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Cover of What Became of the Slaves on a Georgia Plantation?: Great Auction Sale of Slaves, at Savannah, Georgia, March 2d & 3d, 1859

What Became of the Slaves on a Georgia Plantation?: Great Auction Sale of Slaves, at Savannah, Georgia, March 2d & 3d, 1859

Written by Q. K. Philander Doesticks

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SlaverySlave trade

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About this book

"What Became of the Slaves on a Georgia Plantation?" by Q. K. Philander Doesticks is a historical account written during the early 1860s. The book delves into the experiences of enslaved individuals during a significant auction of slaves in Savannah, Georgia, specifically detailing the emotional and physical turmoil faced by those being sold. It offers a poignant perspective on the inhumane practices of slavery and the deep bonds of family and community that were ruthlessly severed during such sales. The narrative unfolds around a major slave auction that occurred in March 1859, spotlighting the human cost of such transactions. The book vividly depicts the conditions in which slaves were kept prior to the auction, their hopeful attempts to remain together as families, and the harsh realities as they were inspected and sold to the highest bidder. Through poignant scenes and dialogues, Doesticks captures the anguish of families torn apart, the silent suffering of individuals waiting for their fate, and the often crude behavior of the buyers. Each story adds to the collective heartbreak of being commoditized, underscoring the inherent humanity and dignity of the enslaved people despite their dire circumstances.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in What Became of the Slaves on a Georgia Plantation?: Great Auction Sale of Slaves, at Savannah, Georgia, March 2d & 3d, 1859, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Tragic
  • Somber
  • Heartbreaking

Q. K. Philander Doesticks's "What Became of the Slaves on a Georgia Plantation?" is a searing historical account documenting the infamous 'Great Auction' of enslaved people in Savannah, Georgia, in March 1859. The book meticulously details the harrowing experiences of individuals and families as they faced inspection, sale, and the inevitable severance of their deepest bonds. It serves as a powerful abolitionist text, exposing the brutal dehumanization inherent in the slave trade and the profound emotional devastation inflicted upon its victims. Through poignant narratives, Doesticks underscores the inherent humanity and dignity of the enslaved, even as they were treated as mere commodities.

“"The hammer fell, and the family was forever severed, their cries echoing the profound injustice of the sale."”

Key themes

The Dehumanization of Slavery
This is the central theme, explored through the systematic reduction of human beings to property. The auction process itself, with its physical inspections, the pricing of individuals, and the disregard for personal relationships, serves as the ultimate demonstration of this dehumanization. Doesticks meticulously details how the system stripped individuals of their autonomy, dignity, and identity.
The Destruction of Family Bonds
A core emotional theme, focusing on the brutal severance of families through forced sales. The book powerfully illustrates the deep connections between parents and children, husbands and wives, and the agony of seeing these bonds ruthlessly torn apart for profit. It emphasizes that the true cost of slavery extended beyond physical labor to the psychological and emotional devastation of family units.
The Moral Indictment of Slavery
The entire book serves as a powerful moral argument against slavery. Doesticks's objective is not merely to report but to condemn, using the vivid details of the auction to expose the profound immorality of the institution. The tone is often indignant, challenging readers to confront the ethical abominations inherent in treating human beings as property.

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