There are subtle differences between the fictitious and
non-fiction works of Ambrose Bierce. In the historically accurate recounts he
tells, he is indeed precise. In fact, in all his works he is historically
accurate. Throughout One of the Missing,
he gives specific details, dates, names and places. This is in parallel with What I Saw of Shiloh and A Little of Chickamauga. In some of his
works though, he gives very little historical detail such as A Horseman in the Sky and The Story of a Conscience. These genuine
historical elements help to create a perfect setting for the story. In his
factitious works, it shows how he has a keen eye for detail where his past is
concerned. By checking the dates and descriptions of the land, it is possible
to discern that he does work with facts. It is also assuring to know that he
can remember the layout of the land as he was for a time, a topographical
engineer[1]
for the army. This further adds authenticity
to both his fictitious and factual stories.
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