Items for Sale - Miscellaneous - Section One - Item#18825
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Item# 18825

Enigma No. 1 March 5th, 1863 dated coded enigma (7 ½” x 7”) written by Sgt Richard Whitfield Jones to his mother, strong pen. Beautiful script. Coded enigma that indicated phrases he would use in letters by a series of code numbers, i.e., 3.12, 20.8.28.24.8.2.31 “is a small boat,” other codes for non-military phrases. Quite unusual and possibly devised to convey information that, if captured, would be of no use to the enemy. RARE. Wonderful Civil War artifact. $300. LL

Richard Whitfield Jones mustered into 3rd Company Howitzers, Virginia Light Artillery Battery, Army of Northern Virginia as a private. He was born in Richmond and lived there after the war. He was promoted to Commissary Sergeant on December 28, 1862. Photocopy of CDV purported to be Jones accompanies.  His grandfather, Richard Whitfield (1777-1866) was a well-known businessman, born in England, a brewer and War of 1812 veteran, serving as a private in Stapleton Crutchfield’s detachment of Virginia Militia. His home was on Franklin between 7th & 8th Streets. One of his nine children was eldest daughter Elizabeth Ann Whitfield Jones (1818-1909), sender’s mother. She was married to John S. Jones (unknown-1849).

Price: $300