The footmen would identify homes that were stops on the Underground Railroad (which was used to help slaves escape to the north).
If the jockey had a striped shirt, you could exchange your tired horse for a rested one.
A jockey with a tailed coat meant you could get a hot meal or spend the night.
Seeing a waistcoat on the jockey meant the homeowner would be able to get you on a ship that was headed to Europe or Canada.
Any time you saw a green ribbon tied around the footman’s arm meant it was safe to come in – but a red ribbon was a warning to stay away!
So, don’t jump to conclusions, know what you are talking about before you make a fool of yourself!
Share away, people.