s]se prevenir fortement souvent par le premier venu, entier dans ses idees qu'on a saisit promptement et mis à execution sans faire aucune reflexion ni consulter personne. Aussi fait on beaucoup de sottises et d'ordonnances dont on est obligé de revenir ou de laisser sans effets. [?] est vif jusque à l'emportement et aux exces…
Translation
Even in his own profession, he is, one may say, ignorant, presumptuous, and stubborn as a Breton. [?] lets himself be strongly prejudiced by the first person who comes along, clings to ideas hastily seized upon, and puts them into action without reflection or consulting anyone. This produces many foolish decisions and orders that have to be reversed or left without effect. [?] is impetuous, to the point of anger and excess.
Excerpt
f51r
la deffence sur l'agiotage des billets du Roy avec les piastres, sur lequel on a esté obligé de fermer les yeux comme sur la taxation des denrees de toute espece.
Translation
The ban on speculating in the king's bills against piastres, on which they have been obliged to turn a blind eye, as with fixing the prices of provisions of every kind.
Excerpt
f56r, continuous paragraph, lines3–6 — 56r
Et si après on veut maccorder des hommes et de largent et que jaye deux ans de paix pour me preparer a la guerre on verra la Différence du[c/n?] homme e un autre.
Translation
And if they then wish to give me men and money, and I have two years of peace to prepare for war, people will see the difference between [one?] man and another.

Français 23054 — Blasco, 2 May 1597

Contents: Juan Blasco reports court negotiations, the prospect of coming with the princess, and efforts to obtain royal favors. He discusses a gift for Don Cristóbal and the support of Don Juan, Chinchón and Miranda. 3/4 pages transcribed; 1 more in part; 3/3 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: Yes
Sender: Juan Blasco de Aragon
Recipient: Not established
Year: 2 May 1597
Key: 16 codes, 16 letter values; 5 unidentified positions
Ciphertext: 107 elements, 102 identified (95.3%)
Gallica f71r

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f72r
por fuerça [?] con el parecer de todos los amigos. No ay duda que lo de venir con la princesa como dize V. E., siendo con las condiciones que V. E. apunta, seria lo que mejor estuviesse, pero hasta agora no ay nada en esto, a lo menos no lo sabemos.
Translation
By force [?], with the opinion of all our friends. There is no doubt that coming with the princess, as Your Excellency says, on the conditions Your Excellency specifies, would be best; but so far there is nothing in this, at least as far as we know.
Excerpt
f72v
Estamos tratando con don Baltasar de hacer algun presente a don Christoual, que es el que mand[a] todo, y no se perdera ocasion ninguna en que se ofrezca hacer el servicio de V. E. que no se haga.
Translation
We are discussing with Don Baltasar giving some present to Don Cristóbal, who commands everything; no opportunity to serve Your Excellency will be left unused.

Deciphered using a matching key

Français 3613 — Rondinelli, ff62r–v

Contents: Rondinelli describes Catholic dissatisfaction, preparations against Paris, and doubts about the Duke of Mena protecting the city. 2/2 pages transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Ercole Rondinelli
Recipient: Duke of Nevers
Year: 11 November 1590
Key: 32 symbols: 23 letter/vowel forms, 5 in nomenclature, 2 nulls, 2 controls
Ciphertext: 656 elements, 655 identified (99.8%)
Key elsewhere: Original key in a different volume: Français 3995, f89r.
Deciphered using a matching key

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f62r, full cipher lines 15–17
… dalla necessita io non posso credere che l signor duca di Mena sia bastante per difenderla, uedendosi che egli si consiglia et si gouerna per l'auiso di quelli che desiderano la sua ruina.
Translation
…because of the necessity, I cannot believe that the Duke of Mena is capable of defending it, seeing that he takes counsel and governs himself according to the advice of those who desire his ruin.

Français 3622

Contents: Arrangements to send money to Lyon and check Swiss muster rolls; a promised payment by the end of April and a mission to the aldermen of Lyon. 3/3 pages transcribed in part; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Duke of Nevers
Recipient: M. de Gondi
Year: 27 March 1594
Key: 54 symbols: 39 letter signs, 1 double-letter sign, 14 in nomenclature
Ciphertext: 245 elements, 230 identified (93.9%)
Key elsewhere: Original key in a different volume: Français 3995, ff122v–123r (Cryptiana no66).<:Cryptiana

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f91r — four complete body lines
facent monstre sur les vieu? rooles parce qu'il y va grand perte. Rasseure le Roy qui l'auroit le tout à la fyn d'avril selon que vous me dites. Au demeurant, j'ay despesché aussy ? Asdrubal vers le Corse et eschevyns de Lyon pour l'affaire
Translation
[They] muster on the old? rolls, because a great loss is at stake. Reassure the King that he would have everything by the end of April, as you tell me. Meanwhile, I have also sent ? Asdrubal to the Corsican and the aldermen of Lyon about the business.

Français 3613 — Sega, ff148r–v

Contents: A religious book, Navarre at Christmas Mass, and plans for an undertaking at Tours. 1/2 pages transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Filippo Sega
Recipient: Cardinal Caetano
Year: 9 January 1591
Key: 29 plaintext codes and 1 null; published historical key 65.
Ciphertext: 100 elements, 100 identified (100.0%): 99 plaintext codes and 1 null.
Key elsewhere: Published historical key elsewhere: Meister, Die Geheimschrift im Dienste der päpstlichen Kurie (1906), key 65, pp. 435–436.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f148v, complete enciphered passage and cleartext opening
Che Lignerac è stato inuiato d'ordine di Umena in Poitu et Bretagna a solecitar la impresa di Tours per doue ua anco a questi efeto un religioso acciò se l uno fose impedito l altro pasi.
Translation
Lignerac has been sent by order of Umena to Poitou and Brittany to press the undertaking at Tours. A religious man is also going there for this purpose, so that if one were prevented, the other might get through.

Plaintext available

Italien 2242 — Tranchedini, 1452

Contents: The 28 June postscript discusses the bishops of Parma and Novara, the pope's response, and the bishop's reputation. 3/3 pages transcribed in part; Partly deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Nicodemo Tranchedini
Recipient: Francesco Sforza
Year: 28 June 1452
Key: 55 symbols: 23 letter forms, 32 in nomenclature
Ciphertext: 852 elements deciphered; transcription incomplete
Gallica f89r
Key elsewhere: Domnina (2018), Figure 5: reconstructed Tranchedini key from the 1449 letter and a 1454 decipherment. Matching values are checked against the 1452 manuscript.
Plaintext in another folio of the same volume: Literal historical decipherment on f88r–v, immediately before the cipher on f89r (PDF84–85).

