Between the Lines: Secret Service Stories Told Fifty Years After

"Between the Lines: Secret Service Stories Told Fifty Years After" by Henry Bascom Smith is a recollection of the author's time in the Union's Secret Service during the Civil War. Written decades after the war, the book offers a look into the hidden operations of the Union, mainly between 1861 and 1865. Smith explains his work as Assistant Provost Marshal and Chief of the Secret Service under Major General Lew Wallace, mixing personal stories with historic importance. At the beginning of the written work, Smith explains why he is documenting these old events. He talks about the importance of keeping historical records safe and sharing his secretive experiences with future generations. Early stories include when he joined the army, what he saw at different forts, and the complex network of spies that helped the Union during the Civil War, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in wartime espionage and the personal stories behind major historical events.