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US Army cryptographer (1891–1969) who ran the research division of the Army's Signal Intelligence Service (SIS) in the 1930s. In 1940, Friedman and Frank Rowlett led a team that broke Japan's PURPLE cipher, thus disclosing Japanese diplomatic secrets before America's entrance into World War II. TLS signed “William F. Friedman,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, February 2, 1949. Letter to Ashley T. Cole, in part: "No doubt you have felt that either your letter of 15 October had gone astray or that the recipient is a stuffed shirt. Neither of these contingencies is true. The fact of the matter is that your letter arrived at a time when I was quite ill and was concentrating what energy I had on the matter of getting better. Now I am better and hence this letter of apology for the delay. Before acceding to your request, which I would be pleased to grant, I would like to know the basis on which you reached the conclusion that I am one of those 'persons who are distinguished in the Second World War.' Upon receipt of this information I will be glad to send you a letter which I hope will be worthy of addition to your notable collection." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
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