Criminal Podcast Episode Summary: "High Tide"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Criminal
- Host/Author: Vox Media Podcast Network
- Description: Criminal explores stories about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or found themselves caught in between. Hosted by Phoebe Judge, it was named a Best Podcast of 2023 by the New York Times.
- Episode: High Tide
- Release Date: March 14, 2025
Introduction
In the "High Tide" episode of Criminal, host Phoebe Judge delves into a pivotal moment during the American Civil War, focusing on Harriet Tubman’s daring Combahee River Raid. The episode intertwines historical narration with insights from historian Etta Elfields Black, offering a comprehensive look at Tubman's strategies, motivations, and the profound impact of her actions on the fight against slavery.
Harriet Tubman’s Early Life and Acts of Resistance
The episode begins by painting a vivid picture of the hardships endured by enslaved individuals working in the rice fields of South Carolina. Phoebe Judge introduces Minus Hamilton, an elderly enslaved man, whose experiences underscore the brutal reality of plantation life.
Etta Elfields Black (00:41): "From the slave cabins they walked about a mile in the darkness... hoeing rice for hours."
Minus Hamilton, alongside his wife Hager and adult children, worked under harsh conditions. Despite the overseer's attempts to instill fear, the family's resilience is evident as they prepared for the uncertain future on the brink of the Civil War.
The Seeds of Rebellion
As tensions mount in 1863, the Union Army, aided by former enslaved individuals like Harriet Tubman, plans a significant raid on the Combahee River plantations. Tubman, renowned for her role in the Underground Railroad, transitions into a spy for the Union, leveraging her deep knowledge of the local terrain and her unyielding courage.
Phoebe Judge (04:51): "Harriet Tubman was born around 1822... she was going to be a spy for the Army."
Etta Elfields Black explains Tubman’s recruitment, highlighting her adeptness at navigating Confederate territories and her fearless commitment to liberating others.
Etta Elfields Black (21:11): "They were looking for people who knew how to navigate safely within Confederate territory... fearlessness."
Planning the Combahee River Raid
Tubman meticulously planned the raid, understanding the strategic importance of disrupting the Confederacy’s supply lines. The operation aimed to free as many enslaved individuals as possible and bolster the Union forces in South Carolina.
Etta Elfields Black (23:17): "They were planning to go up the river, liberate as many enslaved people as they could... to cut the supply line."
Utilizing her networks, Tubman developed routes and strategies, such as timing the raids on Saturdays to exploit windows of opportunity when slaveholders were least vigilant.
Execution of the Raid
On the morning of June 1, 1863, three Union boats, including one commanded by Tubman, set sail under the cover of night. The first boat, unfortunately, ran aground, reducing the mission’s capacity. Nevertheless, the remaining boats swiftly approached the plantations along the Combahee River.
Etta Elfields Black (27:22): "People watching the boats approaching knew why they had come."
As the Union soldiers, many of whom were black enlisted men from the 2nd South Carolina Volunteers Regiment, arrived, the enslaved individuals exuded a mix of fear and hope. Minus Hamilton recounts the chaos and urgency as families rushed to the boats, often leaving behind personal belongings in their haste to attain freedom.
Minus Hamilton (24:04): "We're going to the boat. We're not afraid of them."
The Aftermath: Liberation and Enlistment
The raid proved to be one of the most successful Union operations of the Civil War, liberating approximately 756 individuals. Many of the freedmen enlisted in the 2nd South Carolina Volunteers, directly contributing to the Union’s war efforts.
Etta Elfields Black (34:07): "756 people got on the boats that morning... one of the most successful Union expeditions."
The emotional reunion in Beaufort, South Carolina, where freed individuals congregated, illustrated the profound impact of the raid. Families were reunited, and the local community celebrated the newfound freedom, despite the lingering trauma and loss many had endured.
Etta Elfields Black’s Research and Insights
Historian Etta Elfields Black provides a scholarly perspective on Harriet Tubman’s role in the Combahee River Raid. Her research uncovers personal accounts and military records, including the involvement of her own ancestor, Hector Fields, who fought in the raid.
Etta Elfields Black (36:00): "I learned that my third great grandfather, Hector Fields, fought in the Comby raid."
Black emphasizes the strategic brilliance of Tubman and the collaborative efforts of freedmen in executing the raid, highlighting the intersection of personal resilience and collective action in the fight against slavery.
Connections and Concluding Thoughts
The episode concludes by pondering the possible personal interactions between Harriet Tubman and Minus Hamilton, suggesting that their paths may have crossed during or after the raid, symbolizing the interconnectedness of their struggles for freedom.
Etta Elfields Black (37:22): "They certainly they must have met at the church where the freedom seekers were taken the morning after the raid."
Through "High Tide," Criminal not only recounts a significant historical event but also honors the enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman and the countless others who fought against oppression. The episode serves as a testament to the power of courage, strategy, and unwavering dedication to justice.
Notable Quotes
- Etta Elfields Black (00:41): "From the slave cabins they walked about a mile in the darkness... hoeing rice for hours."
- Etta Elfields Black (21:11): "They were looking for people who knew how to navigate safely within Confederate territory... fearlessness."
- Etta Elfields Black (23:17): "They were planning to go up the river, liberate as many enslaved people as they could... to cut the supply line."
- Minus Hamilton (24:04): "We're going to the boat. We're not afraid of them."
- Etta Elfields Black (34:07): "756 people got on the boats that morning... one of the most successful Union expeditions."
- Etta Elfields Black (36:00): "I learned that my third great grandfather, Hector Fields, fought in the Comby raid."
- Etta Elfields Black (37:22): "They certainly they must have met at the church where the freedom seekers were taken the morning after the raid."
Conclusion
"High Tide" masterfully blends narrative storytelling with historical analysis, providing listeners with an engaging and informative experience. By spotlighting Harriet Tubman’s strategic genius and the collective bravery of those involved in the Combahee River Raid, the episode underscores the profound impact of individual and collective actions in shaping history.