Français 4696 / 4698 — graphical cipher, ff5r/62r–v, ff30r– 31r and f104r

Contents: Confidential warnings and cavalry arrangements: horses, payments, dispatches and service in war. The Français 4698 fragment contains a request for an appeal or intercession; most of that letter remains unread. The Paris letter of16 February1590 discusses friendship, the King of Spain and a request; its substantial gaps remain unread. 2/7 pages transcribed; 5 more in part; 7/7 pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Scipion de Gonzague (Français 4696); not established for Français 4698
Recipient: Duke of Nevers (Français 4696); not established for Français 4698
Year: 1585–1589 (Français 4696); 1590 (Français 4698)
Key: 66 symbols/codes: 41 letter signs, 1 digraph, 24 in nomenclature
Ciphertext: 3,078 recorded groups, 1,147 identified; 8 further groups with unresolved boundaries
Interlinear plaintext: Français 4696, f5r: interlinear plaintext for this cipher. Interlinear plaintext: Français 4698: corresponding historical enciphering/plaintext worksheets on f26r/f93r and the f17v/f105 comparison support the checked f104r marked codes.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f62v, three complete body lines5–7
giudico ? il aiutarle. Quanto poi a la persona sva egli si ?ferisce prontisimo a servirla et particolar[men]te in caso di difesa o vero di esaltatione di lei, fuor di questi ? solo de sua salute, ri[gu]ardo al interesse
Translation
…helping you. As for his own person, he [offers?] himself very ready to serve you, especially in defending or advancing your position. Apart from these matters, ? only his welfare, with regard to the interest…

Earlier Work

Before George's email (10 October 2026), I had received an email (4 October 2026) from Paolo Rosson, who worked with Claude (Anthropic), running as Claude Code with subagents, reporting his solution.

He recovered about 150 code values (numerical with diacritics) and the symbol alphabet from glosses in fr.4698 (f. 105r, and words written above the cipher on ff. 21v, 22r, 26r, 93r, 101r) and found the assignment is in alphabetical order. By searching the printed catalogue of sister volumes, he found three decipherments (albeit anonymous) in fr.4702. After 378 values were established, he found letters with decipherment in fr.4696, which confirmed most of the 378 values. He used the reconstructed key to decipher two letters without decipherment: f.26v-27r (24 March 1590) and f.36r-37r (31 March 1580).

Dupuy 61 — Villeroy, f258r

Contents: Villeroy presses for the Rome mission to leave without delay, warns of Spanish forces and unrest in Paris, and discusses Mayenne and a possible truce. 2/2 pages transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: M. de Villeroy
Recipient: M. de La Verrière
Year: 19 July; year not written
Key: 127 codes, 98 homophones, 29 in nomenclature; unmarked numbers ≥ 121 are nulls
Ciphertext: 1164 elements, 1147 identified (98.5%) Interlinear plaintext: Numerical letter only: Historical interlinear decipherment on f258r,colourPDF527/Gallica525.
Key elsewhere: Volume unknown: original key image in the local Nevers archive. Matches 82 entries used in the numerical letter on f258r. (*This is BnF fr.3995 f.140 (no.75 in my list).)

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f258r
Monsieur, je ne sçay ce que vous pensez faire d'attendre si long temps à faire partir ceux qu[i] doivent aller à Rome. On s'abuze si on pense de pouvoir faire autrement, et ces longueurs prejudicient infiniment, et semble par là qu'on ne desire qu'on effectue […]
Translation
Sir, I do not know what you think you will achieve by waiting so long to send off those who must go to Rome. It is a mistake to think that things can be done otherwise; these delays cause immense harm, and make it appear that there is no desire to carry out […]

Dupuy 155

Contents: The Tuscan ambassador and Don Juan discuss neutral custody of Chateau d'If. The Grand Duke cannot compel Bussetto or surrender the Italian garrison's position without breaking his promise. 2/9 pages transcribed; 1 more in part; 2/9 pages deciphered; 1 more in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Francesco Guicciardini?
Recipient: Ferdinando I de Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany
Year: 10 May 1597
Key: 41 codes: 20 letter signs, 19 in nomenclature, 2 unidentified
Ciphertext: Transcribed passages: 1,952 elements, 1,946 identified Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear Italian plaintext on the same pages.
Key elsewhere: Different volume: Dupuy 63, f48 (23 April 1597). Cryptiana's reconstructed key matches 27 values in the two transcribed pages.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f41r, rows9-14
[ante]cessore et nel mio. Et se Vostra Altezza nel principio fusse contentata di por quel luogo in mano di una terza persona confidente anbe le parti, perche lo conservassi a che fusse stato legitimo et Catolico Re di Francia, come da Sua Maesta ella ne fu richiesta, che si saria rimediato a molti inconvenienti et non sariano nati li a[ccidenti].
Translation
...my predecessor and in my own time. And if Your Highness had initially agreed to put that fortress in the hands of a third person trusted by both sides, to preserve it for whoever became the legitimate Catholic King of France, as His Majesty had requested, many difficulties could have been remedied and those incidents would not have arisen.

NAF 28227(9)

Contents: Bossuet correspondence concerning ecclesiastical controversy, censures and ordinances, assemblies, printed works, diplomacy in Rome, and church appointments. 3/32 pages transcribed; 28 more in part; 12/28 cipher pages deciphered; 16 more in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Bossuet correspondence
Recipient: Includes letters to the abbé Bossuet
Year: Selected letters from1697–1698
Key: 41 numerical codes; 1 symbol; 1 pseudonym
Ciphertext: Transcribed passages: 642 elements, 626 identified
Key in the same volume: Original cipher key in the same volume, PDF 345-346. Interlinear plaintext: Historical interlinear plaintext survives on the selected letter pages.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
PDF199 — three complete body lines
Je ne vois que faire pour ce qui est icy une querele particuliere.
Translation
I do not see what to do about what is a private quarrel here.

Français 23054 — Spanish numerical correspondence

Contents: Philip II discusses Ottoman negotiations, aid to Transylvania and the Emperor, and the conversion of Condé's mother. An earlier letter reports the capture of Hulst and payments to the army. 3/3 pages transcribed in part; 3/3 pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Philip II / Archduke Albert
Recipient: Duke of Sessa / Philip II
Year: 31 March 1597 / 25 August 1596
Key: 174 codes; 2 values uncertain
Ciphertext: 379 elements, 340 identified (89.7%) Interlinear plaintext: Historical interlinear plaintext on f145r, in this volume.
Key elsewhere: Published Cp.39 reconstruction from a different volume, Français 15972 (Cryptiana). ·

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f145r, full cipher lines 6–8
…que no se les puede dar, y assi sera de la prudencia de S.S. embiar al legado y a Juan Francisco las ordenes convenientes de los socorros que deven hazer en este año con el Emperador y el transilva[no].
Translation
…which cannot be given to them. Thus His Holiness should prudently send the legate and Juan Francisco the appropriate instructions for the assistance they are to provide this year with the Emperor and the Transylvanian [ruler].

