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Problems › 19
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2026-08-16 | Problem registered |
| 2026-09-06 | Completed reading and checks documented |
| 2026-09-08 | Catalogue reconciled with completed result |
The Jasper County Public Library preserves this sheet in the Robert H. Milroy papers as RHM_1861-178. Indiana Memory publishes its catalogue record and scan. The sheet is headed “(By Telegraph)”, addressed to Brigadier General Milroy, and signed Bascom. Its dateline says Charleston, December 4. The catalogue assigns 1861, but the visible dateline does not clearly include a year.
The clerk counted 79 words. They are ordinary words, including several names, but their transmitted sequence does not read as continuous prose. The first is Turkey; the last is finis. The complete sequence is given below, without separating words into proposed functions or suggesting an order for them.
The scan and the library transcription provide the document, not an accompanying interpretation. A later independent image reading disagreed with the held transcription at four positions. Both sets of readings are retained here. Grammar cannot by itself decide which strokes the writer put on the paper. What did the telegram say?
Handwritten telegram rendered in transmitted order; line breaks follow the held source rendering
(By Telegraph)
Charleston December 4th
Brig. Genl Milroy
Turkey general enemys
head and as give as with army readiness
general general bully from in from
interfere such necessary detachments
contingencies these the major this chap Cox
movements quarters keep will such are
movements head to Halleck Kelley tight
having to move quarters at immediately
orders best general fully by End rope
day of of and against your pressingly
Except will orders himself directions
daily received hold under this present and
to provide Kelley informed command
nice finis
G. M. Bascom
Maj and a. a. G.
79 words
Rendering of the held transcription; the manuscript controls. The sender's initials follow the existing transcription. The word pressingly retains the earlier image-based correction of the catalogue transcript's Irressingly. Source-word alternatives appear below.
| Transmitted word | Held transcription | Independent image reading |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | general | guard |
| 43 | move | more |
| 68 | hold | holds |
| 78 | nice | vice |
Wide transcriptions scroll sideways within this box.
| # | Solution | By | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Solution 19-1 A complete reading with manuscript and dating qualifications | @offgramercy | ACCEPTED |
Still open: Four manuscript readings and the year remain qualified. Earlier publication of this telegram or its reading has not been excluded.
A clearer original or an attributable earlier reading would improve the record. Submit the source if you can supply one.
