ANDARAC
by Justin Graham
Answer: SMOKE
Solvers should first put the telegrams into chronological order.
Simple letter to number conversion of the timestamps gives ANGLO-AMERICAN.
Simple letter to number conversion of the dates gives CODE AND CYPHER.
An Internet search of the full phrase will bring up (multiple) links to the full text document of "The Anglo-American telegraphic code to cheapen telegraphy and to furnish a complete cypher" published by the "Anglo American Code and Cypher Co." in 1894. (Indeed, an Internet search of several of the very unusual "words" on the telegrams like BOTANOLOLY will also bring up this source document). Full text of this cipher can be found here. There is an older version of the code book from 1891 on Google Books which is also perfectly fine for solving this puzzle.
This code is one of the most comprehensive (and digitally preserved) of the literally thousands of proprietary code sets that were developed in the 19th century to reduce telegraph bandwidth and provide a bit of secrecy primarily to business communications. There's a very comprehensive list of these codes and more history at http://www.jmcvey.net/cable/index.htm
In this puzzle, someone is using the Anglo American code system to clue words that are typical Britishisms. The clues, and their answers are as follows:
Telegram 1 (in chronological order)
ABLUMINOUS | You must be guided by his (their) advice |
QUIVER | Will reply to your question(s) |
NEOCRACY | Watch the newspapers |
cluing AGONY COLUMN
Telegram 2
SPERATE | The statement is |
UNNAIL | For the use of |
COCCUS | complete surprise |
cluing BLIMEY
Telegram 3
GARRULOUS | I thank you for your gift |
YOKELET | yesterday morning |
DEDOLENT | December 25th |
GIGANTIC | Goods |
DISLIKE | will be discounted |
TREEN | some time to-day |
cluing BOXING DAY
Telegram 4
FIGURIST | The feeling is |
PISCARY | Pleased |
SARDANS | Satisfied |
cluing CHUFFED
Telegram 5
BLACKISH | A great blunder |
LACEMAN | Large |
MOMENT | Mistake |
OFFICIALLY | Offense was taken |
cluing CLANGER
Telegram 6
CARLIC | Celebration in commemoration of |
EVICTED | Explosion |
FAMOUS | Has failed |
CASSIDONY | A bad character |
APYREXY | Was (were) arrested (for) |
NOTION | 5th of November |
cluing GUY FAWKES NIGHT
Telegram 7
IMPISH | Improper behavior |
MANIPLE | Manipulated |
MANTILLA | In some manner |
CRANTARA | Contrived |
cluing JIGGERY-POKERY
Telegram 8
QUELL | Second class quality |
GIGGLING | Goods are cheap |
SALTATORY | Will be for sale |
CAUSTICITY | Will contribute to charitable purposes |
cluing JUMBLE SALE
Telegram 9
CRISPY | Require(s) a good pastry cook |
ONELY | Often |
ACONTIAS | Will be accompanied by |
BOTANOLOLY | Creamery prime butter |
BROKEN | Imperial tea |
cluing SCONE
Telegram 10
PROCIDUOUS | Progress |
PRESIDING | Is prevented |
IGNIPOTENT | Can you imagine the |
ELUXATE | The engine has been |
cluing SPANNER IN THE WORKS
Telegram 11
SHODING | A serious difficulty |
ALIQUOT | It will affect the situation (of) |
CERNOUS | Circumstances are unfavorable |
cluing STICKY-WICKET
Telegram 12
PINDARIC | Difficult to please |
CRAFTSMAN | Contrary |
OBSTUPEFY | Very obstinate |
COMPLORE | Will concede nothing |
cluing STROPPY
Telegram 13
CLUSTERY | Complain(s) of |
COMPOTOR | a small concern |
TRABEA | Many times |
cluing WHINGE
Extract the letters from the numbered blanks to form the phrase:
MUST BE SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION
Decode the title of the puzzle (ANDARAC) for instructions for the final step: "Answer by the Anglo-American Code"
"Must be sold at public auction" is encoded by the word SMOKE
Inspiration for this puzzle came from childofatom's Geocaching puzzle "It Begins at the Merchants' Gate," which can be found here (and in Manhattan's Central Park): https://coord.info/GC20T06 In the world of hit-or-miss geocaching puzzles, childofatom's puzzles are all first-rate and well worth your time, even if you can't get yourself to NYC to actually find the geocaches.. All of his "Gate" puzzles can be found here: https://www.geocaching.com/bookmarks/view.aspx?guid=5e6ce41a-64e9-4ad4-9d6e-a8af6a3db723