Français 3318

Contents: Instructions about the Polish royal election discuss Anjou, Archduke Ernest, rival candidates and reports from the Duke of Lorraine's court. Transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Charles IX
Recipient: Jean de Vulcob
Year: 7 March 1573
Key: 43 identified symbols, 39 letter signs, 4 in nomenclature
Ciphertext: 754 elements, 746 identified; 4 groups with unresolved boundaries and 19 null-marked groups not included in these counts Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on the same page, f32r. ·
Key elsewhere: Comparison key in a different volume: Colbert 398; 14 shared letter forms.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f32r, complete cipher lines 13–15
…election l'archiduc Erneste, sont semblables a ceu? que le sieur de Tanneberg a tenuz a la court de mon frere le duc de Lorraine sur ce fait et pourroit bien estre ?
Translation
…election, Archduke Ernest, resemble what the sieur de Tanneberg has said on this matter at the court of my brother, the Duke of Lorraine, and it could well be ?.

Clairambault 460 — reciprocal alphabet

Contents: Reports on the Princes' liberty, Nemours leaving Paris, Spanish concern over Bordeaux, Turenne's negotiations, Chevreuse's mediation, and Sfondrati's advance with six hundred horsemen. 5/5 pages transcribed; 5/5 pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Darnétal (catalogue attribution for manuscript p103; not every unsigned letter established)
Recipient: Unestablished for the checked selections
Year: Bordeaux, 8 September 1650 for p103; dates of the other selected letters unestablished
Key: 22 symbols, 22 letter signs
Ciphertext: 888 visible elements, 887 identified; additional ciphertext hidden in the binding Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear historical decipherments on selected PDF50/59/61 passages. Plaintext in the margin or below: Some glosses are displaced above earlier lines or at the bottom of the facing page. Plaintext in another folio of the same volume: Facing manuscript p106 supplies gloss context for selected p107 (PDF61).

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
p107 — complete cipher paragraph
jusques à Neufchastel Mais au lieu de le faire passer la riviere, les Espagnolz luy ont envoyé six cens chevaux, parce qu'il avoit (disent ils) peu de cavalerie et luy ont faict demeurer. Ce qui fait croire qu'ils ont tousiours la pensée de faire quelque siege.
Translation
as far as Neufchâtel But instead of making him cross the river, the Spaniards sent him six hundred horsemen because, they say, he had little cavalry, and they made him remain there. This suggests that they still intend to undertake a siege.

Clairambault 460 — graphic cipher, pp53–55

Contents: Spanish financial and military support for Bouillon: promised payments, eight armed frigates, and an advance toward Paris. 3/3 pages transcribed; 3/3 pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Not established
Recipient: Duke of Bouillon
Year: 6–8 August 1650, Madrid
Key: 54 symbols, 50 letter signs, 4 unidentified
Ciphertext: 949 elements, 941 identified (99.2%) Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on pp53–55. ·

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
p55 — postscript
un courrier à Mr de Condé? Don Louis lui escrit et à Fonsaldagne pour les haster d'antr[er] en France et marcher droit à Paris.
Translation
a courier to Mr de Condé? Don Louis writes to him and to Fonsaldagne to urge them to enter France and march straight to Paris.

Clairambault 1108

Contents: Vergier reports the Anglo-Dutch fleet off Calais, Jacobite landing plans, and his conversations with James II's entourage; he also discusses naval preparations at Dunkerque. 17/17 pages transcribed; 12/12 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Jacques Vergier
Recipient: Monseigneur, probably Jérôme de Pontchartrain
Year: 10, 20, 26, 29 and 30 March 1696; 6 April 1696?
Key: 152 codes: 31 letter codes, 116 nomenclature entries, 5 nulls
Ciphertext: 1,212 elements, 1,209 identified (99.8%)
Interlinear plaintext: Historical interlinear plaintext in the six letters, ff247r–251v,256v–257v,260v–262r.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f249v
…dit seulement qu'il croyoit, et je trouve que c'est avec assez de raison, que l'affaire est à present presque impraticable sur la coste de Kent, à cause des forces que le Prince d'Orange a mises de ce costé-là. Et qu'il seroit à present necessaire de tenter le debarquement dans la province d'York, où sont presque tous les haras d'Angleterre, et où par consequent on trouveroit les chevaux necessaires pour l'armée, ou bien dans une des provinces de l'Ouest.
Translation
…said only that he thought—and with good reason, I believe—that the enterprise is now almost impracticable on the coast of Kent because of the forces the Prince of Orange has stationed there. It would now be necessary to attempt the landing in Yorkshire, where almost all England's stud farms are situated and where the horses needed for the army could consequently be found, or in one of the western provinces.

Clairambault 1161

Contents: Political notices concerning England and Flanders: English arms and the Tower, religious policy, ships bound for Spain, Genoese lending, foreign courtiers, and a reported plan to force entry at Hampton Court. 6/6 pages transcribed; 2/6 pages deciphered; 4 more in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Unidentified
Recipient: Unidentified
Year: Unestablished;1554/1555 remains a hypothesis
Key: 51 accepted forms: 38 letter signs, 11 nomenclature entries, 2 nulls, 39 provisional unidentified labels
Ciphertext: 3,149 elements, 3,046 identified; 5 further wordlike groups not classified Plaintext in the margin or below: Matching historical plaintext in the margin of f163r, in the same volume; the other five cipher faces have no established matching plaintext.
Gallica Selected pages f162r–f164v

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f163r — complete eight-line cipher paragraph
Ce Seigneur a par deulx fois escript et mandé à ceste royne qu'elle laissast passer en silence et dissimulation beaucoup de choses quant au faict de la religion en ce royaume afin de regaigner sa noblesse et peuple, et que son filz et elle y puissent regner et commander en plus grand repos.
Translation
This lord has twice written and sent word to this queen that she should let many matters concerning religion in this kingdom pass in silence and dissimulation, in order to win back her nobility and people, so that her son and she may reign and command there in greater peace.

Clairambault 1225

Contents: Negotiations to sell the island of Tabarka, secret intelligence and a disputed Genoese inheritance; the princess of Parma's marriage to the king of Spain and the Farnese succession. 13/13 pages transcribed; 7/7 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Paget?
Recipient: Votre Excellence; identity unestablished
Year: Genoa, 3 April and 28 August 1714
Key: 113 codes, 20 letter codes, 89 in nomenclature, 4 unidentified
Ciphertext: 495 elements, 487 identified (98.4%)
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on ff53r–54r, f57v and ff58r–59r.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f58v
qualitez qu'on peut desirer. Elle achevera sa 22e année le 25 Octobre prochain, estant née le mesme mois en mil 692. Elle est bien faite, blonde, le visage rond, les traits fins et assez reguliers, et la taille belle, quoy que moyenne, beaucoup d'esprit et un air fort modeste.
Translation
Qualities one could wish for. She will complete her twenty-second year on 25 October next, having been born in the same month in 1692. She is well formed and blonde, with a round face, fine and fairly regular features, and a fine figure, though of medium size; much intelligence and a very modest manner.

