At a glanceKnown key applied · partial
- The letter
- A son to his father (“gunstiger herr vater”), Monday after Palm Sunday, 22 March 1535, in German; the father and the place are not named in the clear text.
- Where
- Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, Munich, Kurbayern Äußeres Archiv 4591 f. 169; DECODE R9367, part of catalogue entry 161, listed with no decipherment.
- The cipher
- Runs of invented signs inside the clear German: one sign per letter, a few signs for words (und, auch, das) and for ch.
- How it was deciphered
- R9423, a register in the same volume copying out nineteen keys of the 1520s and 1530s, has a block headed “H. Wilh. [15]25”; once its frequent signs were matched to the letter’s by shape, it gives German. Five values were added from the letter itself.
- What it says
- Phrases only, not sentences: he was asked about strange arts (“[?selczam] khinst”) and denied everything; he is taken for a poor writer and has learned nothing reliable yet; he fears for his person; the Turks are coming up.
- Still open
- The cipher as sentences. The re-reading of 23 October 2026 built a full reading of the letter, but four of its values rest on sense alone, two signs and the passages of lines 9–10, 14, 16, 31 and 34 stay open, and with those counted as holes the letter is still decoded, not read.
Until 15 October 2026 this letter was filed on one page with thirteen other ciphertexts of the same key volume. They are different ciphers, each with its own page; the largest group is System A′ of the dukes’ agents in Hungary.
01 The letter
The clear German opens with the date, “Anno dni. 1535. den 22 marcij an montag nach palmarum”. From the partial reading of 23 October 2026 (r9367/R9367_reading.md, English R9367_en.md), with the cipher passages set in the clear text: he was summoned and questioned about strange arts and denied everything (“[?selczam] khinst gefragt, ich hab aber alles [g] verlaugnet”); he gave himself out as a poor writer, sent to learn because he is still young (“ich sey am schlechter shreiber der mainung gesent worden nach dem ich noch jung bin etwas zu lernen und erfaren”); he has learnt nothing reliable yet and will report once he reaches the place; he fears for getting himself through (“[?meinesn] leib hindurch bringen”); and many Turks are moving up (“vil Tircken [?uerauf] ziechen”). The name read earlier as Nothaft is the word botschaft. The postscript reads “Ich vernim Friderich Schmalcz vergunt euch nicht guets”: one Friedrich Schmalcz begrudges the father anything good. The back of the leaf (image P2) has no address, only two pen crosses, so the father and the place are still unnamed.
Decoded, not read. Several values of this reading rest on sense alone (below), and the passages of lines 9–10 (“die [#] [?fleih] [?danck] geben worden”), 14, 16, 31 and 34 do not build sentences. Counted as holes, they leave the letter under the reading bar (check of 23 October 2026), so the reading above is partial. The DECODE image was fetched again and viewed rotated: the failures are key values, not transcription.
02 The key
Block 2_4 of the key register R9423, headed “H. Wilh. [15]25”, gives A 9, B v, C Δ, D +, E 6, F ⊥, G o, H 4, I w, K ‡, L 8, M ¥, N 3, O a barred D, P two rings, Q 2, R 7, S y, T ♉, V a doubled ‡, X o-o, Y ε, Z π, with und 9, auch Z, ch t, das T. Applied with the original sign assignments it failed; it fits once the letter’s frequent signs are matched to the block by shape. The block’s name signs (for Bavaria and Duke Ludwig) do not fit the letter: here they behave as nulls or word dividers. The letter adds five values of its own (q a, Λ r, C s, H k, K z). The re-reading of 23 October 2026 re-transcribed every cipher run on the full-resolution image and added three values that hold at every occurrence (v = b or w, ‡‡ = u, boxed H = k) and four that rest on sense alone, for review: cc = z (zeit, ziechen, Schmalcz), Φ = b (bin, bringen, botschaft), S = sch, U = ll.
03 What stays open
- The letter is decoded, not read: the four sense-only values (eleven words), the open signs and the passages of lines 9–10, 14, 16, 31 and 34 need the open signs or a second letter in this key. (The first count, 78 of 143 cipher words, 54.5%, is withdrawn as a reading figure.)
- Signs not in the key block: a triple-barred cross [#] (13 times, mostly where nothing is needed), an arch sign [Π] (4 times, a word or name sign), and R and d once each; the contexts do not fix them.
- The place name in lines 1–2; and the sign pairs in the right margin beside lines 30–33, probably a reader’s equations.
- The back of the letter (image P2) was examined on 23 October 2026: no address, only two pen crosses.
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.
KAA 4591 f. 169, 22 March 1535 decoded, not read
A son to his father, Monday after Palm Sunday 1535, in German with cipher passages: he was questioned about strange arts and denied everything, claiming to be a poor writer sent to learn because he is young; he has not yet learnt anything thorough and will report when he reaches the place; he will bring his body through; someone asked how 'he' brings [a person, code sign] the message; many Turks are moving up. Postscript: Friedrich Schmalcz begrudges the father nothing good. Cipher runs in key R9423 block 2_4, extended.
