Congress's Cryptographer: A Novel of James Lovell and the American Revolution

In Congress's Cryptographer: A Novel of James Lovell and the American Revolution, Jean C. O'Connor highlights an extraordinary moment in US history.

The historical fiction novel, Congress's Cryptographer, based on primary source research, tells a true story of James Lovell's years in Congress during the American Revolution. A biographical portrait of a forgotten founding father, Lovell is our first Foreign Affairs Secretary, writing to Adams, Franklin, and other diplomats. In this inspirational story, James Lovell's previous prison experiences in British jails, both in Boston and Halifax, fuel his desire to help the American cause. He befriends Abigail and John Adams, and works with Lafayette, Benjamin Franklin, General Nathanael Greene, and General Washington. Knowledgeable in cipher and cryptography, he instructs diplomats in the use of his keyword cipher and breaks British code, an invaluable feat.

Decoding an intercepted letter penned by British General Cornwallis while surrounded by Americans and French at Yorktown, Lovell opens a window into the depleted state of the British army for American generals. The ups and downs of the Americans during the Revolutionary War, the struggles of the Continental Army and of Congress, make this enlightening war fiction. Images of James Lovell's cipher included Congress's Cryptographer offer a glimpse into the world of the American Revolution, where a spy, a code, or a secret could change everything.

James Lovell is honored in the 2023 inductees to the Cryptologic Hall of Honor at the National Security Agency for his work deciphering British code and for promoting cipher. He is called "Congress's one-man NSA for the Revolution."

From the author of The Remarkable Cause: A Novel of James Lovell and the Crucible of the Revolution (Knox Press, 2021)

Author: Jean C. O'Connor
Publisher: Mountain Pine Press
Published: 05/24/2024
Pages: 372
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.09lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.77d
ISBN: 9798989900909

About the Author
O'Connor, Jean C.: - Growing up in New England, Jean C. O'Connor developed a fascination with the American history evident in so many landmarks there. Her grandmother's house in Andover, Massachusetts, has a historic plaque by the front door; the Marquis de Lafayette made a speech from its steps when he came to visit the new United States following the Revolutionary War. Her enjoyment of history as well as literature led to a teaching career of thirty-seven years in Montana, particularly in Helena, the capital.She is passionate about meaningful learning experiences for students, and about working with teachers. As an educator, she received the NCTE High School Teacher of Excellence Award. Through Jean's imprint, Mountain Pine Press, she is helping other authors obtain their goals.