Transitions by Mike Hormek - HTML preview

Chapter 3

They traveled in the safety of night. The route to New Orleans was easy as they had traveled it many times for supplies. The trek up the "right bank" was a challenge. The terrain was unrecognizable, and they needed to learn how to get to the camp. On the way, they stopped to ask for directions.

“Just follow the river bank about a mile or two,” they instructed.

At the camp, a black man approached them and introduced himself as a "conductor" who was part of the Underground Railroad. He gave them food and lodging.

“Where do you want to go?” The Conductor asked.

Sally learned from discussions with other blacks in New Orleans that many of their peers escaped to Pennsylvania, and formerly enslaved people found jobs.

“Pennsylvania,” she replied.

The Conductor explained the Underground Railroad. It was exposed and operated above board by the Union. It was the network used by enslaved blacks to obtain their freedom during the 30 years before the Civil War. The Railroad used many routes from states in the South, which supported slavery, to states in the North and Canada. Pilots were people who went south looking for enslaved people.

Guides who brought people north were called conductors. Enslaved people were passengers. Shelters were stations. There was also a "reverse" railroad. Whites would kidnap blacks, ship them south, and sell them into slavery.

The most treacherous path of their Journey was from New Orleans to Savannah, Georgia, where a single station, a Baptist Church, was available for temporary lodging. Several stations were available between Savannah and Philadelphia along the Underground Railroad, and there was another possibility: a sea route to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

Sally had a plan. She passed for white, so she acted as an enslaver fleeing to live with relatives because the war killed her husband. She remembered she was a slave girl and needed to act and dress like an enslaver. Sally knew where Thomas kept his petty cash drawer. Before she fled, she helped herself. The challenge was to find and purchase good clothes.

"Where can I buy some good clothes?" she asked the Conductor.

"There is a dry goods store not too far from here on the right bank. Tomorrow, I can take you there."

The Conductor was formerly a Union soldier who was severely wounded and unable to serve on active duty. He developed a fondness

for Sally, but Sally only had one thing on her mind: she was going to Philadelphia.

Supplied with food, water, and blankets, if Union soldiers stopped them, they were transporting enslaved people to the North. If Confederate soldiers stopped them, they would move to Savannah because the war killed her husband and destroyed their home. The Journey to Savannah was 640 miles, and the Conductor estimated the trip would take 45 days. He gave them a list of safe houses from Savannah to Philadelphia, but none between New Orleans and Savannah. Travel would be to Mobile, Alabama; Montgomery, Alabama; Macon, Georgia; and Savannah. They would do the best they could until they reached Savannah. Equipped with everything they needed for the trip, they would camp and rough it.

There were a few skirmishes in Alabama around July 5, 1863. Pemberton surrendered to Grant at Port Hudson, and the Mississippi River fell to Union forces. Hence, things were calm, but there was an incident where they were stopped and questioned by Confederate soldiers in north Alabama but were allowed to proceed. They arrived in Savannah 45 days later.

12

Posing as an enslaver helping the enslaved to freedom, Sally hid with them in the Baptist church in Savannah inside a dugout in the vestibule. Holes were cut into the floor, allowing the enslaved people to breathe. Sally and her crew sought refuge there until the conductors could find safe passage north via a steamer to Charleston, then Wilmington, N.C. From there, they traveled by train to Grey's Ferry outside Philadelphia. An omnibus took them into the city. During the active years of the Underground Railroad, an enslaved woman named Araminta Ross took the name Harriet Tubman, as Tubman was her married name. In 1849, she escaped a plantation in Maryland with her brothers and returned two weeks later, but Tubman left again shortly after, making her way to Pennsylvania.

Tubman returned to the plantation several times to rescue family members and friends. She claimed God compelled her to join the Underground Railroad, helping other enslaved people escape to Maryland and Canada, where she felt they would find better treatment. Another prominent Philadelphia citizen, William Still, preserved the actions of The Underground Railroad. Still was born in New Jersey to fugitive enslaved parents. He was also an associate of Tubman's and published his records of formerly enslaved people after the Civil War.

Tubman played a vital role in the Underground Railroad until it ceased operations in 1863.

Then, Tubman became visible as part of the Union's campaign against the Confederacy, continuing to rescue emancipated enslaved people by conducting intelligence operations for the Union Army.

Before leaving the big house, Sally took all the petty cash and coins. The trip was less costly than she predicted, as conductors and station managers provided food and shelter along the way. She still had money left.

In Philadelphia, they found people on her list who took in enslaved blacks and placed them with families in need of servants or laborers. The enslaved people were now considered free and would paid for their services. The Philadelphia conductor found them temporary shelter. Lydia and Kittie were separated and placed with wealthy families needing servants. Sally's success in using the Oleander plant for poison encouraged her to develop an interest in other pharmaceuticals. She gained employment in a dispensary in a medical college in Philadelphia.

Before their arrival, the Confederate Army attempted to invade Philadelphia, but they turned back at Wrightsville and The Battle of Gettysburg. Pennsylvanians became more interested in the war, and more volunteer recruits signed with the Union, although a limited draft had been in place since Oc-tober 1862. After their arrival, the two black overseers announced they would join the Union Army.