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
R9367 letter of 22 March 1535, son to father ("gunstiger herr vater") -- cipher passages
Source image: targets/kaa4591/img/IMG_R9367_I44333_P1.jpg (rotated 90 deg). Folio number "169" top right.
(work in progress; inventory at end)
L01 [Anno dni. 1535. den 22 marcij an montag nach palmarum in] T D w H w v e q # d 6
L02 C W D v q Q A + 6 # w 3 8?
(left margin: large cross with small circle at top and circle at right end of arm - decorative/cross mark)
L03 [gunstiger herr vater ich bin an zweifl, ir haben noch guet wissen was gestalt]
L04 [wir von euch ab geschaiden sein ...]
L05 [und vernufft hineinkerhen damit ich meine gar alzeit und gnad bitten mir sein]
L06 [verzeichen mocht damit ich euch und andern ain nutz und gevallen erlangen mochte]
L07 [die sach weil mich] C q W v 6 A J w A v q A 3 w v e # Q J w A o H 6 e q 3 y 6 T 4 6 3 # C Q
L08 [gar der almechtig taile mir sein gotliche gnad und barmherzikhait mit Ich hab] (L07 cipher runs above right of this line)
L09 yQ D uAdC Hu3 46AT(cc?)d #z [ich sey schier wol halber auf] D QC WQ #
L10 +w6 #J86 w4 Oq3T B o6vd?3 D vuA+63 [wir sein mit grossen sorg]
L11 [mir und grossen unrosten bis her khomen Nun ist uns aber yetzo]
L12 [am widerwertikhait und verhinderung uber die ander zu Ich trag grosse]
L13 [sorg] D 6y # y6w L3 6X E vu 8.10. [zugesagt worden und wirt uns] ("L3 6XE": the L-hook + 3 6 X are underlined with a heavy stroke, probably a later reader's mark)
L14 HqXVCqw3y D o64q8e63 ) [Ich bin allenthalben so und ich her komen]
L15 [bin] o6oD63CP ) X6AH4Xze4?qJ e [worden were] wE Owz DCX3+ [was] #Q (cont.)
L15 (end) ... [was] #QE
L16 [ich khin und hab mich an gestert] P 6AJu+6Ae VwE #CXVvQ Jw8
L17 y68TXqV H4w3ye D o6JQAqoWe [ich hab] qv6AqU6y g X6A8qXo36e
L18 yu wE D HqQ3 X3+ 4qv JwAo6v63 [ich sey am] yT486Ee6AW CQ4A6wv6A
L19 [der mainung] o6y63ev vuA+63 DQW 3qE +6V wEQ [noch jung bin]
L20 [etwas zu lernen und erfaren Summa liebster herr vater Ich het euch]
L21 [vil von diser handlung auch andern sachen zu schreiben khan aber]
L22 [diser zeit mussig haben als ir wol bedenkhen mugent so hab ich]
L23 #Q CQ+ 3uE 3wEe OAw3e8wEy C6AJqA63W D [bis ich yetzt gar an]
L24 [die ort khom will ich euch weyter bericht geben darumben]
L25 [verfarent ausserhalb meines nachst khunftigen schreyben sonst]
L26 [euch auffs erst was thuen wirt; mit nichten dan wo mich die]
L27 [sachen nit gar wol ansehen wird So wirde ich der sein der in]
L28 [khainerlay weg weiter darein verhengen wird sunder mich vor]
L29 [unpillichen unrosten verhutten soviel mir zethuen immer muglich ist]
L30 [gar gut wie ich halt] V6w36C3 D86wV4w3+XAEQW OAw3O63 Wvwu?6Ae
L31 wE eAqo D QCyuAo R 4qv ywE V6A6Ay [vermessen] C D Q v6+6A 6A DW
L32 KXJD6AwEe63W vqwy &? [herzliebster herr vater khunt ich euch]
L33 [vil gnets oder news schreiben were ich willigster regirten?] #46AqvAD
L34 8qw+6AW Q +wy6AKwe [noch nit vil] D QW CoQXC6DeCy [es ist]
L35 [an kant ain par kronen gezeten fur unser herberg hab ich vernomen]
L36 [von etlichen] yu w3 o6DJAqoe [wie er] P+w6 Oue4qJe OAw3o [wir]
L37 [so mechtig(?) ... vil] D W ewATH63X 6AqXJ Kw6E63 [got geb] ("3X" heavily re-inked; a thin underline/box stroke runs from 6AqXJ over to "got geb")
L38 [das ich hoff wann in also wer kraft got den armen unschuldigen]
L39 [Nit mer diser zeit dan bevilch mich euch als meinem gnedigisten]
L40 [herr vater damit taile uns got sein gnad alzeit gelucklich mit]
L41 [Dat. gar eylent geschriben ... ut supra]
P1 [Ich vernim] Jw+6AwEQ DQ4Vq8TK J6AoX3eW (after it, right: a trident/psi-like pen mark and three dots ". . .")
