The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe [1397]
We say that some pre-concerted order of this kind is necessary, lest the cipher prove too intricate a lock to yield even to its true key. But it will be evident, upon inspection, that our correspondent at Stonington has inflicted upon us a cryptograph in which no order has been preserved; in which many characters, respectively, stand, at absolute random, for many others. If, therefore, in regard to the gauntlet we threw down in April, he should be half inclined to accuse us of braggadocio, he will yet admit that we have more than acted up to our boast. If what we then said was not said suaviter in modo, what we now do is at least done fortiter in re.
In these cursory observations we have by no means attempted to exhaust the subject of Cryptography. With such object in view, a folio might be required. We have indeed mentioned only a few of the ordinary modes of cipher. Even two thousand years [column 2:] ago, Æneas Tacticus detailed twenty distinct methods; and modern ingenuity has added much to the science. Our design has been chiefly suggestive; and perhaps we have already bored the readers of the Magazine. To those who desire farther information upon this topic, we may say that there are extant treatises by Trithemius, Cap. Porta, Vignere, and P. Niceron. The works of the two latter may be found, we believe, in the library of the Harvard University. If, however, there should be sought in these disquisitions — or in any — rules for the solution of cipher, the seeker will be disappointed. Beyond some hints in regard to the general structure of language, and some minute exercises in their practical application, he will find nothing upon record which he does not in his own intellect possess.
LIEBER, FRANCIS
Edgar Allan Poe to Francis Lieber — June 18, 1836
Richmond June 18. 1836
Dear Sir,
At the request of Mr Thomas W. White Proprietor of the “Southern Literary Messenger” I take the liberty of addressing you, and of soliciting some little contribution for our Magazine.
It is our design to issue, as soon as may be, a number of the Messenger consisting altogether of articles from our most distinguished literati, and to this end have been promised, and have received aid from a variety of high sources — among others from Judge Hopkinson, from Paulding, from Mrs Sigourney &c &c. We are exceedingly anxious to include your name among the rest. Could you not send us some little spare scrap in your port-folio? — some historical anecdote — personal reminiscence — philological essay — in short any thing, with your name. We would be highly gratified if you could assist us in this matter.
With the highest respect
Yr. Ob. St.
Edgar A. Poe
Ed. S. L. M.
Dr. Francis Lieber.
Francis Lieber to Edgar Allan Poe — June 28, 1836
I should not hesitate in placing the “Messenger” decidedly at the head of our periodicals, nor do I hesitate in expressing that opinion freely on all occasions. It is gradually growing in the public estimation, and under your conduct, and with your contributions, must soon, if it is not already, be known all over the land.
LIPPARD, GEORGE
Edgar Allan Poe to George Lippard — February 18, 1844
Philadelphia, Feb. 18, 1844.
My Dear Lippard —
It will give me pleasure to attend to what you suggest. In a day or two you shall hear from me farther.
Touching the “Ladye Annabel,” I regret that, until lately, I could find no opportunity of giving it a thorough perusal. The opinion I expressed to you, personally, was based, as I told you, upon a very cursory examination. It has been confirmed, however, by a subsequent reading at leisure. You seem to have been