Part 2: 1835-1842 Summary

Uncle Joseph. Harriet begins writing to her Uncle Joseph in 1835 at the age of twenty-one two years after the birth of her daughter. Joseph is Molly Horniblow's son who ran away three times from his owner before finally disappearing to places unknown. Harriet begins her letter to him by describing Dr. Norcom's proposition to Harriet. Either Harriet move into the cottage Dr. Norcom has had built for her and he gives freedom to her children, or Harriet becomes the property of Dr. Norcom's son, James, who is about to be married and set up housekeeping at Auburn Plantation, and her children prepare to be sold. Harriet chooses the latter, still determined to stay out of Dr. Norcom's bed.

The work at Auburn is tough, but Harriet works hard. The children remain with her grandmother, Joseph because he was ill and Louisa...