Dupuy 468

Contents: A German princely league would admit new members by majority consent, promise pensions, and later bring in the French king. 2/3 pages transcribed; 1 more in part; 2/2 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Ernestus dux and Joachimus; probably Ernst of Brunswick-Lüneburg and Joachim von Maltzan
Recipient: Francis I, King of France
Year: Eve of Saint Paul, at five in the morning; no year. Context suggests c.1518–1520;1519 remains plausible.
Key: 30 symbols, 20 letter signs, 6 in nomenclature, 3 nulls?, 1 unidentified
Ciphertext: 684 elements, 660 identified (96.5%)
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear decipherment accompanies most cipher runs on f28r–v,PDF65–66
.
Gallica Selected letter, f28r–f29r

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f28r, final four cipher lines
Tunc optimum erit ut christianissimus hoc fedus petat velle inire; hoc modo etiam si aliquando noluissent esse in federe cu[m] christianissimo, hoc modo astricti erunt esse confederatores christianissimi.
Translation
Then it will be best for the Most Christian King to ask to join this alliance. In this way, even if some had not wished to ally themselves with him, they will be bound to become his allies.

Français 2971

Contents: A Venetian diplomatic report about the king's letters, an affront involving Milan, and warnings of a conspiracy; its closing fragment mentions England. Transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: F. Le Rouge
Recipient: the Chancellor
Year: 11 July, year unestablished
Key: 28 symbols, 22 letter signs, 2 in nomenclature, 4 unidentified
Ciphertext: 623 elements, 610 identified (97.9%)
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on the same page, f32r. ·

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f32r, cipher lines 1–3
… lettres du Roy à Seigneurie n'eussent sceu arriuer à meilleur poinct, aultant qu'elle [e]stoit mal contente apres la demonstration qu'elle auoit faicte pour le roi…
Translation
… letters from the king to the Signoria could not have arrived at a better moment, given that it was displeased after the show of support it had made for the king …

Français 3321

Contents: A political letter says the union can impose its terms and describes an escape from execution, drowning and plunder; several named opponents remain uncertain. Transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Signed DC
Recipient: Not established
Year: 20 May; year not established
Key: 32 symbols, 25 letter signs, 5 in nomenclature, 1 null ?, 1 unidentified
Ciphertext: 49 elements, 46 identified (93.9%); 2 ?, 1 unidentified
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on the same page, f103r. ·

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f103r, first four lines
Les affaires sont en tel termes qu'infalliblement la Ruyne de Espernon s'en ensuivra, ou de cest estat. Car l'union est si forte qu'elle peult mieux donner la loy que la recepvoir. Demain la req[ueste] s'en doibt partir, vous en aurez Incontinent la coppie Comme on vous envoye du reste.
Translation
Affairs have reached such a point that Épernon's ruin, or the ruin of this state, will inevitably follow. The union is so strong that it can dictate the law rather than receive it. The petition is to be sent tomorrow; you will immediately receive a copy, as the other material is being sent to you.

Français 3414 — Dampierre, ff125r–125v

Contents: Dampierre reports news of the King of Navarre's army and says the legates will arrive too late; the cipher ends with advice and instructions. 2/2 pages transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Dampierre
Recipient: Duke of Nevers
Year: 5 November 1589
Key: 39 symbols: 33 letter signs, 6 in nomenclature.
Ciphertext: 67 elements, 67 identified (100.0%).
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on the same page, f125r. ·

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f125r, complete first paragraph: three cipher rows with surrounding cleartext f125r, complete closing, date and signature (cleartext)
Vous verrez, Monseigneur, par les nouvelles que vous envoye monsieur de Launay l'estat de l'armée du Roy de Navarre. Les legats viendront trop tart je sera icy d'ou je n'y bougeray sans vostre aduis et commandement. Si tost que nous aurons plus de nouvelles nous ne fauldrons de vous en mander, sur ce je prie Dieu. Monseigneur, qu'il vous donne en santé heureuse et longue vie. Ce 5 de Novembre 1589. Vostre bien humble et affectionné serviteur Dampierre
Translation
You will see, Monseigneur, from the news Monsieur de Launay sends you, the state of the King of Navarre's army. The legates will arrive too late. I will be here, from where I will not move without your advice and instructions. As soon as we have further news, we shall not fail to send it to you. With that I pray to God. Monseigneur, may He grant you a happy and long life in good health. 5 November 1589. Your very humble and devoted servant, Dampierre.

Français 3516 — Villeroy / royal cipher

Contents: Instructions on negotiations with England and the United Provinces, support for Prince Maurice, and the choice between peace and a truce with Spain. 2/15 pages transcribed; 2 more in part; 2/15 pages deciphered; 2 more in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Villeroy; Henri IV
Recipient: Pierre Jeannin and fellow envoys
Year: 1607
Key: 110 symbols: 35 letter signs, 74 in nomenclature, 1 repetition sign.
Ciphertext: Transcribed passages: 1,145 elements, 1,099 identified
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext at ff86r–86v and112r.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f86r, cipher lines8–11
comme à tous ceux qui affectionnent ceste union, sans toutefois par trop vous fonder ou confier aux belles parrolles de son agent, ny des autres qui penchent de son coste, car ilz sont tous trompeurs. Mais si nous
Translation
as to all those who favour this union, without however relying too much on or trusting the fine words of his agent or of the others who lean to his side, for they are all deceitful. But if we

Français 3758 — Châtillon, 3 August 1635

Contents: Châtillon criticizes the army's condition and discusses withdrawal across the Rhine for greater safety. 10/10 pages transcribed; 4/4 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Châtillon
Recipient: Servien
Year: 3 août 1635
Key: 78 signs: 56 letter signs, 20 in nomenclature, 2 repeat controls.
Ciphertext: 666 written positions, 624 identified (93.7%); one group boundary uncertain.
Plaintext in another folio of the same volume: Plaintext in the same volume: f123v for f124r; f126r for f126v–127r; f127r for f127v.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f127v, cipher continuation
Cette consideration les pourra empescher de s'engager si avant, mais Je Vous respon que nous ne jouons point de ruse cete fois, mais nous passons le Rhin pour nostre plus grande seurete afin d'avoir se grand fleuve entre les ennemis et nous.
Translation
This consideration may prevent them from advancing so far; but I assure you that we are playing no trick this time. We cross the Rhine for our greater safety, in order to have this great river between the enemy and ourselves.

Français 3822

Contents: The Nemours–Savoy dispute: a refused levy of two thousand men, reconciliation with Savoy, Piedmont, and crossing the mountains. 2/5 pages transcribed; 1/5 pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Recipient: Bertelot (catalogue item73)
Key: 121 mapped forms: 35 letter signs and 86 in nomenclature
Ciphertext: 1,646 elements, 686 identified; 10 further groups with unresolved boundaries
Interlinear plaintext: Contemporary interlinear plaintext on the same manuscript pages, ff132r–134v.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f133r, three complete manuscript lines
Il n'y a point de doubte que S.A. ne ce sente griefvement offensé du refus faict de la levée des deux mil hommes sans congé ce qui n'est maintenant à propos. Regardez de reparer cela vous excusant…
Translation
There is no doubt that His Highness feels deeply offended by the refusal concerning the levy of the two thousand men without leave—something that is not appropriate at present. See that you put this right by excusing yourself…

Français 3944

Contents: Royal instructions concerning an attack on the Milanese, Savoyard preparations, and an attack on Rives. 1/2 pages transcribed; 1 more in part; 2/2 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Raimond Phélypeaux d'Herbault
Recipient: Bullion
Year: 29 July 1625
Key: 81 symbols/codes: 51 letter signs, 30 syllable or word codes.
Ciphertext: 375 elements, 366 identified (97.6%)
Interlinear plaintext: Historical interlinear plaintext on the same letter, ff99r–v.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f99r, three complete cipher rows
croions que les forces presentes des [Ennemis] et les considerations de M. de Savoye pour la conservation de ses estats nous imposeront une loy assez absolue pour ce regard
Translation
We believe that the enemy's present forces and Monsieur de Savoy's concern for preserving his states will impose a fairly absolute rule on us in this respect.

