At a glanceExternal key matched · partial (92% of the cipher)
- The letters
- Unsigned news-letters of June 1590 to Louis de Gonzague, duc de Nevers, from the royal army before Paris (BnF fr. 3623 nos. 24, 25, 60), in clear French with short cipher runs.
- The cipher
- A two-digit homophonic alphabet whose values rise with the alphabet, with nulls and barred figures for names.
- The key
- Nevers key no. 25 of October 1589 (BnF fr. 3995 f. 51r), matched by Michael Brackx from Tomokiyo’s catalogue. Its letters agree with the alphabet rebuilt here from the contemporary glosses.
- Read
- No. 25 of 5 June, whole recto, with 63 of its 64 cipher groups: 0.925 of words read as sense.
- Still open
- The clear text of nos. 24 and 60, no. 24’s barred names, doubtful words in no. 25, and no. 78’s single group in another code.
The catalogue item grouped six letters to Nevers as one Champagne correspondence; since 14 October 2026 each cipher has its own page. The other two: no. 23, Bienvenut’s letter from Paris of February 1590 with its own name key (Bienvenut to Nevers, 1590), and Laurière’s letters of 1593 in Nevers key no. 57 (Laurière to Nevers, 1593).
01 The documents
The BnF notice and the DECODE records give the folios: no. 23 f. 35 (key slip f. 36r), no. 24 f. 37, no. 25 f. 38, no. 60 f. 88, no. 78 f. 111 in fr. 3623; on Gallica canvas = 2 × folio + 9. The two letters bound between them, no. 26 (f. 39, from Sy, 11 January) and no. 27 (f. 41), are entirely in figures with a contemporary decipherment between the lines, but in another key. No. 23 (f. 35, with its key slip on f. 36r) is on its own page, a different cipher.
02 Nos. 24, 25, 60: an alphabetical two-digit key
The glosses give d u n i, a, n and, in no. 60, L u d o v i c. Set against the context they place a = 34/35, c = 37, d = 38, i = 53/54, l = 56/58, n = 63/64, o = 67, u = 93. The values rise with the alphabet, so every other figure has a predicted slot: e 42–45, f 46, g 47, h 48, r 74–75, s 82–86, t 92. Decryptions were accepted only when each value fell in its slot.
| Where | Figures | Reading | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25, “la rupture de l’edict” | 12 58 93 63 54 67 64 19 | [de] l’union [19] | C/I |
| 25, “ne combatroient point contre” | 56 34 56 54 47 93 43 | la ligue | C/I |
| 25, “Je a aussi” | 39 38 42 56 34 38 43 46 54 35 63 37 42 38 93 17 | [39] de la defiance du [17] | I |
| 25, “qu’on dict” | 17 33 53 56 82 45 38 45 46 54 43 38 93 39 | [17] … se defie du [39] | I, first half open |
| 25, “qui faict les affaires” | 39 38 43 37 48 32 83 45 74 67 63 | [39] de Chazeron | I |
| 25, “vostre” | 89 84 42 75 93 54 37 45 | [89] service | I |
| 60, “du sieur” | 19 56 93 38 67 93 53 37 | [19] Ludovic | C |
| 60, “en est aussi” | 39 38 43 56 35 94 62 32 64 | [39] de la V?an | I, name open |
| 24, “du faict” | 99 38 39 45 30 93 38 67 92 52 37 | open | — |
| 24, “mal disposé” | 16 39 56 43 99 95 93 35 92 05 54 86 | open | — |
Chazeron is named in clear in no. 24, which supports the decryption in no. 25. Before the key was found, the figures below 30 and 39, 89, 99 looked like word or name codes.
03 The key found: Nevers key no. 25
Satoshi Tomokiyo’s catalogue of the Duke of Nevers’s cipher tables (BnF fr. 3995) describes key no. 25, endorsed October 1589, as a substitution by two-digit figures with some homophones, nulls, and figures with an overbar for names and words. Michael Brackx compared the Nevers keys on their photographs and found that no. 25 (f. 51r; f. 50r is its wrapper) carries this alphabet: c 37, d 38, g 47, i 53 54, l 56, n 63 64, o 67, u 93, every value the glosses had given here. Keys 28, 30 and 38 do not. The table also settles what our transcription had flattened: a plain 39 is a null, a barred 39 is M. de La Noue, a barred 17 the comte de Soissons, and the plain 12, 19, 89 and 99 are nulls. His transcription of the alphabet, the nulls and six barred entries is in texts/key25.md; the sheet was not re-checked here.