P2 6XE3wEeoX6ey [ersetzt uns ob euch ab] D v6w P [wo]
P3 6A H4q3DCX3+ VqoWQ C? [darnach wissen euch] (last sign a small open c, no dot visible)
P4 [zu richten die weil sein furst fur gewest mit dem]
P5 [... gar wegs wo das kreutz ist khans wol sagt das vor ...] (clear, faint, not transcribed closely)
(right of P2-P4: a large U-shaped flourish with looped ends)
RIGHT MARGIN (on the paper strip at the binding, beside L30-L33), in pairs, darker ink:
"7 ʒ" (a 7-shape, then a large ʒ with descender)
"ʒ ǂ°" (a ʒ, then a cross with a small circle at the foot: an inverted ♀)
"ↄ q+" (reversed c, then q with a crossbar on the stem = our Q)
Reading as decipherer's equations: 7=ʒ, ʒ=inverted-♀, ↄ=Q? (uncertain). Also "r." lower on the strip.
SIGN INVENTORY (code: shape)
6 six / Greek delta-like loop with rising ascender (very common)
A Λ, inverted v (very common, often after 6: "6A")
w w-shape, three minims ("ω/w")
E € / epsilon with bar (open C with midbar)
e small figure-8/ʎ-like sign with dot above (ẟ, "ŏ"), dotted delta-loop
Q ♀-like: circle on stem with crossbar low on stem (cross-q)
q circle on plain stem (q/p without crossbar)
W triple wave ≈ (three stacked wavy lines)
D boxed dot ⊡
C C/crescent with dot inside (ↄ-like reversed? written as dotted C)
c plain small c (no dot), rare
3 3 with flat top (ʒ, descends)
v v / checkmark
V v with crossbar (✓ with bar, "ʏ-cross")
u small u/ω-like looped v ("ʋ")
y y with long curled descender
X # / H-with-two-verticals-and-bar (double-barred cross, "ǂ", written ‡‡)
# triple-barred cross (three horizontal bars on a vertical, "≢ with stem")
+ plus
4 4
8 8
T Δ triangle
H boxed H / ⌸ (square with middle vertical: "ㅂ")
o o
O o with filled/stroked centre (⊙, circle with bar)
J ʎ / λ-hook with tall ascender (like "λ" or "Ꮭ")
K "cc" / double c ligature (ʗʗ)
P Π / arch with one leg (Ր-like, tall T-hook)
L L-hook (once)
R small circle over a crossed V (°Ψ-like), once
g g-shaped with loop descender, once
z small z (rare)
& unclear sign, ?
? uncertain
NOTE: P2.jpg (back/address) NOT examined (image budget); should be checked.
Clear-German readings are rough, for context only.
FREQUENCIES (663 signs):
6:65 w:48 A:43 3:39 e:36 q:30 D:26 Q:25 v:23 o:22 C:20 y:20 X:19 E:19 W:16 +:16 4:16 u:16 J:15 #:13 8:12 V:10 H:9 s:9 T:8 d:8 O:7 r:7 i:7 t:7 z:5 g:5 a:5 P:4 K:4 n:4 h:3 m:3 ]:3 c:2 l:2 f:2 k:2 B:1 L:1 1:1 0:1 U:1 R:1 &:1 I:1Transcription
T D w H w v e q # d 6 C W D v q Q A + 6 # w 3 8 C q W v 6 A J w A v q A 3 w v e # Q J w A o H 6 e q 3 y 6 T 4 6 3 # C Q y Q D u A d C H u 3 4 6 A T d # z D Q C W Q # + w 6 # J 8 6 w 4 O q 3 T B o 6 v d 3 D v u A + 6 3 D 6 y # y 6 w L 3 6 X E v u 8 1 0 H q X V C q w 3 y D o 6 4 q 8 e 6 3 ) o 6 o D 6 3 C P ) X 6 A H 4 X z e 4 q J e w E O w z D C X 3 + # Q # Q E P 6 A J u + 6 A e V w E # C X V v Q J w 8 y 6 8 T X q V H 4 w 3 y e D o 6 J Q A q o W e q v 6 A q U 6 y g X 6 A 8 q X o 3 6 e y u w E D H q Q 3 X 3 + 4 q v J w A o 6 v 6 3 y T 4 8 6 E e 6 A W C Q 4 A 6 w v 6 A o 6 y 6 3 e v v u A + 6 3 D Q W 3 q E + 6 V w E Q # Q C Q + 3 u E 3 w E e O A w 3 e 8 w E y C 6 A J q A 6 3 W D V 6 w 3 6 C 3 D 8 6 w V 4 w 3 + X A E Q W O A w 3 O 6 3 W v w u 6 A e w E e A q o D Q C y u A o R 4 q v y w E V 6 A 6 A y C D Q v 6 + 6 A 6 A D W K X J D 6 A w E e 6 3 W v q w y & # 4 6 A q v A D 8 q w + 6 A W Q + w y 6 A K w e D Q W C o Q X C 6 D e C y y u w 3 o 6 D J A q o e P + w 6 O u e 4 q J e O A w 3 o D W e w A T H 6 3 X 6 A q X J K w 6 E 6 3 J w + 6 A w E Q D Q 4 V q 8 T K J 6 A o X 3 e W 6 X E 3 w E e o X 6 e y D v 6 w P 6 A H 4 q 3 D C X 3 + V q o W Q C
Transcription