Français 4700 — Gondi symbol cipher, ff9r–10r

Contents: Negotiations over the Pope's absolution of the French king, with warnings that the Duke of Sessa was delaying a settlement; references to Savoy and Monsieur de Maisse. 5/6 pages transcribed; 1 more in part; 3/6 pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Girolamo Gondi
Recipient: Duke of Nevers and Rethel
Year: 15 May 1594
Key: 54 symbols: 42 letter signs, 4 doubled-letter signs, 8 in nomenclature
Ciphertext: 1,469 elements, 1,449 identified (98.6%)
Interlinear plaintext: Historical Italian interlinear decipherments accompany the selected cipher lines on ff9r–10r / PDF21 and23.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f9v, rows 10–13
luogo di queste parti doppa la reductione di parigi non abbiamo auto qui alcuna lettere di monsieur di reuol ne daltri ne fatta alcuna dimostratione di ralegramento con noi et si ua dubitando che si sia stato fatto qualche cattiuo uffitio da
Translation
… place in these parts. Since the submission of Paris, we have received no letters here from Monsieur de Revol or anyone else, nor any expression of congratulations; and there is suspicion that someone has done us a disservice …

Other Letters from BnF fr.4700

Paolo Rosson, working with Claude (Anthropic), running as Claude Code with subagents, notified me (12 October 2026) of his solutions of BnF fr.4700 f. 72 (Duke of Nevers to Tommaso Bozio, 1 May 1593) and BnF fr.4700 f.80, 85, 65 (Nevers's agent in Rome, Vincenzo Badalocchio, December 1592 to January 1593). According to him, the cipher used in Badalocchio's letter is a replacement of no.56 in what I call the Nevers Collection, whose endorsement says that it was replaced in September 1592.

Français 5160

Contents: Savoy's policy toward Spain and the proposed marriage of the Infanta; the Duke of Mantua, Casale and the Monferrat dispute. Brienne also reports army news, the fall of Bordeaux and the succession to La Vieuville in financial administration. 14/14 pages transcribed; 13/13 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: de Loménie Brienne
Recipient: Servien
Year: 10 January and 1 August 1653; letter B undated in selected cipher pages
Key: 136 symbols/codes: 25 letter signs, 101 in nomenclature, 7 nulls ?, 3 unidentified
Ciphertext: 1,356 elements, 1,308 identified (96.5%); 40 nulls ?, 3 unidentified, 5 cancelled
Plaintext in another folio of the same volume: Same volume: literal plaintext of letter B at f10r; literal plaintext of letter C at ff17r–v. Letter A uses the same key.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f18r
Les sages en jugent autrement je m'en remettray à leurs sentimens. Pour avoir droit de se plaindre du duc de Mantoue des graces qu'il depart aux Espagnols, il faudroit l'en rechercher de semblables ou de quipolentes, et sy il s'y rendoit difficile on pouroit avec justice luy reprocher sa conduitte. Mais de luy imputer…
Translation
The wise judge otherwise; I will defer to their judgment. To complain about the Duke of Mantua's favors to the Spaniards, one would have to ask him for similar or equivalent favors; if he proved reluctant, one could then justly reproach his conduct. But to impute to him…

NAF 22738

Contents: Louis XIV's instructions to Feuquières discuss Sweden's military plans and the risk of sending a fleet into the Baltic. 4/4 pages transcribed; 4/4 pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Louis XIV
Recipient: Marquis de Feuquières
Year: 9 December 1678
Key: 67 codes: 18 letter signs, 49 in nomenclature
Ciphertext: 1,920 elements, 1,169 identified (60.9%)
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on ff156r–157v.
Plaintext in the margin or below: Marginal plaintext on f157r.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f156r, lines6–8
pouvoir reduire entierement les ennemis de la Suede par la force, que je crois important de profiter des dispositions où ils paroissent de s'accommoder avec cette Couronne,
Translation
to overcome Sweden's enemies completely by force; I consider it important to take advantage of their apparent willingness to reach an accommodation with that Crown.
Gallica ff156r–157v

Clairambault 1067

Contents: Brienne advises delaying replies about the government of Nivernais, so continued possession may strengthen the claim. He also reports French and Dutch military preparations and Prince Thomas's embarkation for an Italian expedition. 6/6 pages transcribed; 4/4 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Brienne
Recipient: Queen of Poland
Year: Compiègne, 19 May 1646
Key: 88 symbols/codes, 25 letter signs, 61 in nomenclature, 2 nulls
Ciphertext: 350 elements, 349 identified (99.7%)
Interlinear plaintext: Historical plaintext above cipher rows on PDF50–53, ff226–227 and continuation; letter ends at PDF55.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f226v
Le mien a esté qu'en la pluspart des affaires du monde le souverain conseil est de gaigner temps, et que ce seroit assez tost respondre aux ministres de Monsieur de Mantoue quand ilz renouvelleroient leurs instances; et peut estre qu'ayant presentement diverses choses à poursuivre ilz pourront s'oublier de celle-là, et ainsi le titre du gouvernement de Nivernois se trouvera fortiffié d'une possession maintenue depuis son absence du Royaume.
Translation
My view was that in most affairs of the world the wisest course is to gain time, and that it would be soon enough to answer Monsieur de Mantua's ministers when they renewed their requests. Perhaps, having various matters to pursue at present, they will forget this one; thus the title to the government of Nivernois will be strengthened by possession maintained since his departure from the kingdom.

