I2 equals the letter F
E equals the letter G
I3 equals the letter H
I4 equals the letter I
E2 equals the letter J
L equals the letter K
W2 equals the letter L
H2 equals the letter M
O2 equals the letter N
I5 equals the letter O
I6 equals the letter P
E3 equals the letter Q
I7 equals the letter R
I8 equals the letter S
W3 equals the letter T
“Now, using these letters for the symbols in the cipher:
E I O2 W2 x I8 W3 [triangle] N I7 W3 x
O I I6 I5 W3 x E N I7 I7 I4 I8 I5 O2
N x I7 I E x I4 O2 I2 x
N x H I5 x I O2E x
N x O x E x W N W3 x
W x I8 E3 X H N [crescent] x
L x I3 [triangle] O2 X W3 I5 W3 N W2 x
I4 I2 x I8 W3 I7 I4 L I x N W3 x
I5 O2 H I x O2 I4 E I3 W3 x
H N I7 I7 [circle+] W2
“We translate it freely thus, and I’ll underline only the words in the cipher:
Gen’l Stuart (Sandy River?)
(The present) Depot Garrison (of Osage Court House is)
One Reg(iment) (of) Inf(antry)
One Co(mpany of) Eng(ineers)
One Four G(un) Bat(tery)
Two Sq(uadrons) (of) Cav(alry)
Eleven Hun(dred men) Total
If (you) strike (strike) at once (and at) night!
(Signed) Carryl.
“Do you see, Colonel, how very simple it is, after all?”
The Colonel, red and astounded, hung over the paper, laboriously verifying the cipher and checking off each symbol with its alphabetical equivalent.
“What’s that mark?” he demanded; “this symbol——”