R9367 cipher runs, re-transcribed 23 Oct 2026 (batch b32) from IMG_R9367_I44333_P1 rotated 90 deg (lines horizontal), full-resolution tiles. Labels as in transcription.txt, with these additions and changes (R9367_corrections.tsv): O circle with a bar or filled centre (Φ) -> b (bin, bringen, botschaft, bring) S 7-/ʑ-shaped sign with a descender -> sch (verkhuntschaft, botschaft, Schmalcz) U u with a tail (Ц) -> ll (alles; register "ll") Z π -> z (register Z π; zuferichten) K 'cc' pair (ττ) -> z (zeit, ziechen, Schmalcz, selczam, herczen) X '‡‡' pair of barred crosses -> u/v (guet, verkhuntschaft, und, hindurch, vergunt, euch) V v with a crossbar (register M ¥) -> m (mich, dem, merers, meines, summ, Schmalcz) v plain v / check mark -> b/w (aber, hab, bei, geben, schreiber; swer, worden, wol, wais) d circle with a dot (⊙), once (L10) -> unidentified P arch sign (Π) -> unidentified word or name sign (L15, L16, L36, P2) R circle over a crossed V -> unidentified (L31, once) # triple-barred cross -> unidentified (13x; usually where nothing is needed) Q ♀, W ≈, D ⊡ -> nulls (as before) Clear German in [brackets], abbreviated where long. L01 [... palmarum in] T H w X w v e Q # e 6 L02 C W D v q Q A + 6 # w 3 8 L07 [die sach weil mich] C Q W v 6 A J w A v q A 3 w e # Q J w A o X 6 e q 3 y 6 T 4 6 3 # C Q L09 y Q D u A o C X u 3 4 6 A T K 6 # 3 [ich sey schier wol halber auf] D Q C W Q # L10 + w 6 # J 8 6 w 4 d q 3 T H o 6 v 6 3 D v u A + 6 3 [wir sein mit grosser sorg] L13 [sorg] D 6 y # y 6 w 3 6 X E v u 8 . 10 . [zugesagt worden und wirt uns] L14 H q X v C q w 3 y D o 6 4 q 8 e 6 3 ) [Ich bin allenthalben so ...] L15 [bin] o 6 o D 6 3 C P ) X 6 A H 4 X 3 e S q J e [worden were] w E O w 3 D C X 3 + [was] # Q E L16 [... an gestert] P 6 A J u + 6 A e V w E # C X V V Q J w 8 L17 y 6 8 T K q V H 4 w 3 y e D o 6 J Q A q o W e [ich hab] q v 6 A q U 6 y g X 6 A 8 q X o 3 6 e L18 y u w E D H q Q 3 X 3 + 4 q v J w A o 6 v 6 3 [ich sey am] y T 4 8 6 E e 6 A W C Q 4 A 6 w v 6 A L19 [der mainung] o 6 y 6 3 e v u A + 6 3 D Q W 3 q E + 6 V w E Q [noch jung bin] L23 # Q C Q + 3 u E 3 w E e o A w 3 e 8 w E y C 6 A J q A 6 3 W D [bis ich yetzt gar an] L30 [gar gut wie ich halt] V 6 w 3 6 C 3 D 8 6 w v 4 w 3 + X A E Q W O A w 3 o 6 3 W w v u 6 A e L31 w E e A q o D Q C y u A o R 4 q v y w E V 6 A 6 A y [vermessen] C D Q v 6 + 6 A 6 A D W L32 Z X J D 6 A w E e 6 3 W v q w y & [herzliebster herr vater ...] L33 [... willigster regirten?] # 4 6 A q v 6 A D L34 8 q w + 6 A W Q + w y 6 A K 6 w e [noch nit vil] D Q W C o Q X C 6 D e E y [es ist] L36 [von etlichen] y u w 3 o 6 D J A q o e [wie er] P + w 6 O u ? S q J e O A w 3 o [wir] L37 [... vil] D W e w A T H 6 3 X 6 A q X J K w 6 E 6 3 [got geb] (first X of 'X6AqXJ' heavily re-inked under a later underline) P1 [Ich vernim] J A w + 6 A w E Q D Q S V q 8 T K J 6 A o X 3 e W P2 6 X E 3 w E e o X 6 e y [ersetzt uns ob euch ab] D v 6 w P [wo] P3 6 A H 4 q 3 D C X 3 + V q o W Q C [darnach wissen euch]
Decryption
# R9367, KAA 4591 f. 169, 22 March 1535: reading (re-read 23 Oct 2026, batch b32)
A son to his father, in German, with cipher runs in key R9423 block 2_4 ("H. Wilh. [15]25") as extended here
(`R9367_reread_log.md`). Rests on: the DECODE image IMG_R9367_I44333_P1 (4624 x 3468), read line by line at full
resolution after rotation (the clear German re-read too); the cipher runs re-transcribed (`transcription_v2.txt`,
`R9367_corrections.tsv`) and decoded sign by sign. One line per manuscript line; the cipher runs are given as decoded
letters, word-divided by sense, spelling as the figures give it. `[#]` = the triple-barred cross, value unknown (it
often stands where nothing is needed); `[Π]` = the arch sign, a word or name sign, unidentified; `[R]` the
circle-over-crossed-V, once; `[?word]` partly carried; `[...]` unread.