Français 3675 — Louis XIII à Béthune, 30 juin 1629

Contents: Louis XIII nominates the Archbishop of Lyon for a cardinal's hat, citing the services of his brother Richelieu. 1/2 pages transcribed; 1 more in part; Partly deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Louis XIII
Recipient: Philippe de Béthune
Year: 30 June 1629
Key: 59 mapped symbols; 11 unidentified.
Ciphertext: 177 elements, 166 identified (93.8%).
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on f53r; shared signs checked against interlinear passages on f83r–v and f136r. ·

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f53r, three complete cipher-bearing rows and preceding cleartext
vous les fassiez valloir et peser à sa Saincteté y adjoustant de plus la recommandation des grands services de mon cousin le cardinal de Richelieu son frere de qui le [passage rayé] la conduicte et les actions sont
Translation
you should make these qualities count and carry weight with His Holiness, adding also the recommendation of the great services of my cousin Cardinal Richelieu, his brother, whose [cancelled text] conduct and actions are…

Français 3758 — Louis XIII, 30 juin 1635

Contents: Royal campaign instructions, the use of time and forces, cooperation with the Prince of Orange, and the need to cipher important dispatches. 10/10 pages transcribed; 6/6 cipher pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Louis XIII
Recipient: Châtillon and Brézé
Year: 30 June 1635
Key: 53 mapped signs: 40 letter signs, 13 in nomenclature.
Ciphertext: 967 elements, 722 identified (74.7%).
Plaintext in another folio of the same volume: Actual historical plaintext copies appear in blank/facing-page areas: PDF128 right lower and PDF129 left for f115r; PDF131 left (f116v) copies selected f117r passages, including the Orange/route instructions and the warning about an intercepted dispatch.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f117r
Quand vous m'escriprez quelque chose d'importance souvenez vous que ce soit en chiffre. Car sy la despesche du xviiᵉ fust tombée entre les mains des Ennemis, ilz eussent appris [?] et en eussent tiré ?duantage.
Translation
When you write something important to me, remember to put it in cipher. For if the dispatch of the seventeenth had fallen into the enemies' hands, they would have learned [?] and gained an [?] advantage from it.

Français 3142 — Du Bellay, ff60–61

Contents: Memorandum to the Constable, including discussion of a promotion; a historical decipherment survives at ff62r–v. 3/3 pages transcribed in part; 3/3 pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Jean, cardinal Du Bellay
Recipient: The Constable
Year: 1555
Key: 17 letter signs
Ciphertext: 193 elements transcribed, 109 identified; remaining ciphertext not fully transcribed
Plaintext in another folio of the same volume: Historical decipherment of the ff60–61 memorandum
at ff62r–v.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f60v, three consecutive cipher rows (legacy A2–A4)
toutes leurs espiez soubz couleur de [?] des Lutheriens et le
Translation
all their spies, under the guise of [?], of the Lutherans, and the

Français 4696 — numerical cipher, ff54r–55r

Contents: Intercepted letters disclose political loyalties in France. The Pope knows the cipher; the writer urges changing it, writing more cautiously to Italy, and sending the Duke of Mantua news of France by a secure route. 3/3 pages transcribed; 1/3 pages deciphered; 2 more in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Not established
Recipient: Not established
Year: 1589?
Key: 70 codes: 49 letter signs, 19 in nomenclature, 2 unidentified
Ciphertext: 1,744 elements, 1,692 identified; 1 obscured group of unknown length
Interlinear plaintext: Historical interlinear plaintext on ff54r–55r.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f55r, full cipher lines 1–6
Piu sobria sara V.Ecc. nel scriuere in Italia, masime in modo che posi risapersi tanto. Sara meglio l'auuisare il serenisimo signor duca di Mantua frequentemente et per uia sicura de i sucesi di Francia. Sara sopra modo grato a S.A. a quale et a V.Ecc. tornara molto a conto.
Translation
The more restrained Your Excellency is in writing to Italy, especially in a way that could become known, the better. Informing the Most Serene Duke of Mantua frequently, and by a secure route, of events in France will be exceedingly welcome to His Highness and will greatly benefit both him and Your Excellency.

Français 3516 — La Boderie, f59r–60v

Contents: A report from England on negotiations in the Low Countries, expressing concern about placing too much hope in one course of action. 4/4 pages transcribed; 3/4 cipher pages deciphered; 1 more in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: La Boderie
Recipient: Pierre Jeannin
Year: 7 June1608
Key: 112 symbols:57 letter signs,53 word or syllable codes,2 controls.
Ciphertext: 1023 elements,923 identified (90.2%).
Interlinear plaintext: Historical interlinear plaintext on ff59r–60v.
Plaintext elsewhere: Corresponding published letter in Jeannin (1875), pp.383–384. · Jeannin (1875)

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f59v, four full cipher lines
assez mal fondees, de sorte que tant s'en faut que je me promette rien de bien de ce commerage. J'ai peur qu'il ne produise que du mespris de part et d'autre, et de part et d'autre il semble que on y chemine que par maniere d'acquit.
Translation
Quite ill-founded, so that I am far from expecting any good from this godparent relationship. I fear that it will produce only contempt on both sides, and on both sides it seems that people are merely going through the motions.

NAF 22736 — Duquesne, ff137r–138r and144v

Contents: Duquesne discusses negotiations with the Tripolins, the return of enslaved French subjects and captured ships, vessels suitable for use as fire-ships, treaty provisions and naval affairs. The later letter states the obligation to retain the position until express orders arrive and the hope of ending the campaign advantageously. 4/4 pages transcribed; 4/4 pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Abraham Duquesne
Recipient: Seignelay
Year: 25 September 1681; later letter in the same September correspondence
Key: 97 codes
Ciphertext: 751 elements, 743 identified (98.9%)
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on the cipher pages.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f144v, first three cipher lines
…muler nous sommes obligez de ne pas abandonner ce poste ni ces lieux sans les ordres expres
Translation
…we are obliged not to abandon this post or these places without express orders.

Portugais 33 — Letter of 20 April 1667

Contents: Secret negotiations with the Samorim over pepper, with instructions to avoid giving offence to the Dutch. Transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: King of Portugal (Eu El Rey)
Recipient: The Conde, Viceroy of India
Year: 20April1667
Key: 33 letter forms; one complete cipher passage.
Ciphertext: 257 elements with readings; 6 readings marked ?
Plaintext in another folio of the same volume: Separate historical decipherment on f60r/PDF127 and copied text on f119r/PDF245. Names and date variants remain distinct from original f59r.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f59r, cipher lines9–15
prudencia. Com tudo me pareceo lembrarvos que com aquelle rei se deve trata[r] com todo o segredo por que os Olandezes se nam dem por ofendidos.
Translation
…prudence. Nevertheless, it seemed right to remind you that dealings with that king must be conducted with complete secrecy so that the Dutch do not take offence.

Clairambault 460 — barred letters and numerals, pp285– 287

Contents: Recruiting 3,000 infantrymen, unpaid troop expenses and delayed departure; London negotiations over Bordeaux, shipping, and English intervention. 3/3 pages transcribed; 3/3 pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Several correspondents; Chamilly and Barrière named in headings
Recipient: The Prince in several headings; another damaged heading names a duke
Year: 18, 19 and 26 August; year not visible in this source extract
Key: 94 symbols/codes: 28 letter forms, 58 syllables, 1 word code, 7 nulls
Ciphertext: 1,218 visible elements, 1,139 identified; additional ciphertext hidden or damaged
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on the same pages, pp285–287.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
p285, three complete cipher rows
Que la moitié de l'argent que Vre Al a ordonné que l'on me donna, ce qui est la seulle cause de ce que je nay pas esté il y a six semaine en chemin pour vous aller…
Translation
…the half of the money that Your Highness ordered to be given to me, which is the sole reason why I did not set out six weeks ago to come to you…

Clairambault 460 — numerical cipher, pp289–303

Contents: Letters about the Prince's military resources, negotiations for war or peace, promised payments, and secure correspondence through Compiègne and other couriers. 9/9 pages transcribed; 9/9 pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Not established
Recipient: Not established
Year: 1650–1653 volume; individual dates unchecked
Key: 104 numerical codes: 32 letter values, 55 syllables, 10 word values, 7 nulls
Ciphertext: 2,080 visible elements, 1,558 identified; additional ciphertext hidden or damaged
Interlinear plaintext: Literal interlinear plaintext on the same cipher pages, pp289–303.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
p296
Il vous suplie de le vouloir informer clairement de vos intentions, soit pour la guerre, ou pour la paix.
Translation
He begs you to inform him clearly of your intentions, whether for war or for peace.