No. 25, 5 June 1590. Brackx transcribed the whole recto and read it. With key no. 25, 63 of its 64 cipher groups decode; one isolated figure 3 stays unread:
- Nous treuvons bon la rupture de l’edict [de] l’union
- la venue d’un qui faict les affaires de chaseron broille quelque chose v[ost]re seruice
- vos troupes disent qu’elles ne combatroient point contre la ligue
- Joynez a cela qu’on dict: comte de Soissons [?] il se defie du M[onsieu]r de la noue plus que de l’autre. [?Il] a aussi de la defiance du comte de Soissons, lequel n’ose veoir ny caresser personne
The letter around the runs is a newsletter from the royal army before Paris: Paris held by famine and division, the legate and the Spanish ambassador “at the end of their roll”, the Pope waiting for the Holy Spirit, Mayenne gathering weak forces, Villeroy working for peace in vain, Chasteaudun taken by the League. Measured on Brackx’s reading, 0.925 of words read as sense; most holes are doubtful words in the clear text. That is a partial result, under the 95% bar, and no second reader has checked it.
Nos. 24 and 60. Key no. 25 gives du faict de Ludouic in no. 24 once a figure transcribed 30 is seen as 56 on the image, matching the gloss Ludouic in no. 60, and de launan in no. 60’s second run (not identified). No. 24’s second run gives le Roy and an unchecked join. The clear text of these two letters has not been transcribed, so neither letter has a running decipherment yet.
04 What stays open
- The clear text of nos. 24 and 60, and no. 24’s barred figures 22, 44, 51 and 84 (the rest of key no. 25’s name table would identify them).
- In no. 25, doubtful clear words (poix and doigt, Lamour, balliages de flandre, the besieged town in Picardy) and the isolated figure 3.
- No. 78 (f. 111r, 1591): one group, “traictast de 96 □ 3 9̄ f 3”, too short to decrypt, in another code; Laurière’s key no. 57 gives no sense on it.
- On 3 October 2026 key no. 57 and its word list were tried on the two-digit runs and give no sense (a different system), and the five letter values still unknown were bracketed by the alphabetical order and searched exhaustively with a French model (240 combinations). The best (52 = i, 62 = n, 92 = u/v, 95 = y) gives “de Launan” and “…audovic”, but no value is confirmed by a second occurrence, so none is counted. The code numbers are words or names that no model can fill.
- Before the key was found (to 23 October 2026): 63 of 104 figures of nos. 24, 25 and 60 had been deciphered from the glosses and the alphabetical order.
Full texts
The transcription and the decryption of every document on this page, so that the reading can be used and checked. Short files are shown here; all are in the repository.
No. 25, f. 38r, 5 Jun 1590 (DECODE R9455) read in part
An unsigned newsletter to the duc de Nevers from the royal army, 5 June 1590: Paris pressed by famine and division, the legate and the Spanish ambassador at the end of their resources, the Pope awaiting the Holy Spirit, Mayenne gathering weak forces, Villeroy working for peace in vain; in cipher, the union, Chaseron's affairs, the League, and the distrust between the comte de Soissons and La Noue.
Builds coherent sentences, but under the read bar of 95% of words read as sense (92% here); the holes are marked in the reading.
Transcription
# No. 25, BnF fr. 3623 f. 38r, 5 June 1590: working source transcription (clear text and the six cipher runs)
> Michael Brackx (issue #96, 24 Oct 2026). `P:nn` an unbarred figure, `B:nn` a barred figure; braces delimit a cipher run. Not a diplomatic edition.
### A
La depesche du 31 May que Je vous fy par ung garcon du s[ieu]r de Vaumas vous aura amplement apris l'estat de ceste armee. Le roy seul alla a Senlis et d'ille derechef a Compiegne avec M[onsieu]r le Ma[resch]al de Biron. Vous aurez sceu ce qu'il avoit faict a Crecy et Conflans et ce q[ue] M[onsieu]r le Ma[resch]al d'Aumont avoit faict a S[ain]t Cloud et ou Paris estoit reduict, que l'on tient par le [?poix] et [?doigt], ou espere que la famine et division serviront a nostre intention.
### B
De [?Lamour], quoy que facent le legat et l'ambassadeur d'Espaigne qu'on dict estre au bout de leur roulet. Quant a cestuy cy, il n'y a point de doubte qu'il n'ait faict et ne face ce qu'il pourra pour entretenir la Ligue, [?ruine] ung party en France qui maintient la grandeur de son maistre, jusques a luy conseiller de n'y espargner ny [?calomnies] ny flatteries, [?faisant] bien grandes affaires a ung homme pauvre, plain d'ardeur et desir de choses grandes. L'Espagne ne trouvera jamais repos avec ce qu'il [?] [?] traicte a face ouverte.
