• 

Mr. William F. Friedman Chie~ Cryptanalyst 

• 

Signal Intelligence Service 

War Department, washington 

Dear Mr. Friedman: 

REF ID:A7006 

.., 

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE 

SOUTH HADLEY, MASSACHUSETl'S 

• 

November 30, 1943 

I am writing you on behalf of a close friend of mine, 

John Verrall, who is a member of our faculty and about to be inducted 

into the Army. 

During the past year I have been giving him private 

lessons in cryptography and cryptar.alysis and have found him an unusually 

able student. With me he has covered the followir..g material: 

Transposition ciphers - routes, grilles, columnar transposition 

Substitution ciphers - :Monoalphabetic, ditto with variants 

Po lyalphabetic 

Vigenere, Gronsfeld, Porta, Beaufort 

Running keys 

Autoencmpherment 

Encipherment by variable plain text units 

Encipherment by variable cipher text units 

Digraphic, false and true · Tables 

Checkerboards 

Playfair 

Superencipherment - Fractionating systems 

Having a keen interest in this type of problem Verrall has worked tirelessly 

and with unusual success in the solution of these types of cipher. I have been 

particularly impressed with the amount of real understanding he has brought to 

the work. Several times I found him working out for himself techniques of 

attack new to me and thoroughly sound. 

Verrall reports at Camp Devens on December the fifteenth. His 

identification number is 3 1 4 l 5 8 9 6. I am writing you to ask if anything 

can be done to get him assigned to cryptanalysis work after he has finished his 

basic training. I aJ!I certain that his greatest usefulness to the Army would 

ba in this field. 

Verrall is one of the best teachers on our faculty. If there 

are no openings in cryptanalysis itself, he would make an excellent teacher 

of the subject. He is already competent to teach the elementary course in the 

subject. 

@'pproved for Release by NSA on 07-16-2014 pursuantto E.O. 1352a 
.. ('_. l 

Of course I am writing this letter with no real knowledge of 

the situation in your part of the Service. It may be that you can do 

nothing for Verrall. But I did think that to let you know about him 

would be doing a favor both to you and to him. I have been told recently 

that the Air Force is in great need of teachers of cryptanalysis. If you 

cannot use Verrall would you be in a position to ~ko him known to the 

Air Fore4 intelligence group? 

I am glad to be able to give Verrall a high recommendation. 

As n cryptanalyst he has all of the best qualities a patience, real 

understanding of .fundamental principles, willingness to experiment, and 

unbounded enthusiasm for and absorption in the work. He is a person of ~he highest character: loyal , trustworthy, discrete. Anything you are 

able to do to assist him will be appreciated. 

Prof. Roger w. Holmes 

3 Stanton Avenue 

South Hadley, Mass 

Faithfully yours, 
' -· 

TO FROH 

___ g..ammanding Officer _____ /""---

___L1-~sst. Gor:imanclant __ ,___.,....Z ___ _ --V-Dir. of Com. Hesearch -V 

--Executive Officer ------

hsst. Executive Officer 

---Adjutant ------ ---11.s st. 1ld~-j-u_t_n_n_t _________ _ 

-C!lief, Heaq..c;.uarters Branch ___ _ 

---Coordination Section ----Inf. an<l Liaison Sec_ti ___ o_n ____ _ 

---Chief, h Branch 

--CLief, B :3ranch----------

---Chief, C Branch 

---Chief, D Branch----------

Chief, E Branch --- ief, F Branch----------

Dir. of Training =="'"-..-. 

Fro perty Officer ·--:~~-------- ---Personnel Office_r ___________ _ 

---Provost :.rarshal 

Post Engj ne er ----------- ---8lussified !!ai..~~~1_,,,,R_o_o_~----~·---

---Secretar.r to c. o. 

---General l~iles ----------- 20 l liles ------------ - --------------------

Co;:rraents and Return 

---?.ecomnendations ------------

---Ir.formation ---Inf orma. tion_a_n_d_H_e_t_u_r_n _____ _ 

---Inf. a:1d rorwarding ---Your Information an_d_}~~~i~l-e ____ _ 

Signa ti.:re, if approved 

=----see Note on Back ------

---As Requested 

• t... s Discussed ------------ ----- -----Your jction _________________ ------------------__,. 

~~~+r'­

'h.~ ~\~ ~-~ ~V~o&Q4-k 

~~~~rl v.... ~ -...:L:....... <..___ ). { ~ 

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- --- ---=~- - - .. ·----=- -----=·--:::.. •-,,..,:. -

.. . ·' • • 
• REF.ID:A7003 • • 

Protessor Roger W •·Holmes 

3 Stanton Avenue 

South Hadle1, Maaaachusetts 

Dear Protesaor Holmes: 

SPSIB-3 

11 December 1943 

I am sorr7 that a repl7 to 7our letter or N~vember 

30, could not be sent sooner • 

. ltvould appear tbat 7our friend Verrall v~uld be 

an asaet to us but unf'ortunatel7 •t the present moment, because the Second Signal SerYice Battalion is overatrength, ve cannot do anything right now. It is, however, probable tbat IOllething ~ould be done a little 

lat)!er and I v1ll ask the Adjutant ot the unit to let 

ae.know just aa aoon as the over-strength status ia 

terllinated. I suggest that either 7ou or Verrall keep 

me intoraed as to his whereabouts. 

