Habeas Sightings: Savannah, GA

This sighting made its way across our desk from the heart of the South, a handwritten letter, postmarked Savannah, Georgia.

I was strolling across Lafayette Square, like I do every night. The sun was setting, the streets were quiet and the Spanish moss that decorates Savannah was glowing just a little bit where the late-day light hit it. I was admiring this green glow when I saw a couple ride by on a horse-drawn carriage ride.The couple seemed happy – and there’s wasn’t too much funny business going on, if you take my meaning. But I couldn’t help notice something strange moving around under the plaid blanket on the carriage’s back seat. A face peeked out, all green-like, and for a moment I swear I thought it was just a trick of the light.But then bless me if little old Habeas Corpus didn’t pop right out from that blanket and put out his hand to say how-do to that couple. They didn’t seem too put out. And Habeas, he shook their hands, all gentlemanly, and said “You seem like a lovely couple and this is a lovely city.” Then he just turned and said “And now, I must be going,” and he hopped out of that carriage and trotted off into the dusky shadows of the square.I think he gave me a little nod just before he disappeared, but maybe I made that part up. You know the whole thing might have just been some of that magic voodoo we’re know for down here.But I think it was Habeas, I surely do. On my way back home through the square, I might have seen him, or someone about his size, walking out toward Bonaventure Cemetery. It’s peaceful enough there, for someone on the run. And there are some folks buried there who he may remember from back when Georgia and the other States first started up the U.S. of A.I hope our Low Country keeps you safe, Habeas, until you finally get back to us.– Rufus Raybeault, Savannah, Ga.

Have you seen Habeas? Send us your sightings at aclu@aclu.org.