Northern Georgia Sketches

by Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben

"Northern Georgia Sketches" by Will N. Harben is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The work captures various aspects of life in Northern Georgia, highlighting the social and cultural dynamics, especially concerning the themes of slavery and local customs. The opening sketch focuses on characters like Andrew Duncan and Peter Gill, showcasing the complications arising from the ownership of a slave named Big Joe. The beginning of this collection introduces the characters Andrew and Ann Duncan, who arrive at the home of Peter and Lucretia Gill, where they learn that Peter has been forced to take ownership of Big Joe, a slave embroiled in the aftermath of the Whitney estate's decline. The sketch humorously explores the awkwardness of the Gills, who are now tasked with caring for a slave despite their previously anti-slavery sentiments, emphasizing their unfamiliarity with the social expectations of slave ownership. Big Joe's feelings of humiliation and the Gills' attempts to manage their new status create a tension that reflects the larger societal issues of the era, setting the tone for a rich exploration of human relationships within a historical context.