With cordial greetings, I am, 

S1neerel7 7ours, 

William F. Friedman 

Director ot Co .. unications 

Reae:aroh 
. , 

Date 

TO FROM 

Corrunanding Officer ~--- -------------~ ~sst. Uor:unandant . </ 

-Dir. of Com. He search V ~Executive Officer ---------

Asst •. Executive Officer 

-Adjutant --------~ 

-Asst. Adjutant -Chief, Headqua_r_t_e_r_s_Br--a-n-c'""t_1 _____ _ 

-Coordination Section 

--Inf. and Liaison Sec-ti-. -on _______ _ 

-Chief, ;~ Branch 

-Chief, B Branch---------

-Chief, ·C Bra."lch 

-Chief, D Branch---------

Chief, E Branch 

--Chief, F Branch---------

--~;r. of Training 

V2d Sig. Serv. Bn'"".;:-,-,_,.-" ... -~ -&t-2---:,-_ --.A-~-1+-, ,..---

Property Officer · 

----Personnel Officer 

-Provost I!arshal ------

:?ost Enr;ineer 

-Classii'ied :.fro. ... '="1-:.R-00-m-, --------

--Secretar~· to G. o. 

General Files 

----201 Files ~-----------
' ~· . .-. 

• .FEF ID:A70031 e 

• 

Proteeaor Roger w. Holm.ea 

3 Stanton Avenue 

south-Hadley, Massachusetts 

Dear Proteasor Holllea: 

SPSIS-:5 

11 Januar1 l9ll-~ 

During the latter part ot November 7ou wrote me 

concerning 7our friend Verrall. I wrote 7ou on 

December 11th that because the Second Signal Service 

Battalion vas ov•~·•trength we could not do anrthing at the time. I asked our people to keep .. adv1ee4 

and the7 tell me nov that the over-etrength condition 

1• adju•ted and possiblJ aomethtng could be done tor 

Verrall. 'What we need to know now 1• where he vent 

troa ca.ap Devens, giv1ng hia complete address. Upon receipt ot this 1ntor ... t1on I will see vbat action 

can be taken. 

With cordial greeting• tor the Nev Year, I am, 

Sincerel7 7oura, 

W1111u F. Friedman 

D1reotor o~ Coanllm1cat1one 

Beaeuob 
, !.. - _; REF 

TO FROH 

C lilJlding Officer 

sit. Commandant / 

of Com. Research_jZ.._ ___ _ 

Executive Officer -,~sst. Executive 0-f .... f .... ic_e_r ____ _ 

.11..djutant - asst. Ad-""'j_u..,.ta--n-t-----------

-Chief, Headquarters Branch 

-Coordination Section ----

Inf •. and Liaison Section ~--Chief, J1.. Branch ________ -------_ 

----Chief, B Branch 

-Chief, C Branch--------· 

Chief 

1 

D Branch _________ _ 

-Chief, E Branch -Chief, F Branch ________ _ 

_ Dir. of Training 

2d Sig. Serv. Bn. ·----------- ----Property Officer ----------- -Personnel Office_r ________ _ 

-Provost Harshal 

Post Engineer ---------- ---Classified Ma..,.i-1 ........ Ho_a_m-.-------

----Secretary to c. o. 

-General Files -----....--

-201 I~iles ~ / • 4 Ct.:atQ;t, ct4!) v .se r .... ~C:C:.,:,o 8:IE:I'~ --

Cornmen ts and Return 

---Recommendations -------

-Information t=="'1:nforrnation-a-nd-l-te_t_ur_n _____ _ 

Inf. and Forwarding -Your Information an_d_F_i_,l_e ___ _ 

---Signature, if approved -See !Tote on Back ------

As Requested ---hs Discussed------------

Your action ---- -----------------
• .J 

~F a:A70031 

.. . 

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE 

SOUTH HADU!Y, MASSACHUSBTl'S 

William F. Friedman 

Headquarters, Army Service Forces 

Office of the Chief Signal Officer 

1var Department, Washington, D.c. 

Dear Mr. Friedman: 

Thank you for your letter of 

the 11th of January. 

John Verrall is still at 

Fort Devens, Wassachusetts. His number is 

31415896 and his address is Company A, R.c. 

I appreciate the trouble you 

have taken to help my friend Verrall and am 

sure that if he can be placed in the Second 

Signal Service Battalion his work will justify 

the interest we have taken in him. 

