Professional Historian who has Researched the Walkers Praises The Clothesline Code 

"The story of Dabney and Lucy Ann Walker is a reminder that even accounts that initially seem "too good to be true" deserve attention. As a historian of the Civil War era . . . I've run across many larger-than-life stories and have developed a healthy professional skepticism. So, when I first encountered the Walkers' story and that of their 1863 clothesline signal, I was quick to dismiss it as another of the war’s many fantastical tales. In this case, however, my caution was unwarranted – both the Walkers and their clothesline intelligence signaling system were very real, borne out by contemporaneous primary source documents . . . .

Running the Walkers’ story to ground during research for my 2024 article about African-American intelligence contributions during the Civil War, published in the International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, I took the unusual step for an academic researcher of reaching out to the author of a children’s book on the Walkers, assuming little would come of it. Janet Halfmann, author of The Clothesline Code: The Story of Civil War Spies Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker, quickly responded and willingly shared not only her research, but copies of the original, 1863 documents bearing out the Walkers’ daring story. I was stunned. Janet and her research had turned my understanding of Dabney and Lucy Ann Walker in a completely unexpected direction, on a dime.  

Given this, I can honestly say that her engaging book The Clothesline Code: The Story of Civil War Spies Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker not only brings to life for readers of all ages this fascinating, important account from our American Civil War, but it serves as a reminder that historical truth can be found even in unexpected places.  It opened my eyes and it will open yours, too."

• David A. Welker, Author of The Cornfield: Antietam’s Bloody Turning Point and other Civil War history titles 

 

Awards

2022 multicultural Skipping Stones Honor Award 

(Their review: "This story of courage and triumph reveals how a Black husband and wife were creative and confidential when helping the Union troops battle the Confederates during the Civil War. . . Many of the illustrations include close-up shots of these courageous legends to display the various feelings experienced during this emotional time period. The joy, sorrow, and victory were beautifully depicted in the motion of the characters that seem to explode off the page. Overall, this history is rich in pride for not only the Black community but for all Americans.")

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Honor Winner 2022 Storytelling World Resource Awards

2022 PenCraft Honor Award

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Reviewer's Choice: Midwest Book Review

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On Two Recommended Booklists of Social Justice Books, Teaching for Change: New Books; and Slavery, Resistance, and Reparations

 

The Story

Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker didn't have to risk their lives to spy for the Union army. The couple had already risked everything to escape slavery themselves. But in early 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, the couple was determined to help defeat slavery for everyone—no matter the risk. Together, they created a secret code disguised as laundry on a clothesline. Their plan was incredibly dangerous: it required Lucy Ann to sneak into Confederate territory to steal military secrets, while Dabney took the vital information she gathered to the Union army. This true story of sacrifice and bravery shows us that when we have courage and compassion for the world around us, even the simplest items can become powerful tools for change.

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My Research Journey

I love to research and bring into the light stories that have been lost to history. The Clothesline Code is one of those stories. Mentions I found of this risky exploit didn't even include the couple's last name, so it took lots of research to find the details behind this story. In the past, many have thought this story was but a legend, but I found primary evidence never before uncovered that the story was indeed true. I learned that Captain Willam H. Paine, who worked closely with Dabney Walker, kept diaries during the Civil War, and I had a strong feeling that those diaries would mention Dabney and "the clothesline code." And on examination, I was right! This was solid new evidence that the story was true, and I was so excited! Other evidence can be found in Dabney Walker's pension request submitted to Congress and in newspaper accounts of people who were in the Union camp in Virginia with the Walkers.  

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Educational Connections

The book's back matter includes an Afterword of the Walkers' lives after the Civil War and a list of Selected References. The story spotlights African American achievement, Black engagement in winning the Civil War, creativity, bravery, risking one's life for others, and using what is available to make a difference.

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Find Janet's Teaching Ideas for the book at RochelleMelander.com.

 

Find Teaching Ideas at Katie Reviews Books.

