A-Z Blogging D Is For Doctor Line
Both sides of the conflict found a number of creative ways to pass information during the Civil War. The Confederacy definitely started out with an advantage as some agents such as Thomas Jordan had been preparing for at least a year before Sumter. He already had an impressive spy ring in place at the beginning of hostilities.
One of the more successful methods was known as the “doctor line”. Doctors frequently traveled out of town to treat patients. So, Dr. Bates might travel twenty miles south of town and Dr. Colin might travel twenty miles north to the same patient and pick up the information to forward on to the next station.
Although the method was highly successful, it wasn’t without peril. Doctors who were thought to be southern sympathizers could be arrested and thrown in Ft. McHenry without charges or recourse. It was highly illegal as the courts ruled, but Lincoln said he didn’t care and the people stayed in prison at the pleasure of whomever had decided they wanted them taken care of. It ranged from hundreds of prisoners to 6,957 at one point. Ft. McHenry became known as the American Bastille, but we’ll talk more on that later.
The code words to identify friendly agents were a series of phrases that became more unusual as the conversation went on. In this way, it would be nigh impossible for someone to accidentally say the given words. In the following passage, Lorena has come to Baltimore to check on her “dying” mother and complete her first mission as a Confederate operative.
*****
We sat silently, aside from the small splashes of fish jumping for crumbs like well-trained dogs. Lilacs, paper whites and various other sweet-smelling flowers helped to cover the stench of the city. Mother had always favored fragrant flowers in her gardens, even in Virginia and Carolina. By summer, this would be butterfly heaven.
“I heard a rain crow earlier,” Dr. Frain said.
I dropped the crumb I had just broken off and stared at him. Shock rendered me mute, until he coaxed me with a smile like you would a frightened child. I shook my head. “Oh, uh, just one? They usually sing to their mates.”
“Just one, alas. Though a rain crow’s song usually portends a storm.”
I took my bearings and looked to the back wall. “A storm from the north, maybe.”
He chuckled. “Yes, well, you’ll need to work on that a bit so you don’t sound like you’re reciting catechism to Sister Mary Magdalen of the Holy Order of the Ruler. I’m your contact in case you didn’t guess.”
Well, I can’t wait to read Rain Crow. I love this historical stuff. You have a great girth of knowledge.
E.M.
You are unfailing kind. I have collected a great deal of useless trivia. Your lips to God’s ear about reading Rain Crow. I love the story. Now if I can just get it all together.
Oh, My.
Reading you is already a treat, Julie. Now you’re making it a little surreal with a Dr. Frain. Probably good you didn’t include much in the way of detail on appearance here, but I’m picturing a full beard and ‘stache that serves to hide his buck teeth. His nose is a little larger than some and a little redder than most, tolerating the breaks that made it larger and enjoying the booze that made it redder.
I just love the small stuff that paints pictures in your writing. As simple as the good doctor starting his reply with “Yes, well, …” Brings it so alive and plants it right in the day. So nicely done. And no surprise.
Why hello there, Mr. Frain. He does have a mustache and beard, actually. How astute you are!
Gen. JEB Stuart had the nickname “Beauty” at West Point because his receding chin made him singularly unattractive according to some of his classmates. One said he was the first man he ever met who was improved so by a beard.
Thanks so much for stopping by and your kind words.
Hi again, Julie! I loved this, “fish jumping for crumbs like well-trained dogs”.
I’m with EM – I’m very looking forward to reading RAIN CROW! (I won’t gush like I did over on Colin’s blog though, in case – like him – you take it to mean “Hurry up’!)
And John’s comment had me grinning!
Inspirational writing, as always. 🙂
Ceridwyn!
Ha, thank you so much. It’s good to have trained fish. I’m glad you enjoyed this.
Once again, I appreciate you and everyone stopping by.
Julie
Interesting historical information excellently illustrated with your story, Julie. I don’t know much about the Civil War. My historical interests lie more in ancient and medieval times, so the 19th century is a little modern for me. But it’s a fascinating period, made moreso by your insights.