During the Civil War, Philadelphia hosted many social functions. Sally was a young, energetic lady eager to date. She attended museums, concerts, and other social functions where eligible men gathered.

While at the Mutter Museum of Medical History, she met and talked with Jacob, a tall white man who was a professional.

"Hello, my name is Sally. It's my first time here."

"Hello, my name is Jacob. It's my first time here," he answered.

“Is this building new?” she asked.

Jacob seemed to know about the museum, which interested Sally.

"American Surgeon Thomas Dent Mutter donated 1700 objects and 30,000 dollars to the museum, stipulated a curator be hired, along with the construction of a fireproof building to house the collection. This building is the museum," he added.

During the conversation, she asked, "Do you live in the area?”

"Yes, I do not live far from here with my family," he answered.

“So you are married?”

“I have three children,” he replied.

They spent the afternoon together in the museum, examining the numerous medical artifacts.

13

Sally had not been recognized as a Mulatto and was well versed in English. Jacob had no idea she was of Black origin. She told Jacob she worked in the pharmaceutical field.

“What do you do?” she asked.

"I work at the Pennsylvania College Library. You should visit sometime," he added.

“I will,” she said.

The following Friday afternoon, she got off work early and went to the library, hoping Jacob would be there. The attendant told him that someone was there to see him.

"Hello, my name is Sally. We met at the museum."

"I remember you," he said. "What can I show you?"

"I am interested in medicine. Do you have any books on that topic?" Sally replied.

"I have some!" he replied. He found them and checked them out for Sally. Before she left, Jacob asked her, "Would you allow me to accompany you to accompany me to a picnic on Saturday?"

The picnic menu included fried chicken, potato salad, apple pie, and wine. The group met in Clark Park in West Philadelphia, the site of Satterlee Hospital, which treated over 120,000 sick and wounded soldiers during the Civil War.

The picnic went well. Jacob was at arm's length, and Sally sensed his motives were not so much that he liked her but instead was more interested in a mistress.

“Tell me about your family,” she said.

"My wife is not well," he replied. "We have not slept in the same bed for quite some time."

"I'm sorry," she said. Sally did not feel comfortable with the direction of the conversation, so she feigned a headache. "I must go now.”

She drew her horse and buggy and said goodbye.

"Where do you work?" he asked.

"I work at the Medical College," she said before departing.

Weeks went by. One afternoon, Jacob stopped by the Medical College and asked for Sally.

"Hello, Sally."

“Hello,” she replied.

“Would you be interested in accompanying me to a concert at The Academy of Music on Saturday?”

“What about your wife?” she asked, thinking out loud.

"We are discussing divorce. Our marriage is over."

She agreed, and he picked her up Saturday evening. Sally was concerned. She had no dress for such a function; she needed to go shopping.

Sally went to the house where her mother worked as a kitchen servant. She visited a week prior and was not feeling well.

“How are you, Mother?” she asked.

"I am better," her mother replied. "The fever has passed."

“Can you help me buy a dress?” Sally asked.

"Why?" Her mother asked."The ones I have seen you with look good."

“It’s a special occasion,” Sally added.

That evening, Sally picked her mother up and went to the mercantile store. She purchased a well-made 1860s Marie Antoinette Victorian dress with a hoop skirt, braid trim, and long sleeves. An A-line 6 hoop petticoat maintained fluffiness. The dress was blue and had a shoulder-drop design.

The Academy of Music's first opera performance and grand ball were in 1857, featuring works by Verdi and other noted composers. Sally was overwhelmed, as she never had access to social functions besides picnics and invitations to friends' houses for conversations and meals. Her introduction to the upper class of living was stimulating, making her think it was where she should be.

14

Sally possessed beauty and knew she could fake a classy background to fit in with the Philadelphia social class. She was versed in medicine, studying every night and even dabbling in classical music to become more socially refined. However, it was quite a switch from the Zydeco or Cajun music played in Louisiana.

She looked like the queen of the ball. With the help of her mother and Kittie, along with her hair and accessories, she passed as a member of Philadelphia society.

The problem was that she would have to conjure a believable story if asked about her family. Fortunately, everything went well. The music was good, and she did not have to mingle or answer questions. Afterward, they went to Sally's house, and she invited Jacob in for tea. Sally excused herself to go to her bedroom to change her dress.

"Make yourself at home," she said. "I won't be long, and then we can have some tea."

“Okay,” he replied.

Minutes passed, and he entered her bedroom. She had removed her dress and was in the process of removing her petticoat. He moved toward her and put his arms around her waist.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

"You are gorgeous. I want you."

“No, please, get out!"

Sally covered her breasts. He moved her hands and massaged them. She shook him loose and ran back into the main room, covering up with the dress.

“Please leave now!” she insisted.

“I'm sorry.” she said

He stood silent as if he had something to say, but nothing came out. He left Sally to burst into tears. She needed her mother. There were so many memories, All those years of sexual abuse.