### C
Quant a l'autre, nous le tenons esperdu, d'autant que nous scavons le pape ne vouloir plus ouir parler de la Ligue et moins de l'Espagnol, et que quand l'on l'en presse il respond qu'il attent ce que le S[ain]t Esprit luy inspirera. [?Il] a faict publier une bulle pour inciter les peuples a prier Dieu qu'il luy departe les graces de son S[ain]t Esprit sur ces affaires.
### D
Vous aurez aussi este adverty de l'assemblee que faict le Duc de Mayenne de ses forces, mais foibles, et comme nous assemblons les n[ost]res de toutes parts. [?Quant] a l'advis que Je vous en ay donne, si j'y ay adjoute des parolles de liberte trop expresses, vous n'en accuserez, s'il vous plaist, que l'affection que J'ay a v[ost]re grandeur. De quoy que vous en resolviez, tenez pour chose asseuree que nous ne hasarderons plus rien soubz l'[?incertin] evenement d'une bataille, selon voz judicieux advis. Avons assez faict d'efforts pour nous avoir rendus et avoir acquis entre les estrangers reputation de grand et magnanime Cap[itai]ne, et entre les ennemis de hardy et vaillant.
### E
Vous avez sceu la revocation du passeport accorde au primat de Lyon avec [?force] et [?clameurs] desputez du pallais de Paris et de [?bourgard] de la ville. Ce refus a este si impatiemment supporte par led[it] primat de Lyon qu'il en sortit quasi hors de soy. Il avoit prie M[onsieu]r de la Guiche de luy moienner ung passeport pour se retirer en sa maison, ce qu'il luy eust faict accorder, tant il a de creance, si led[it] de Lyon eust voulu promettre d'abandonner la Ligue, ce qu'il n'a voulu faire. N[ost]re armee d'Allemagne se prepare pour l'autre descente.
### F
Nous treuvons bon la rupture de l'edict {P:12 P:56 P:93 P:63 P:54 P:67 P:64 P:19}. Je [?sceu] bien quelq[ue] chose. Quel malheur ! Vous [?songuerez] bien a rompre ce coup. Je crain que la venue d'un qui faict les affaires {P:39 P:38 P:43 P:37 P:48 P:32 P:83 P:45 P:74 P:67 P:63} broille quelque chose v[ost]re {P:89 P:84 P:42 P:75 P:93 P:54 P:37 P:45}, avec ce qu'il [?approuva] [?peu] [?bien] qu'a la bataille d'Arques vos troupes disent qu'elles ne combatroient point contre {P:56 P:34 P:56 P:54 P:47 P:93 P:43}.
### G
Quant a la paix M[onsieu]r de Villeroy travaille, mais en vain. [?Il] les a embarquez trop avant pour les en retirer. M[onsieu]r de Montmorancy autrement M[onsieu]r le connestable ne viendra point, et selon que Je puis juger ne desemparera. Joynez a cela qu'on dict : {B:17 P:3 P:53 P:56 P:82 P:45 P:38 P:45 P:46 P:54 P:43 P:38 P:93 B:39} plus que de l'autre. [?Il] a aussi {P:39 P:38 P:42 P:56 P:34 P:38 P:43 P:46 P:54 P:35 P:63 P:37 P:42 P:38 P:93 B:17}, lequel n'ose veoir ny caresser personne, soit qu'il se donne ces ombrages ou qu'il y ait en ce bruit de la verite.
### H
Le filz de M[onsieu]r de Montmorancy est attendu avec M[onsieu]r de Chastillon. Cependant luy, le s[ieu]r de la Valette et les [?deux] [?freres] font assemblee au S[ain]t Esprit sur la [?province] de piedmont. L'on dict que l'Ecluse, place d'importance au duc de Savoye, a este surprise par ceux de Geneve, et que les Suisses luy ont prins plusieurs [?balliages] [?de] [?flandre]. Je le dictz et ce n'est pas pour le secourir.
### I
L'on m'asseure que les ligueurs disent que le prince de Parme malade a l'armee. Le [?siege] de [?Breda] a [?Mars] pour [?servir]. [?Maure], ville d'importance sur le Rin et qui rendroit aux pays bas la liberte de la riviere, assiegee par le Conte Maurice avec 22 pieces de canon.
### J
L'on a veu le 3 de ce mois une lettre du Duc de Mayenne a sa soeur l'advertissant du travail qu'il prend pour secourir Paris, mais luy estre impossible d'estre prest plus tost que la fin de ce mois. D'ailleurs le prevost des marchans luy a escript et la conjure de faire son dernier effort, sinon qu'il ne luy peut dire dans combien peu de temps ilz seront contrints de se soubzmettre a la misericorde du plus cruel et barbare ennemy qu'ilz ayent.