Français 3516 — Brulart de Berny, f132r

Contents: A Brussels report on peace or a long truce, the cordelier's assurances in Spain, and accusations that French interference and corruption are obstructing negotiations. Transcribed; Deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Brulart de Berny
Recipient: Pierre Jeannin
Year: 26 July 1607
Key: 81 symbols: 42 letter forms, 38 in nomenclature, 1 cancellation sign.
Ciphertext: 266 elements, 255 identified (95.9%).
Literal plaintext: f132r: Literal interlinear decipherment accompanies the letter. — Same page ·
Interlinear plaintext: Literal interlinear plaintext on f132r; aligned to recover the81-value key, including
cancellation of the preceding element.
Plaintext elsewhere: Jeannin (1875), p. 104. Published text for comparison in the readable file. ·
Manuscript lines
f132r, cipher lines7–9

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f132r, cipher lines7–9
Aucun fondement que de quelques advis qui leur viennent du lieu où vous estes, où sans doute il y a bien de la corruption. Je ne manqueray, s'il se presente chose dig[ne]…
Translation
No foundation other than a few reports reaching them from where you are, where there is undoubtedly much corruption. I shall not fail, if anything worthy arises…

Français 15906 — ff759r–760v, ff780r–781v

Contents: Plans for a revolt and landing in England, Spanish support and a royal marriage, with sensitive names enciphered. A separate letter discusses a prisoner's statements under torture and before execution. 1/8 pages transcribed; 7 more in part; 5/7 cipher pages deciphered; 2 more in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: [François ?] d'Entragues
Recipient: Comte de Saint-Aignan, auprès du duc d'Anjou
Year: 1581–1582 (catalogue)
Key: 28 symbols: 20 in nomenclature, 8 unidentified
Ciphertext: 87 elements, 78 identified (89.7%)
Plaintext in the margin or below: Literal names in the margins beside the corresponding signs,
ff759r–760v and ff780r–781v.
Key in the same volume: Original name key in the same volume, f761r.
Gallica

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f759v
S'il m'y est? je verray mons. d'Entragues que je fay me parler franchement, et me dira l'estat des affaires de Le duc de Lenox. Sur ce dessus je pourray bastir quelque chose de bon. Vous sçavez quel est aisé de faire une revolte en Angleterre, combien il y a de malcontens tout plains pour la religion qu'aultres malcontents estans dans le pays. l'Escosse favorisera une entreprise. Je voy cela facile pour le peu de distance que a de vous l'Angleterre; doubtez? n'est il vous sera facile, luy direz vous, de faire que le Roy d'Espagne mette ses forces et moyens es mains de quelque prince françois, ou bien s'il ne le veult faire, ne fauldra rien contre luy, s'il le faut ainsi. Et je vous asseure que ne vous veult tromper; un prince françois fera la descente s'il y fault, fors? vous la pourrez faire; il sera battu? à ses despens. Et si Dieu permet que ceste conqueste se face, ledict Roy d'Espagne souhaitera que ce soit pour vous, et par ce que vous en serez investi vous n'auriez rien à craindre; et puis les nopces de sa fille avec vous se feront estant de retour du pays où que les places se rendront qu'aurez mises en depost. Voila ce qu'il semble à mons. d'Entragues que vous pourriez dire, mais ne vous descouvrez pas davantage, car je craindrois que Monsieur mesme ne fit semblant d'y entendre pour perdre ceux que vous sçavez, que je crains ne se voudront fier à cause de ce malheureux de Morres?. Si tost que mons. d'Entragues sera à la court, je travailleray à bastir quelque bonne chose attendant de voz nouvelles, et si l'on vous despeschoit pour venir de deçà, advertissez m'en de bonne heure. Si l'on vous dit à quel homme le Roy d'Espagne voudroit bailler ceste charge, dites Monsieur du Maine, [?], Mons. d'Espernon, [?], La Royne d'Escosse, et ne nommez Mons. de Guise pour sçavoir s'il ne vous nommeront point; et si d'aventure il est nommé, respondrez souldain : je ne sçay si Le Roy ne vous le voudroit, par le moien
Translation
If he is there? I shall see Monsieur d'Entragues, whom I shall get to speak frankly, and he will tell me the state of the Duke of Lennox's affairs. On that basis I can build something worthwhile. You know how easy it is to cause a revolt in England, how many people are discontented over religion and how many other malcontents live there. Scotland will favour an undertaking. I see this as easy because England is so near you; [?] you can readily tell him to have the King of Spain place his forces and resources in the hands of some French prince. If he will not, nothing must be done against him, if that is necessary. I assure you he does not wish to deceive you. A French prince will make the landing if necessary; [?] you can make it, and he will be beaten? at his own expense. If God allows this conquest, the King of Spain will wish it to be for you; once you are invested with it, you would have nothing to fear. The marriage to his daughter will follow on your return, when the places you deposited are handed back. That is what Monsieur d'Entragues thinks you could say. Do not reveal more, for I fear Monsieur himself might pretend to agree in order to ruin those you know, who I fear will not trust him because of that wretch Morres?. As soon as Monsieur d'Entragues reaches court, I shall work at arranging something useful while awaiting your news. If they send you here, let me know in good time. If they ask to whom the King of Spain would entrust this charge, name Monsieur du Maine, [?], Monsieur d'Espernon, [?], the Queen of Scotland. Do not name Monsieur de Guise, to see whether they name you; if he is named, answer immediately: I do not know whether the King would want him for you, by means of

Clairambault 531 — testament and Holstein marriage

Contents: The Czarina's disputed will and succession; the Holstein wedding and confidential comments on the duke's reputation and ability to produce heirs. 6/6 pages transcribed; 5/5 cipher pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: De Villardeau (Holstein letter, signed on p125); testament memorandum anonymous
Recipient: Unestablished
Year: Undated selected sheets; Russian-correspondence dossier, 1725–1730
Key: 214 code assignments: 44 letter codes, 170 in nomenclature; 43 corresponding offset pairs
Ciphertext: 1,248 elements, 1,237 identified (99.1%)
Interlinear plaintext: Historical interlinear plaintext on pp77, 79, 81 and 123–124.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
p124
Veue d'egayer ma lettre, mais parce que je sçais qu'il est important qu'un ministre sache si un prince qui aspire à une couronne est en estat d'avoir des successeurs.
Translation
The purpose is not to enliven my letter, but because I know it is important for a minister to know whether a prince who aspires to a crown is capable of having successors.