"Maybe I am frigid, or are all men alike?" she thought. She cried herself to sleep and awoke not with a feeling of remorse but one of revenge. She hated feelings like that.

“ Is this my legacy ?" she wondered, "Why do men want to harm me? Will I always be afraid?"

Sally needed her mother, so she went to see her. Lydia said she had not been feeling well.

"Have you seen a doctor?" Sally asked.

“No, my child.”

"Come spend the night with me, and I will take you tomorrow."

They went to Sally's place. Sally noticed her mother had gained weight since their last visit but said nothing. Sally told her employer she had to take her mother to a doctor.

The doctor was a big man with a graying beard and hair who appeared optimistic. He reminded Sally of a cartoon she saw in Harper's Weekly about a jolly old elf called Santa Clause.

“How can I help you?” he asked.

“Mother has not been feeling well and has gained weight lately,” Sally said.

“Has she been short of breath?” he asked.

Lydia nodded. The doctor listened to her mother's heart.

“I will be back shortly,” he said.

He returned with notes and medicine bottles.

“My diagnosis is Dropsy, an accumulation of fluid in soft tissues.”

"I am giving her a diuretic to eliminate fluid. Drinking tea and coffee will help. I feel it is heart-related, so I gave her Digitalis to stimulate the muscle. Come back in two weeks."

Sally visited Kittie, as she had not seen her in a while.

“How are you?” Sally asked.

“I miss the South and the plantation, Miss Sally.”

"I know I do, too. It's not the same. We can return when the time is right."

15

"I hope so, Miss Sally. What do you think happened to the plantation?"

“I don’t know."

Kittie did not know the circumstances behind Master Thomas's death, Sally did not know, and Lydia did not know.

Sally could not sleep nights for fear Jacob would return and attempt to harm her.

“What should I do?” she thought.

Then, she remembered the Oleander leaves she had brought from the plantation. She enjoyed picnicking in Philadelphia's beautiful parks and invited Jacob to join her on a Saturday outing. He agreed. They met in a remote park area, which he thought was odd.

“Why are we here?” he asked.

“So we can be alone."

Sally stirred his imagination. Southern fried chicken, fruit, bread, and stuffed eggs were in the basket. Unbeknownst to him, he would have tea made with tea leaves mixed with dried leaves of the Oleander plant she brought from the plantation. Sally laced the remainder of the food, but she took care so the 15 leaves and dried flowers were finely crushed into a powder so as not to be visible. She also did not cook the leaves as they would lose their potency. She was worried about the taste, so Sally added extra sugar. The food was in marked containers so she would not eat the poisoned food. The tea was also in separate containers. Jacob had no clue as to what was coming.

Sally knew no one was in the area that could place her at the scene. She told Jacob she wanted to talk before they ate. Jacob was quiet, not his usual talkative self, and suspected of her intentions.

“What do you want to talk about?" he asked.

"What are your long-term intentions with me?"

“I am married.”

“Will you divorce her?"

“I don’t know."

She made small talk for 30 minutes, hoping he would become hungry. She handed him his tainted food and his bottle of tea. They both began eating. He appeared hungry. Based on experience, she knew that symptoms would start 30 minutes after ingestion.

“Why did you attack me?” she asked.

He glared at her as his stomach cramped.

“What have you done?” he asked.

"You will never hurt me, another woman." she asserted.

He stood and yelled.

"Help me. Somebody help!"

He staggered and fell to his knees. He had diarrhea and held his stomach as he vomited.

“You will pay for this!” he promised, weakly, falling into a fetal position.

Sally remained calm until she was sure he was gone. She gathered food and the blanket and left.

Sunday was the following day, and it was non-eventful. Sally expected the authorities to contact her because someone may have seen her with Jacob at the concert. A week went by before they knocked on her door. She was scared, but she knew they could not prove she had anything to do with his demise.

She answered the door.

"Are you Sally?" the cop asked?"

"Yes," she answered.

"Did you attend a concert with a man named Jacob last week?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"We found him dead and think poisoning was the cause."

16

They asked if she had any relatives in the area. She gave them the information, and they were on their way.

Sally did not hear any more about the death. The authorities interviewed her mother, who lied about her whereabouts that Saturday at her daughter's request.

"What have you done, my child?" her mother asked. "I will tell you later," Sally replied.

After the death of Jacob, Sally fell into a state of depression, which took a toll both mentally and physically.

“Why can’t a person like me lead a normal life?” she thought.

“Why have I been abused?”

“Will it continue?”

“What can I do to find someone who will love me?”

"I am not a bad person at heart; I just do not want to be abused."

“Is that too much to ask?”

It was a dreary Sunday afternoon when Sally heard a knock on her door. It was Lydia's employer.

"We took your mother to the hospital this morning; we think it's her heart," they said.

Sally rushed the buggy to the hospital. Lydia had regressed into a coma and was non-responsive. Sally buried her mother in a Philadelphia cemetery, wishing it would have been in a Louisiana cemetery. Her life was non-eventful till the war's end. Healing was a slow and painful process.

17