(left) Code book for coded telegrams
(right) Coded Telegram from Fort Worth, Texas to Los Angeles, California, February 23, 1933

Inspectors used codes to guarantee the security of telegraphic messages. This cipher code book was provided to postal inspectors in 1941. Inspectors used the code book to keep telegraphic messages safe from prying eyes. The cipher used a series of five letter groupings that could be deciphered with the use of the code book. [view cover]

This telegram (above right) was sent to the chief post office inspector in Washington, DC after a February 21, 1933, mail truck robbery in Fort Worth, Texas. The head of the gang of thieves, O.D. Stevens, held onto the money until July when the gang met at Stevens’ house to divide the loot. Stevens and three friends killed three of the thieves and dumped their bodies in the Trinity River. Forensic evidence recovered from the bodies pointed to Stevens and his friends, who were convicted of the murders. Stevens was sentenced to 28 years in prison.

The decoded telegram reads:

Three bandits held up railway postal clerk Black and railroad employee handling mail on mail truck conveying mail between Texas Pacific Depot and Terminal R.P.O., Fort Worth, Texas, last night, nine-forty, securing six pouches registered mail containing over $70,000 currency. Inspector in Charge, Austin, Tex., with post office inspector investigating.

Adamson