Encryption Challenge

One hears about any number of encryption schemes nowadays, and the general assumption is that any reasonably secure encryption system requires high-powered computers. Well, maybe, but . . .

I have devised a system simple enough that — once you know the key — even a child can quickly encrypt and decode messages using only pencil and paper. Ought to be child's play to break, yes?

The challenge I present to you below was my first attempt at encryption. You may use a computer to figure it out, although I only used pencil and paper. If you get it right, the decoded message results in a quote from one of our founding fathers.

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If you think you’ve cracked the code, email me at with your thoughts on the solution by April 1. Whoever sends me the correctly decoded message will have their name(s) published in the May SRS e-newsletter! If nobody figures it out, we’ll provide additional clues in the May issue.

Good luck!