## Reading
Anno dni. 1535. den 22 marcij an montag nach palmarum in [...]
[...]
gunstiger herr vater ich bin an zweifl ir habent noch guet wissen was gestalt
wir von euch abgeschiden sein bin auch gar alzeyt und gnad bitten mir sein
und vernufft [?zuverleihen] damit ich meine gescheft mir wol und erlichen
verrichten mocht damit ich euch und andern ain nutz und gevallen erlangen mochte.
die sach weil mich swer firwar nit [#] fir guet ansechen [#] [...]
gar der almechtig taile mir sein gotliche gnad und barmherzikhait mit. Ich hab
sorg [...] [?herczen] ich sey schier wol halber auf [...]
die [#] [?fleih] [?danck] geben worden. wir sein mit grosser sorg
mir und grossen unrosten bis her khomen. Nun ist uns aber yetzo
am widerwertikhait und verhinderung uber die ander zu. Ich trag grosse
sorg, es [#] sein euch wol 10 zugesagt worden und wirt uns
[?kaub] [?sains] gehalten. Ich bin allenthalben so und ich her komen
bin gegen [?s] [Π] verkhuntschaft worden were ich bin [?sund] was [#] [...]
ich khin und hab mich an gestert [Π] erfodert mich [#] [?summ] vil
[?selczam] khinst gefragt, ich hab aber alles [g] verlaugnet
so ich kan und hab firgeben ich sey am schlechter shreiber
der mainung gesent worden nach dem ich noch jung bin
etwas zu lernen und erfaren. Summa liebster herr vater Ich het euch
vil von diser handlung auch andern [?sorgen] zu schreiben khan aber
diser zeyt [?mussig] haben als ir wol bedenkhen mugent so hab ich
[#] [...] noch nicht grintlichs [?serfaren] bis ich yetzt gar an
die ort khom will ich euch weyter bericht geben darumben
verfarent ausserhalb meines nachst khunftigen schreyben [?sonst]
euch auffs erst was thuen wirt, mit nichten dan wo mich die
sachen nit gar wol ansehen wird So wirde ich der sein der in
khainerlay weg weiter darein verhengen wird sunder mich vor
unpillichen unrosten verhutten soviel mir zethuen immer muglich ist
gar gut wie ich halt [?meinesn] leib hindurch bringen [...]
ich trag [?ssorg] [R] hab sich merers vermessen [?s] weder er
zuferichten wais [...]. herzliebster herr vater khunt ich euch
vil guets oder news schreiben were ich willigster [?regirten] [#] her aber
laider diser zeit noch nit vil [...] es ist
an kant ain par kronen [?gezeten] fur unser herberg hab ich vernomen
von etlichen so in gefragt wie er [Π] die botschaft bring wir
so [?mechtiklich] [?khumen] vil Tircken [?uerauf] ziechen got geb
das ich hoff wann in also wer krefft got den armen unschuldigen.
Nit mer diser zeit sonder bevilch mich euch als meinem gnedigisten
herr vater damit taile uns got sein gnad alzeit gelucklich mit
Dat. gar eylent geschriben [?eirtag] nacht ut supra
Ich vernim Friderich Schmalcz vergunt
euch nicht guets ersetzt uns ob euch ab bei [Π] wo
er khan [?sund] mag [...] darnach wissen euch
zu richten die weil sein furst fur gewest mit dem
[...] gar wayss wo das kreutz ist khans wol sayt das vor [...]