### K
Le roy sera aujourd'huy pour luy aller donner ung eschec au siege qu'il a mis devant [?], forte place de Picardie, et le luy fera lever. M[onsieu]r le Ma[resch]al de Biron demeure icy jusques a son retour. Vitry le neuf a este repris, mais M[onsieu]r de Tourteron fut sauve. Chasteaudun pris par la Ligue, et [?Yenvres] de la Chastellenie d'Orleans qui est dedans M[onsieu]r de la [?Bourdesiere] fut mene a Chartres [?apres] [?lavoir] este charge par M[onsieu]r le Ma[resch]al d'Aumont. Du Cinq[ui]esme juin 1590.Decryption
# No. 25 cipher groups: word alignment and group audit (Michael Brackx, issue #96, 24 Oct 2026) ## Word-to-group alignment | Run | Reading word | First group | Last group | Cipher figures | Evidence | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | n25_union | l'union | 2 | 7 | P:56 P:93 P:63 P:54 P:67 P:64 | key/alphabet; interlinear anchor; 56/58 correction awaits independent confirmation | | n25_chaseron | de | 2 | 3 | P:38 P:43 | historical alphabet | | n25_chaseron | chaseron | 4 | 11 | P:37 P:48 P:32 P:83 P:45 P:74 P:67 P:63 | historical alphabet; same name in clear on no. 24 | | n25_service | seruice | 2 | 8 | P:84 P:42 P:75 P:93 P:54 P:37 P:45 | historical alphabet | | n25_ligue | la | 1 | 2 | P:56 P:34 | historical alphabet | | n25_ligue | ligue | 3 | 7 | P:56 P:54 P:47 P:93 P:43 | historical alphabet | | n25_soissons_lanoue | comte | 1 | 1 | B:17 | barred-name table | | n25_soissons_lanoue | de | 1 | 1 | B:17 | barred-name table | | n25_soissons_lanoue | Soissons | 1 | 1 | B:17 | barred-name table | | n25_soissons_lanoue | [?] | 2 | 2 | P:3 | unread group; possible abbreviated null 03 | | n25_soissons_lanoue | il | 3 | 4 | P:53 P:56 | historical alphabet | | n25_soissons_lanoue | se | 5 | 6 | P:82 P:45 | historical alphabet | | n25_soissons_lanoue | defie | 7 | 11 | P:38 P:45 P:46 P:54 P:43 | historical alphabet | | n25_soissons_lanoue | du | 12 | 13 | P:38 P:93 | historical alphabet | | n25_soissons_lanoue | M[onsieu]r | 14 | 14 | B:39 | barred-name table Mr; expansion bracketed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | de | 14 | 14 | B:39 | barred-name table | | n25_soissons_lanoue | la | 14 | 14 | B:39 | barred-name table | | n25_soissons_lanoue | noue | 14 | 14 | B:39 | barred-name table | | n25_defiance | de | 2 | 3 | P:38 P:42 | historical alphabet | | n25_defiance | la | 4 | 5 | P:56 P:34 | historical alphabet | | n25_defiance | defiance | 6 | 13 | P:38 P:43 P:46 P:54 P:35 P:63 P:37 P:42 | historical alphabet | | n25_defiance | du | 14 | 15 | P:38 P:93 | historical alphabet | | n25_defiance | comte | 16 | 16 | B:17 | barred-name table | | n25_defiance | de | 16 | 16 | B:17 | barred-name table | | n25_defiance | Soissons | 16 | 16 | B:17 | barred-name table | ## Group-by-group audit (64 groups) | Run | Group | Sign | Value | Status | |---|---|---|---|---| | n25_union | 1 | P:12 | ∅ | null explicitly listed on historical key | | n25_union | 2 | P:56 | l | 56/58 digit correction; independent confirmation pending | | n25_union | 3 | P:93 | u | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_union | 4 | P:63 | n | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_union | 5 | P:54 | i | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_union | 6 | P:67 | o | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_union | 7 | P:64 | n | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_union | 8 | P:19 | ∅ | null explicitly listed on historical key | | n25_chaseron | 1 | P:39 | ∅ | null explicitly listed on historical key | | n25_chaseron | 2 | P:38 | d | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_chaseron | 3 | P:43 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_chaseron | 4 | P:37 | c | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_chaseron | 5 | P:48 | h | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_chaseron | 6 | P:32 | a | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_chaseron | 7 | P:83 | s | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_chaseron | 8 | P:45 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_chaseron | 9 | P:74 | r | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_chaseron | 10 | P:67 | o | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_chaseron | 11 | P:63 | n | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_service | 1 | P:89 | ∅ | null explicitly listed on historical key | | n25_service | 2 | P:84 | s | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_service | 3 | P:42 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_service | 4 | P:75 | r | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_service | 5 | P:93 | u | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_service | 6 | P:54 | i | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_service | 7 | P:37 | c | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_service | 8 | P:45 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_ligue | 1 | P:56 | l | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_ligue | 2 | P:34 | a | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_ligue | 3 | P:56 | l | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_ligue | 4 | P:54 | i | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_ligue | 5 | P:47 | g | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_ligue | 6 | P:93 | u | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_ligue | 7 | P:43 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 1 | B:17 | comte de Soissons | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 2 | P:3 | [?] | unread; possible null 03; NOT silently accepted | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 3 | P:53 | i | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 4 | P:56 | l | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 5 | P:82 | s | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 6 | P:45 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 7 | P:38 | d | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 8 | P:45 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 9 | P:46 | f | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 10 | P:54 | i | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 11 | P:43 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 12 | P:38 | d | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 13 | P:93 | u | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_soissons_lanoue | 14 | B:39 | M. de La Noue | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 1 | P:39 | ∅ | null explicitly listed on historical key | | n25_defiance | 2 | P:38 | d | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 3 | P:42 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 4 | P:56 | l | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 5 | P:34 | a | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 6 | P:38 | d | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 7 | P:43 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 8 | P:46 | f | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 9 | P:54 | i | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 10 | P:35 | a | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 11 | P:63 | n | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 12 | P:37 | c | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 13 | P:42 | e | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 14 | P:38 | d | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 15 | P:93 | u | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed | | n25_defiance | 16 | B:17 | comte de Soissons | historical-key entry; manuscript sign transcribed |
Reading
# No. 25, BnF fr. 3623 f. 38r, 5 June 1590: reading > Michael Brackx (issue #96, 24 Oct 2026), with Codex, from the native Gallica scan of BnF fr. 3623 f. 38r (canvas 85). Original spelling; editorial punctuation and paragraph letters A-K; `[?word]` doubtful, `[word]` supplied, `[?]` one unread word or group; expansions bracketed. Cipher runs read with Tomokiyo's Nevers key no. 25 (BnF fr. 3995 f. 51r). Not checked by a second reader. ### A La depesche du 31 May que Je vous fy par ung garcon du s[ieu]r de Vaumas vous aura amplement apris l'estat de ceste armee. Le roy seul alla a Senlis et d'ille derechef a Compiegne avec M[onsieu]r le Ma[resch]al de Biron. Vous aurez sceu ce qu'il avoit faict a Crecy et Conflans et ce q[ue] M[onsieu]r le Ma[resch]al d'Aumont avoit faict a S[ain]t Cloud et ou Paris estoit reduict, que l'on tient par le [?poix] et [?doigt], ou espere que la famine et division serviront a nostre intention. ### B De [?Lamour], quoy que facent le legat et l'ambassadeur d'Espaigne qu'on dict estre au bout de leur roulet. Quant a cestuy cy, il n'y a point de doubte qu'il n'ait faict et ne face ce qu'il pourra pour entretenir la Ligue, [?ruine] ung party en France qui maintient la grandeur de son maistre, jusques a luy conseiller de n'y