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Interviews 

Researching True Historical Stories: Interview with Janet by Write Now! Coach

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'So brave': A South Milwaukee author wants you to know about this spy couple that escaped slavery and created a code. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 

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Reviews

"The Clothesline Code . . . is an exceptionally well written and entertaining picture book contribution to family, elementary school, and community library Civil War era stories and biographies for children ages 6-11."

—Midwest Book Review: Reviewer's Choice

 

"This book reads like a spy thriller for kids."—Wrapped in Foil

 

"Author Janet Halfmann has shared another great story from our history. Young readers will enjoy colorful illustrations and a story that is a fast but interesting read. Parents and teachers can use this guide to teach about the Civil War, heroes and even specific events during, before, and after slavery." —Kristi's Book Nook

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"Halfmann has demonstrated a deft touch and craft in digging out the bones of stories from history, people and facts that were long-buried from the population as a whole. She identifies intrepid individuals who have championed and sustained these noble stories, often using primary sources. Then, like constructing a quilt, she transforms neglected and ragged scraps into a work of art that inspires and comforts without distorting the factual content." —Sandy Brehl, An Open Book

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"The Walkers' determination to help defeat slavery demonstrates the power we all have in using everyday items, courage, and caring to change the world." —Read, Learn, and be Happy

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"There's so much "hidden history", especially surrounding the Civil War, that this is a fantastic story to read aloud during lessons on the Civil War or during Black History Month." —Ms. Yingling Reads

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"Janet Halfmann has a gift for finding little-discussed people in history . . . She invests the reader with her storytelling, full of suspense and nail-biting moments: there is a lot on the line here, and Ms. Halfmann makes sure readers understand that." —Mom Read It, Rosemary Kiladitis

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"This story speaks to the power of humanity, the innovativeness of those who want to make changes." —Katie Reviews Books

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Endorsements

"The story of 'The Clothesline Code' is one of great fascination! Just as messages were sent by this ingenious method, this delightful book now sends out its messages of bravery and fortitude--an important chronicle of African American history. Written masterfully for young readers, it will capture the imagination of adults as well. It relates a little-known aspect of the uniquely American journey toward freedom, exemplified by two extraordinary individuals, Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker, Civil War spies and freedom seekers. A book to treasure and inspire future generations!"

--Norman Schools, longtime member of the Stafford County Historical Society and author of "Virginia Shade: An African American History of Falmouth, Virginia"

"This story offers a glimpse into a side of the war seldom explored--Black men and women who risked their lives as spies for the Union, just as other Black individuals had done for the American cause in the Revolutionary War. This story is educational, well-researched, and enjoyable reading."

--Kenneth A. Daigler, retired CIA officer and author of "Spies, Patriots, and Traitors: American Intelligence in the Revolutionary War" (Georgetown University Press: 2014) and "Black Dispatches" (CIA website)

"Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker are American heroes. Their covert operations at the heart of the Civil War in Virginia should inspire all of us to do what is right instead of easy, find our courage when surrounded by danger, and spring into action when the way forward becomes clear. 'The Clothesline Code: The Story of Civil War Spies Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker' sends that message, loud and clear."

--Mary Belcher, historian, Walter Pierce Park Cemeteries Archaeology and Commemoration Project, Washington, D.C.

"A wonderful tribute that shares the inspirational story of the courage of Blacks who risked their lives for the freedom of others."

--Dawn Chitty, EdD, director of education at the African American Civil War Museum, Washington, D.C.

"Be prepared for page after page of surprises in this accurate and dramatically written and illustrated profile of Civil War heroes Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker. This is an impressive account of the brilliance, bravery, and boldness of a married couple who escaped enslavement to become spies for Union forces. They were praised while alive but have been overlooked by history--until NOW!"

--Sandy Brehl, retired elementary teacher and author of the middle grade WWII historical trilogy "Odin's Promise"

"Vermont Avenue Baptist Church (aka Fifth Baptist Church) is honored and excited to share with others the legacy of Dabney and Lucy Ann Walker and their contributions more than 150 years ago. What a commitment in the face of life-threatening obstacles, and an example of using what was available! Readers are encouraged to read how the Union spies used laundry for one cause and Dabney later helped a Union wagon driver (co-founder and first pastor of this church) serve people in another cause."

--Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.

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