## Notes
- Cipher runs (decoded letters, by line): L07 swer firwar nit [#] fir guet ansechen [#]; L09 sorg ... herczen; L10 die
[#] fleih danck geben worden; L13 es [#] sein euch wol 10; L14 kaub sains gehalten; L15 gegen s [Π] verkhuntschaft /
ich bin sund / [#]; L16 [Π] erfodert mich [#] summ vil; L17 selczam khinst gefragt / aber alles verlaugnet; L18 so
ich kan und hab firgeben / schlechter shreiber; L19 gesent worden nach dem ich; L23 [#] .. noch nicht grintlichs
serfaren; L30 meinesn leib hindurch bringen; L31 ich trag ssorg [R] hab sich merers / s weder er; L32 zuferichten
wais; L33 [#] her aber; L34 laider diser zeit / ...; L36 so in gefragt / [Π] die botschaft bring; L37 Tircken
uerauf ziechen; P1 Friderich Schmalcz vergunt; P2 euch nicht guets / bei [Π]; P3 er khan sund mag.
- The one sign v stands for both b and w (aber, hab, bei, geben / swer, firwar, worden, wol, wais), as the Bavarian
spelling of the time does; the decoded letters print it as the sense needs. In L17 a g-shaped sign stands between
"alles" and "verlaugnet" ([g], unexplained).
- The clear German is the writer's hand, read on the image; doubtful words are bracketed.Decryption
R9367, letter of 22 March 1535 (son to father), reading with key R9423 block 2_4 ("H. Wilh. [15]25", keys9423/2_4_zoom.txt)
Clear German in |bars| (rough, from transcription.txt); cipher decoded in {braces}. ? = doubtful, _ = unread sign,
[#] = open sign (triple-barred cross), (c) = sign ♀ (Q), elsewhere a null. Nulls (dropped): ⊡ (D), ≈ (W), mostly ♀ (Q).
Mapping by shape to the key: q=a v=b/w (key B) T(Δ)=c +=d 6=e J/L=f(v) o=g 4=h w=i 8=l V=m(key ¥) 3=n
A(Λ)=r (key 7) y=s C=s e(♉)=t X(‡)=u E(ε)=ch (key Y ε, used for ch) u=o P=p H=k K=z O=d/n/fr?
Key nomenclator (Bayern ♀, H. Ludwig ≈) does NOT fit the letter's frequencies: ♀ 25x, ≈ 16x, ⊡ 26x behave as nulls/word dividers
(e.g. "gef(Q)rag(W)t" = gefragt, "geg(D)en", "(D)leib hindurch").
L01 |Anno dni. 1535 den 22 marcij an montag nach palmarum in| {c i k i w t a [#] _ e} (unclear; place name?)
L02 {s w a r d e [#] i n l?}
L07 |die sach weil mich| {sa ber vir bar niwt [#] vir gketa(?) n sechen [#] s} ~ "... ansechen ..."
L09 {s or_s kon herc...} |ich sey schier wol halber auf| {s [#]}
L10 {die [#]fle ih d?anc gew_?n worden} |wir sein mit grossen sorg|
L13 |sorg| {es [#] sei fn euch wol ....} |zugesagt worden und wirt uns|
L14 {kaum sains gehalten} |Ich bin allenthalben so und ich her komen|
L15 |bin| {gegensp(?) uerkhuzth?af t} |worden were| {ich d?iz sund} |was| {[#] ... ch}
L16 |ich khin und hab mich an gestert| {p(?) erfodert mich [#]sumb fil} ~ "erfordert mich ... viel"
L17 {seltsam(?) khinst gefragt} |ich hab| {aber a_es g verlaugnet} ~ "seltsam künste gefragt, ich hab aber alles verlaugnet"
L18 {so ich kan und hab vergeben} |ich sey am| {schlechter schreiber}
L19 |der mainung| {gesent worden nach dem ich} |noch jung bin|
L23 {[#] s_d noch nicht freintlichs(?) erfaren} |bis ich yetzt gar an|
L30 |gar gut wie ich halt| {meines leib hindurch (fr)ind(?)en wio?ert}
L31 {ich trag (grosse?) sorg _ hab ich merers} |vermessen| {s weder er}
L32 {zu verrichten bais(?) ??} |herzliebster herr vater khunt ich euch|
L33 |vil gnets oder news schreiben ...| {[#]herabr}
L34 {laider diser zeit} |noch nit vil| {sg_use_tss(?)} |es ist|
L36 |von etlichen| {so in gefragt} |wie er| {p die Nothaft(?) (d/fr)ring} |wir|
L37 |... vil| {Tirckhen herauf ziechen} |got geb|
P1 |Ich vernim| {Friderich _ Schmalcz(kalden?) vergunt}
P2 {euch nicht guets} |ersetzt uns ob euch ab| {bei p} |wo|
P3 {er khan sund mag s?} |darnach wissen euch|
Summary: A young man (still "jung", sent to learn) writes to his father on Monday after Palm Sunday 1535 from a
court or journey. He says he has been questioned about strange things ("seltsam künste gefragt") and denied
everything, that he is held a poor writer, that he has not yet learned anything friendly/reliable, and that he
carries great worry for his own body/safety. In cipher he reports news: the Turks are to come up ("Tirckhen herauf