espargner ny [?calomnies] ny flatteries, [?faisant] bien grandes affaires a ung homme pauvre, plain d'ardeur et desir de choses grandes. L'Espagne ne trouvera jamais repos avec ce qu'il [?] [?] traicte a face ouverte. ### C Quant a l'autre, nous le tenons esperdu, d'autant que nous scavons le pape ne vouloir plus ouir parler de la Ligue et moins de l'Espagnol, et que quand l'on l'en presse il respond qu'il attent ce que le S[ain]t Esprit luy inspirera. [?Il] a faict publier une bulle pour inciter les peuples a prier Dieu qu'il luy departe les graces de son S[ain]t Esprit sur ces affaires. ### D Vous aurez aussi este adverty de l'assemblee que faict le Duc de Mayenne de ses forces, mais foibles, et comme nous assemblons les n[ost]res de toutes parts. [?Quant] a l'advis que Je vous en ay donne, si j'y ay adjoute des parolles de liberte trop expresses, vous n'en accuserez, s'il vous plaist, que l'affection que J'ay a v[ost]re grandeur. De quoy que vous en resolviez, tenez pour chose asseuree que nous ne hasarderons plus rien soubz l'[?incertin] evenement d'une bataille, selon voz judicieux advis. Avons assez faict d'efforts pour nous avoir rendus et avoir acquis entre les estrangers reputation de grand et magnanime Cap[itai]ne, et entre les ennemis de hardy et vaillant. ### E Vous avez sceu la revocation du passeport accorde au primat de Lyon avec [?force] et [?clameurs] desputez du pallais de Paris et de [?bourgard] de la ville. Ce refus a este si impatiemment supporte par led[it] primat de Lyon qu'il en sortit quasi hors de soy. Il avoit prie M[onsieu]r de la Guiche de luy moienner ung passeport pour se retirer en sa maison, ce qu'il luy eust faict accorder, tant il a de creance, si led[it] de Lyon eust voulu promettre d'abandonner la Ligue, ce qu'il n'a voulu faire. N[ost]re armee d'Allemagne se prepare pour l'autre descente. ### F Nous treuvons bon la rupture de l'edict [de] l'union. Je [?sceu] bien quelq[ue] chose. Quel malheur ! Vous [?songuerez] bien a rompre ce coup. Je crain que la venue d'un qui faict les affaires de chaseron broille quelque chose v[ost]re seruice, avec ce qu'il [?approuva] [?peu] [?bien] qu'a la bataille d'Arques vos troupes disent qu'elles ne combatroient point contre la ligue. ### G Quant a la paix M[onsieu]r de Villeroy travaille, mais en vain. [?Il] les a embarquez trop avant pour les en retirer. M[onsieu]r de Montmorancy autrement M[onsieu]r le connestable ne viendra point, et selon que Je puis juger ne desemparera. Joynez a cela qu'on dict : comte de Soissons [?] il se defie du M[onsieu]r de la noue plus que de l'autre. [?Il] a aussi de la defiance du comte de Soissons, lequel n'ose veoir ny caresser personne, soit qu'il se donne ces ombrages ou qu'il y ait en ce bruit de la verite. ### H Le filz de M[onsieu]r de Montmorancy est attendu avec M[onsieu]r de Chastillon. Cependant luy, le s[ieu]r de la Valette et les [?deux] [?freres] font assemblee au S[ain]t Esprit sur la [?province] de piedmont. L'on dict que l'Ecluse, place d'importance au duc de Savoye, a este surprise par ceux de Geneve, et que les Suisses luy ont prins plusieurs [?balliages] [?de] [?flandre]. Je le dictz et ce n'est pas pour le secourir. ### I L'on m'asseure que les ligueurs disent que le prince de Parme malade a l'armee. Le [?siege] de [?Breda] a [?Mars] pour [?servir]. [?Maure], ville d'importance sur le Rin et qui rendroit aux pays bas la liberte de la riviere, assiegee par le Conte Maurice avec 22 pieces de canon. ### J L'on a veu le 3 de ce mois une lettre du Duc de Mayenne a sa soeur l'advertissant du travail qu'il prend pour secourir Paris, mais luy estre impossible d'estre prest plus tost que la fin de ce mois. D'ailleurs le prevost des marchans luy a escript et la conjure de faire son dernier effort, sinon qu'il ne luy peut dire dans combien peu de temps ilz seront contrints de se soubzmettre a la misericorde du plus cruel et barbare ennemy qu'ilz ayent. ### K Le roy sera aujourd'huy pour luy aller donner ung eschec au siege qu'il a mis devant [?], forte place de Picardie, et le luy fera lever. M[onsieu]r le Ma[resch]al de Biron demeure icy jusques a son retour. Vitry le neuf a este repris, mais M[onsieu]r de Tourteron fut sauve. Chasteaudun pris par la Ligue, et [?Yenvres] de la Chastellenie d'Orleans qui est dedans M[onsieu]r de la [?Bourdesiere] fut mene a Chartres [?apres] [?lavoir] este charge par M[onsieu]r le Ma[resch]al d'Aumont. Du Cinq[ui]esme juin 1590.