Italien 2061 — ff72v–73r, 95v–96r, 97v–98r

Contents: Italian diplomatic correspondence on Spanish funds and troops, papal involvement, France and Venice, ambassadors, and the Duke of Savoy. 6/6 pages transcribed; 6/6 pages deciphered
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Antonio Bianchi (XXIII); Piero Lusco (XXXI), as written in the visible subscriptions
Recipient: Signor Castrino / Castrini, as written
Year: XXIII: Venice, 3 February 1610; XXXI: Ferrara, 3 August 1610
Key: 95 accepted codes: 20 letter codes, 68 word/month codes, 7 nulls
Ciphertext: 256 elements, 254 identified (99.2%)
Key in the same volume: Original matching codebook in the same volume, PDF 129–131 (Gallica views 126–128).
Plaintext in another folio of the same volume: Corresponding historical plaintext for letter XXIII, f131r (PDF 136, right face).

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f73r, first five complete body lines
per questa volta, et dirli con queste sole parole Che Dal Villeroy et Dal Amb.r Del Re Qui E Con querimonia Che F.P. Communica Con Riformati Di Francia causa Perche Non scriue Di sua mano resto tutto
Translation
For this occasion, I will say only this: Villeroy and the king's ambassador here complain that F.P. communicates with the Reformed in France; this is why he does not write in his own hand. I remain wholly …

Français 20991 — Renard, ff217v–218r

Contents: Renard reports papal negotiations with the Duke of Alba and French military preparations. 2/2 pages transcribed in part; 2/2 cipher pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Renard
Recipient: King of Spain
Year: 14 December 1556
Key: 66 recovered forms: 24 letter signs, 40 syllables, 2 word codes
Ciphertext: 456 elements, 346 identified (75.9%)
Plaintext in the margin or below: Contemporary decipherment below the cipher on f218r.
Plaintext in another folio of the same volume: Same volume, f218v: continuation of the corresponding decipherment.
Key in the same volume: Same volume, f218r: original alphabet fragment; A, C, D and E match the running cipher.

Excerpt and Translation

f218r, lines 1–3 — historical decipherment f218r — cipher lines 1–3 [de Sel]va et de Lansac. Sur lequel advis led[it] s[ieu]r Roy manda querir le nonce du pappe estant pardeça, et se plaignit à luy de ces desseins, et qu'il trou[voit].
Translation
[De Sel]va and de Lansac. On receiving this information, the King summoned the papal nuncio, who was here, complained to him about these plans, and said that he found…

Français 2999 — Turenne, ff13r–13v

Contents: Turenne reports on papal negotiations, revenge against the Florentines and the duke of Ferrara, and royal assistance. His postscript discusses André Doria's intended change of allegiance. 2/2 pages transcribed; 1/2 pages deciphered; 1 more in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Vicomte de Turenne
Recipient: The Grand Master
Year: 1 June 1528
Key: 46 symbols: 31 letter signs, 4 in nomenclature, 6 nulls, 5 unidentified; 2 further sign readings uncertain.
Ciphertext: 785 elements, 775 identified (98.7%)
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext on the same selected pages, f13r–v.

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f13r, three complete consecutive rows2–4
ne qu'il face, ie pance que le vouloir qu'il a de se vanger des Florentins et du duc de Ferrare lui feroist faire beaucoup de choses qui par advanture
Translation
nor whatever he does, I think that his wish to take revenge on the Florentines and the Duke of Ferrara would make him do many things that perhaps …

Français 3252 — ff36r–37r

Contents: Birago reports delayed infantry pay and troop movements, private diplomatic conversations, dealings over Finale and Savona, religious arrests, and a legal dispute. 3/3 pages transcribed; 3/3 cipher pages deciphered in part
Ciphertext-only: No
Sender: Lodovico Birago
Recipient: Duke of Nevers
Year: 5 April 1571
Key: 60 symbols: 56 letter signs, 1 word sign, 3 nulls
Ciphertext: 923 elements transcribed, 805 identified (87.2%)
Key elsewhere: Different volumes: Français 4702 f37 and Français 3251. Cryptiana's Ceppo–Nevers key. · Source · Cryptiana: Ceppo–Nevers key
Interlinear plaintext: Interlinear plaintext above the cipher signs, clearly visible in the native manuscript scans.
Manuscript lines f36r, upper cipher block f36r, lower cipher block f36v, upper cipher block f36v, middle and final cipher blocks
f37r, final cipher lines

Excerpt and Translation

Excerpt
f36r, three complete cipher lines 7–9
…tempo che io ui dico questo il ? hauendomi riferto l'ho rimandato a Turino per uedere se li e posible di cauarne qualche particolarita, ma la E.sa Vos…
Translation
…the time when I tell you this. The ? having reported it to me, I sent him back to Turin to see whether he could obtain some details, but Your Excellency…

More Solutions

Swedish Cipher in Latin

(15 October 2026) George Lasry provided me with a solution of a letter preserved in the Swedish archives (DECODE R4282). Four passages in clear show it is in Latin.

This time, he solved mostly in his old way and asked Astra to propose ways to improve and complete the key and the decryption.

His English translation of the plaintext is given below:

[37] has nothing to do here, and that person's name is assailed everywhere with insults. The Spaniards are contemplating departure from here. [37] seeks [38] for himself, or for Ferdinand's son. Yet he sent that person a necklace, which is said to be worth sixty thousand pounds. During this war he received a large sum of money and assistance from here. The papist religion still retains its vigour, and there is uncertainty about what its future condition will be. I am unsure what will become of us. For all England continually begs [38] to marry an Englishman. They utterly reject a foreign marriage. They will never accept a husband unless he comes here himself and solemnly promises that he will remain here permanently. I would never advise you to do this. An arrogant, proud people, they look down on everyone. We shall let no opportunity pass, but nevertheless in such a way that the matter may remain at your discretion. We dare not put the matter forward openly before the coronation, for we might perhaps cause that person considerable harm. We are incurring very great expenses, and are going to incur enormous ones at the coronation.

[37] and [38] are transcriptions for graphical symbols for names. (The translation speaks of "that person" because the gender of these were not known.)

The context seems to indicate [38] is Mary I of England and [37] is Emperor Charles V. Ferdinand is the Emperor's brother. The English people were against Mary's foreign marriage. Mary Tudor's coronation was in 1553. The Duke of Alva visited England in 1554 for Mary's wedding with Prince Philip. So it is possible that his visit was considered in 1553. The war mentioned may be the Emperor's war with France, specifically his failure to capture Metz (Wikipedia).

Although I have not checked every detail, the catalogue dating may better be corrected to the 1550s. (Also, the graphic cipher looks more like a 16th century cipher.)



©2023 S.Tomokiyo
First posted on 29 May 2022. Encoded in UTF-8 since 2026. Last modified on 15 October 2026.
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