ziechen"), that he was asked by some people, a name like Nothaft, and in the postscript something about (Count
Palatine?) Friedrich and Schmalkalden(?) and "euch nicht guets" (nothing good for you). The father is told he will
be informed more fully in the next letter.Reading
# R9367, KAA 4591 f. 169, 22 March 1535: reading (re-read 23 Oct 2026, batch b32)
A son to his father, in German, with cipher runs in key R9423 block 2_4 ("H. Wilh. [15]25") as extended here
(`R9367_reread_log.md`). Rests on: the DECODE image IMG_R9367_I44333_P1 (4624 x 3468), read line by line at full
resolution after rotation (the clear German re-read too); the cipher runs re-transcribed (`transcription_v2.txt`,
`R9367_corrections.tsv`) and decoded sign by sign. One line per manuscript line; the cipher runs are given as decoded
letters, word-divided by sense, spelling as the figures give it. `[#]` = the triple-barred cross, value unknown (it
often stands where nothing is needed); `[Π]` = the arch sign, a word or name sign, unidentified; `[R]` the
circle-over-crossed-V, once; `[?word]` partly carried; `[...]` unread.
## Reading
Anno dni. 1535. den 22 marcij an montag nach palmarum in [...]
[...]
gunstiger herr vater ich bin an zweifl ir habent noch guet wissen was gestalt
wir von euch abgeschiden sein bin auch gar alzeyt und gnad bitten mir sein
und vernufft [?zuverleihen] damit ich meine gescheft mir wol und erlichen
verrichten mocht damit ich euch und andern ain nutz und gevallen erlangen mochte.
die sach weil mich swer firwar nit [#] fir guet ansechen [#] [...]
gar der almechtig taile mir sein gotliche gnad und barmherzikhait mit. Ich hab
sorg [...] [?herczen] ich sey schier wol halber auf [...]
die [#] [?fleih] [?danck] geben worden. wir sein mit grosser sorg
mir und grossen unrosten bis her khomen. Nun ist uns aber yetzo
am widerwertikhait und verhinderung uber die ander zu. Ich trag grosse
sorg, es [#] sein euch wol 10 zugesagt worden und wirt uns
[?kaub] [?sains] gehalten. Ich bin allenthalben so und ich her komen
bin gegen [?s] [Π] verkhuntschaft worden were ich bin [?sund] was [#] [...]
ich khin und hab mich an gestert [Π] erfodert mich [#] [?summ] vil
[?selczam] khinst gefragt, ich hab aber alles [g] verlaugnet
so ich kan und hab firgeben ich sey am schlechter shreiber
der mainung gesent worden nach dem ich noch jung bin
etwas zu lernen und erfaren. Summa liebster herr vater Ich het euch
vil von diser handlung auch andern [?sorgen] zu schreiben khan aber
diser zeyt [?mussig] haben als ir wol bedenkhen mugent so hab ich
[#] [...] noch nicht grintlichs [?serfaren] bis ich yetzt gar an
die ort khom will ich euch weyter bericht geben darumben
verfarent ausserhalb meines nachst khunftigen schreyben [?sonst]
euch auffs erst was thuen wirt, mit nichten dan wo mich die
sachen nit gar wol ansehen wird So wirde ich der sein der in
khainerlay weg weiter darein verhengen wird sunder mich vor
unpillichen unrosten verhutten soviel mir zethuen immer muglich ist
gar gut wie ich halt [?meinesn] leib hindurch bringen [...]
ich trag [?ssorg] [R] hab sich merers vermessen [?s] weder er
zuferichten wais [...]. herzliebster herr vater khunt ich euch
vil guets oder news schreiben were ich willigster [?regirten] [#] her aber
laider diser zeit noch nit vil [...] es ist
an kant ain par kronen [?gezeten] fur unser herberg hab ich vernomen
von etlichen so in gefragt wie er [Π] die botschaft bring wir
so [?mechtiklich] [?khumen] vil Tircken [?uerauf] ziechen got geb
das ich hoff wann in also wer krefft got den armen unschuldigen.
Nit mer diser zeit sonder bevilch mich euch als meinem gnedigisten
herr vater damit taile uns got sein gnad alzeit gelucklich mit
Dat. gar eylent geschriben [?eirtag] nacht ut supra
Ich vernim Friderich Schmalcz vergunt
euch nicht guets ersetzt uns ob euch ab bei [Π] wo
er khan [?sund] mag [...] darnach wissen euch
zu richten die weil sein furst fur gewest mit dem
[...] gar wayss wo das kreutz ist khans wol sayt das vor [...]