Translation
# No. 25, BnF fr. 3623 f. 38r, 5 June 1590: English > Michael Brackx (issue #96, 24 Oct 2026), with Codex; uncertainty marks match the French. ### A The despatch of 31 May which I sent you by a boy belonging to the s[ieur] de Vaumas will have fully informed you of the state of this army. The King went alone to Senlis and from there again to Compiegne with M[onsieu]r the M[arshal] de Biron. You will have heard what he had done at Crecy and Conflans, and [what] M[onsieu]r the M[arshal] d'Aumont had done at S[ain]t Cloud, and to what condition Paris had been reduced, held by [?weight] and [?finger], where it is hoped that famine and division will serve our purpose. ### B Of [?Lamour], whatever the legate and the ambassador of Spain may do, who are said to be at the end of their resources. As for the latter, there is no doubt that he has done and will do what he can to sustain the League, [?ruin] a party in France which maintains his master's greatness, even advising him to spare neither [?slanders] nor flatteries, [?making] very great affairs for a poor man full of ardour and desire for great things. Spain will never find rest with what he [?] [?] treats openly. ### C As for the other, we consider him at a loss, since we know that the Pope no longer wishes to hear of the League, still less of the Spaniard, and that when he is pressed on the matter he answers that he awaits what the H[oly] Spirit will inspire in him. [?He] has had a bull published to urge the peoples to pray to God that He may impart the graces of His H[oly] Spirit to him in these affairs. ### D You will also have been informed of the gathering the Duke of Mayenne is making of his forces, which are weak, and of how we are assembling [ours] from every quarter. [?As] for the advice I have given you about this, if I have added words of liberty that were too explicit, please blame only the affection I bear to [your] greatness. Whatever you decide on this, hold it certain that we shall no longer hazard anything on the [?uncertain] outcome of a battle, following your judicious advice. We have exerted ourselves enough to have established ourselves and acquired among foreigners the reputation of a great and magnanimous cap[tain], and among our enemies that of a bold and valiant man. ### E You have heard of the revocation of the passport granted to the Primate of Lyon, with [?force] and [?clamours] of deputies of the Paris law courts and of [?burghers] of the city. This refusal was borne so impatiently by the [said] primate of Lyon that he almost lost control of himself. He had asked M[onsieu]r de la Guiche to procure him a passport to retire to his house, which he would have had granted, such is his influence, if the [said] primate of Lyon had been willing to promise to abandon the League, which he would not do. [our] army from Germany is preparing for the other descent. ### F We approve the breaking of the edict [of] union. I [?learnt] [something] clearly. What misfortune! You would do well to [?consider] breaking this move. I fear that the arrival of one who conducts the affairs of Chaseron may disturb [your] service somewhat, with what he [?demonstrated] [?little] [?well] that at the battle of Arques your troops say they would not fight against the League. ### G As for peace, M[onsieu]r de Villeroy is working at it, but in vain. [?He] has drawn them in too far to withdraw them from it. M[onsieu]r de Montmorancy, otherwise M[onsieu]r the Constable, will not come and, as far as I can judge, will not leave. Add to this what is said: the Count of Soissons [?] distrusts M[onsieu]r de La Noue more than the other. [?He] also distrusts the Count of Soissons, who dares not see or show favour to anyone, whether he creates these suspicions for himself or there is some truth in the rumour. ### H The son of M[onsieu]r de Montmorancy is expected with M[onsieu]r de Chastillon. Meanwhile he, the s[ieur] de la Valette and the [?two] [?brothers] are gathering at S[ain]t Esprit on the [?province] of Piedmont. It is said that l'Ecluse, an important place belonging to the Duke of Savoy, has been taken by surprise by those of Geneva, and that the Swiss have taken several [?bailiwicks] [?of] [?Flanders] from him. I report this, and it is not to help him. ### I I am assured that the Leaguers say that the Prince of Parma is ill with the army. The [?siege] of [?Breda] at [?Mars] to [?serve]. [?Maure], an important town on the Rhine which would restore freedom of navigation on the river to the Low Countries, is besieged by Count Maurice with 22 cannon. ### J On the 3rd of this month a letter from the Duke of Mayenne to his sister was seen, informing her of the efforts he is making to relieve Paris, but saying that he cannot be ready before the end of this month. Moreover, the provost of the merchants has written to that person and begs that person to make a final effort; otherwise he cannot tell that person how soon they will be compelled to submit to the mercy of the most cruel and barbarous enemy they have. ### K The King will go today to deliver a setback to him at the siege he has laid before [?], a strong place in Picardy, and will make him raise it. M[onsieu]r the M[arshal] de Biron remains here until his return. Vitry-le-Neuf has been retaken, but M[onsieu]r de Tourteron escaped. Chasteaudun has been taken by the League, and [?Yenvres] of the castellany of Orleans, where M[onsieu]r de la [?Bourdesiere] is inside, was taken to Chartres [?after] [?having] been charged by M[onsieu]r the M[arshal] d'Aumont. The [fifth] of June 1590.
Nos. 24 (15 Jun 1590), 25 (5 Jun 1590), 60 (7 Jun 1590) decoded, not read
Anonymous news-letters from Champagne to the duc de Nevers, June 1590, one hand, hiding names and phrases in a two-digit alphabet inside clear French: "l'union", "la ligue", "de la defiance", Chazeron (named in clear in no. 24) and Ludovic are deciphered; the code numbers and two passages of no. 24 stay open.
A mechanical decode with holes in most sentences: shown so that the transcription and the key can be checked and improved, not as a reading.