Roger w. Holmes 

3 stanton Avenue 

South Hadley, Mass. 

yours, 
's:- 1 
• REF ID:A700-

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE 

SOUTH HADLEY, MASSACflUSETl'S 

\'lilliam F •· Fri edrran 

Chief Cryptanalyst 

Office of the Chief Signal Officer 

\'lashington, D.C. 

Dear I1'.r. Friedr.1an: 

Hy fri~nd Vorrall has asked 

me to inform you that he nas bean ·transferred 

to Camp Crowder, Missouri. His specific 

address is: Company B, 27th Signal Training 

Battalion. Apparently he vmnts to be sure 

that you people know where he is at all times. 

Please do not bother to 

reply to this letter. 

Roger w. Holmes 

3 Stanton Avenue 

South Hadley, f,'.ass. 
;:.: 

llr'. Boe.er 9i', ~ 

3 Stantosi l'•Ven'2e 

REF ID:A7003. 

South 1111dltq, Kae•a.chlls•tta 

Ct"'!r'j~GS.S bd~ conducted &t Mount Jlol¥Oke C~ t'iaa 

been exmdned With a vie,, toWaril :paaaibl.e asaietuee b~· 

tbia Ag-~cy. Un.to:rtunn.tely the:re ~·DO tun4• av.Slable 

:~'1'"CO:.: .i1!1.t.cb it 'it'OUld be .,csaible to \UldU"Wr1te aucb uti•tance •. 'l!Utl'efcre, it 1• w1th .l."u~t 'that l mut iutortn 

3ou ~.;h~t th1a Agenc7 cunnot l~i ~· i1.mmc1e.l supl.)Ort to 

cc: AG .. . 

...... \ ....... · .. 

Q;: L. D. Ciiii&bos, 60317 ~ - TNG, mbt1 15 Mar 54 

~~:SS! (lrieama1* ·=-=Gt · 

PERS 

TBG 
MOtll! BOLYCD CattQ 

South Badley, Maasachuaetts 

Attention: Civilian Peraozme1 

Mr. James L. Kelley 

Chief; ISA ProcUrement 

RatiOipal Security Agmc7 

Wubil:igton;1 D. C. 

I 

· Dear Mr. Kelley: · •· 

. . 

13 Pebl'U&l'J' 195~ 

. Mr. c. K. Penland v181ted Mount Holyoke College tbia 

veelt and bad k1l1d tbinga to say~ ~ course in 1Uiit&r7 Cryptography 

and Ceyptm&l;yah which I teach here •. Be bas advised ae to w,:'1te you. 

concel'DiDg the tuture ot.the courae at "thia College. 

A ·tev weeks ago 1 Just betore J.eav1Jig South Badley- tor 

an extended trip to Europe, Preaiclent Ham called ae 1D to bis office to 

augest that. I make inquiries into the poas.ibillty that the expense ot 

this cours~ be carri~ by govermmnt defense IDOD.e)'• 

'1'he college, like all others, :ls havmg ftnancial 

clitticulties and fiDda it necesaaey to retrench verever possibl.e. Bence 

Mr. Bam bu come to wonder seriously whether or not he can continue to 

f1nd money tor the course. Bia point :1a tbat · tbe Qovennent 1a helping 

the colleges iD so J1L8DY good wqa to contribute to the detense ettort that 

it ought to be vnitng tO provide the mil annual amount to keep tbia 

course going, five hundred dollara ($500). 

Ile rillts Yery au.ch to keep the coarse here because he 

movs hoV important 1t. 1s to bave a backlog· or :lntelligent wmen tra1ned 

in tbe skUla ot tbla vork Who can be ealled to Washington iwecUately . 

111 case of emergency. l'ral 'JD7 own vork 111 World War 1I I know how ba4l7 

th87 are needecl aml how quic:kq. · ·We get at lloun\. ·Bo~ sane or the 

.. ab1est s:lrla of each age group; ud mazq ot tbe beat ot these take the 

course. 'Baey take it either becauae tbq like this tne of tb1ng ad 

are good at it, or ~lie they are engasecl to·aen wbo vUl be fighting 

it another var caaes and they want to be ot most nl.ve ·t.hemaelvea. 

J5oth.reasons. !Ire excellent. 

I am aure I clo ·not need to persuade· you .of these tM ngs. 

I should a.PPrec1ate it 1t · 70\1 ·would look 1nto th1a matter. If' JOU 

could tiDd ame aource· trca wbich this amount could be paid Mount Bolyoke 

College each year to keep the course go1Dg, PreaideDt Baa and tbe College 

would be deeply appreciative. · · 

Faitbtully yours, 

3 Stanton Avenue / s/ Roger V. Holmes 

SOU.th Jradley, 'Jlassachusetts 

BOOD W. HOLMES