## Notes
- Cipher runs (decoded letters, by line): L07 swer firwar nit [#] fir guet ansechen [#]; L09 sorg ... herczen; L10 die
[#] fleih danck geben worden; L13 es [#] sein euch wol 10; L14 kaub sains gehalten; L15 gegen s [Π] verkhuntschaft /
ich bin sund / [#]; L16 [Π] erfodert mich [#] summ vil; L17 selczam khinst gefragt / aber alles verlaugnet; L18 so
ich kan und hab firgeben / schlechter shreiber; L19 gesent worden nach dem ich; L23 [#] .. noch nicht grintlichs
serfaren; L30 meinesn leib hindurch bringen; L31 ich trag ssorg [R] hab sich merers / s weder er; L32 zuferichten
wais; L33 [#] her aber; L34 laider diser zeit / ...; L36 so in gefragt / [Π] die botschaft bring; L37 Tircken
uerauf ziechen; P1 Friderich Schmalcz vergunt; P2 euch nicht guets / bei [Π]; P3 er khan sund mag.
- The one sign v stands for both b and w (aber, hab, bei, geben / swer, firwar, worden, wol, wais), as the Bavarian
spelling of the time does; the decoded letters print it as the sense needs. In L17 a g-shaped sign stands between
"alles" and "verlaugnet" ([g], unexplained).
- The clear German is the writer's hand, read on the image; doubtful words are bracketed.Translation
# R9367, KAA 4591 f. 169, 22 March 1535: English (from R9367_reading.md, same holes) Translation of the reading line by line, modern English; words in brackets as in the reading (`[#]`, `[Π]`, `[R]` unidentified signs; `[?word]` doubtful; `[...]` unread). Cipher passages in italics. ## Translation In the year of the Lord 1535, on 22 March, on the Monday after Palm Sunday, at [...] [...] Gracious lord father, I do not doubt that you still know well in what manner we parted from you. I also always ask for grace, that [God] may [?grant] me understanding, so that I might carry out my business well and honourably, so that I might bring profit and pleasure to you and to others. The matter, since *[it seems] hard to me, truly [I can]not [#] regard [it] as good [#] [...]*; may the Almighty grant me his divine grace and mercy. I have *worry [...] [?at heart]*. I am almost half way up [...] *the [#] [?fleih] [?thanks] have been given*. We have come here with great worry, for me and great expense. But now we face adversity and hindrance one after the other. I carry great worry; *[#] some 10 have been promised to you*, and will be *[?hardly] kept [?for] us*. I have everywhere so [...], and I have been *denounced to [?s] [Π]*, *were I [?and] was [#] [...]*. I can, and yesterday I [...]; *[Π] summoned me [#] [?much]*, *asked [me] strange arts; but I denied everything*, *as well as I could, and claimed that I am a poor writer*, *and had been sent with the intention, since I am* still young, to learn and to experience something. In sum, dearest lord father, I would have much to write to you about this business and other [?worries], but at this time [?I must] [refrain], as you can well consider; so I have *[#] [...] not yet learnt anything thorough*, until I now come right to the place; then I will give you further report. Therefore *[...]* beyond my next coming letter, [?otherwise] [I will tell] you at the first opportunity what is to be done; not at all, but where the matters do not look good to me, then I shall be the one who in no way will let himself be drawn further into it, but will guard myself against unreasonable expense as much as is ever possible for me. Quite well, as I think, *[I will] bring my body through [...]* *I bear [?worry] [R] has presumed more* [than he should], *[?s] neither he* *to carry out, knows [...]*. Dearest lord father, if I could write you much good or news, I would most willingly [...] *[#] but here* *unfortunately at this time* not much *[...]*. It is known [?that] a couple of crowns [?tents(?)] before our lodging; I have heard from some, *who asked him*, how he *brings [Π] the message*: we so [...] many *Turks [?up] are moving* — God grant, as I hope, [...] strength [to] God's poor innocents. No more at this time, but I commend myself to you as my most gracious lord father; may God grant us his grace always with good fortune. Dated in great haste, [?Tuesday] night, as above. I hear *Friedrich Schmalcz begrudges* *you nothing good*; replace us, if you [...] *at [Π]*, where *he can [and] may [...]*; know accordingly how to conduct yourself, since his prince has been before [?it] with the [...] quite far, where the cross is, can well say that before [...]
Key: key.md, key_match.md
04 Sources
- Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, Kurbayern Äußeres Archiv 4591 f. 169, via DECODE R9367; the key register R9423 in the same volume (login; publication of the images needs the archive’s permission, so this page shows none).
- Print: a web search (21 September 2026) found no edition.
The transcription, key match and reading are in the repository folder targets/r9367/.