This painting is about the attempted crossing of Ebenezer Creek. Artist unknown.

Okay, I confess. I could not help but emulate the title of that famous Civil War story "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce.

This story is based on a true incident that happened at Ebenezer Creek in Georgia, December 8, 1864. General Sherman's army had burned a swath across Georgia heading toward the sea. As it moved, it burned down many plantations and slaves were told they were free. Many, having nowhere else to go and fearing retribution from the Confederate forces, followed the Union soldiers. But soon there were so many "contrabands," that resources ran out. Union General Jefferson C. Davis (often called General Reb because of his counterpart, the president of the Confederate States of America) already had a reputation for brutality. Allegedly he gave orders to "not let that horde across the creek . . . burn the pontoon bridge if necessary." His "orders" were carried out, the bridge was withdrawn. The Black followers panicked. Some tried to swim across the raging creek and drowned. Others froze as the Confederate forces of General Wheeler caught up. These soldiers, angry because the slaves had joined the other side, showed no compassion or mercy, but massacred hundreds.

Yes, there were witnesses. The Northern press got wind of what happened and demanded an investigation. Despite testimony of some Union soldiers, General Davis merely got a reprimand and nothing further was done. No foul deed was ever OFFICIALLY admitted.

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