Transcription
# fr. 3623 nos. 24 (f.37r), 25 (f.38r), 60 (f.88r): one two-digit key. Figures as read from Gallica full resolution.
# no.24 f.37r line 8 ("du faict ..."):
99 38 39 45 30 93 38 67 92 52 37
# no.24 f.37r line 22 ("mal disposé ... refuse ceste commission"):
16 39 56 43 99 95 93 35 92 05 54 86
# no.25 f.38r ("la rupture de l'edict 12 ..."):
12 58 93 63 54 67 64 19
# no.25 ("qui faict les affaires ..."):
39 38 43 37 48 32 83 45 74 67 63
# no.25 ("vre ..."):
89 84 42 75 93 54 37 45
# no.25 ("ne combatroient point contre ..."):
56 34 56 54 47 93 43
# no.25 ("qu'on dict ..."):
17 33 53 56 82 45 38 45 46 54 43 38 93 39
# no.25 ("Je a aussi ..."):
39 38 42 56 34 38 43 46 54 35 63 37 42 38 93 17
# no.60 f.88r ("du sr ..."):
19 56 93 38 67 93 53 37
# no.60 ("en est aussi ..."):
39 38 43 56 35 94 62 32 64Decryption
# BnF fr. 3623 nos. 24, 25 and 60 (June 1590): readings of the cipher passages Copied verbatim from NOTES.md, section "Nos. 24, 25, 60: the two-digit alphabet" (22 Oct 2026). The cipher passages are short runs inside clear letters; the "Place" column quotes the clear words before each run. [n] = code number with no key; ? = unread letter. Readings (C = from an interlinear gloss, I = from the alphabetical order and context): | Place | Figures | Reading | Grade | |---|---|---|---| | 25, "la rupture de l'edict" | 12 58 93 63 54 67 64 19 | [de] l'union [19] | C/I | | 25, "contre" | 56 34 56 54 47 93 43 | la ligue | C/I | | 25, "Je a aussi" | 39 38 42 56 34 38 43 46 54 35 63 37 42 38 93 17 | [39] de la defiance du [17] | I | | 25, "qu'on dict" | 17 33 53 56 82 45 38 45 46 54 43 38 93 39 | [17] ailse? … defie du [39] | I, first half open | | 25, "qui faict les affaires" | 39 38 43 37 48 32 83 45 74 67 63 | [39] de Chazeron (48 = h, 32 = a) | I; Chazeron is named in clear in no. 24 | | 25, "vostre" | 89 84 42 75 93 54 37 45 | [89] service | I | | 60, "du sr" | 19 56 93 38 67 93 53 37 | [19] Ludovic | C | | 60, "en est aussi" | 39 38 43 56 35 94 62 32 64 | [39] de la V?an | I, name open | | 24, "du faict" | 99 38 39 45 30 93 38 67 92 52 37 | ? d ? e a u d o t ? c | open | | 24, "mal disposé" | 16 39 56 43 99 95 93 35 92 05 54 86 | [16] ? le ? u u a t ? i s | open | The alphabetical ordering is the check: every anchored value fell into the slot its letter predicts, and the I-grade readings were made only with values inside their predicted slot. Code numbers 12, 16, 17, 19, 39, 89, 99 and the plain numbers in no. 24 (22, 51, 84, 44) have no key.
No. 78, f. 111r, 1591 decoded, not read
A clear letter of 1591 on the tailles of the Nivernais with one cipher group of mixed figures and signs near the end, probably a name, in another code; not deciphered.
A mechanical decode with holes in most sentences: shown so that the transcription and the key can be checked and improved, not as a reading.
Transcription
# no.78 f.111r, one cipher group at the end ("traictast de ..."), mixed figures and signs:
96 □ 3 9̄ f 3Decryption
# BnF fr. 3623 no. 78 (f. 111r, 1591): the one cipher group, unread Copied verbatim from NOTES.md, section "No. 78" (22 Oct 2026). The group is not deciphered; no decryption exists. A clear letter with one cipher group near the end, "... traictast de 96 □ 3 9̄ f 3 ..." (`ct_3623_78.txt`), mixed figures and signs. Too short to read; probably a name. Open. No. 78's group was also tried with Laurière's key no. 57 (29 Sept 2026): "ch ? da [Dauphiné] o da", no sense.
Key: key25.md
05 Sources
- BnF français 3623, Gallica btv1b525245007, canvases 83–86 (ff. 37–38), 185 (f. 88), 233 (f. 111).
- DECODE records R9454, R9455, R9459, R9460 (no decipherment on the records).
- S. Tomokiyo, “Ciphers of the Duke of Nevers”, cryptiana.web.fc2.com/code/nevers.htm (keys of BnF fr. 3995; no. 25 fits, no. 46 checked).
- BnF français 3995 f. 51r, Nevers key no. 25, Gallica btv1b525085665, canvas 104.
- Michael Brackx, issue #96 (24 October 2026).
Transcriptions, decipherments and the profile are in the repository folder targets/champagne1590/.