Chapters 41 and 42 Summary

The letter which Miss Ophelia had written to Mrs. Shelby about Tom's being sold to Legree has finally reached the Shelby plantation having been delayed by the mail. Mrs. Shelby is distraught but cannot address the issue because she is caring for her dying husband. After Mr. Shelby's death, Mrs. Shelby becomes executrix of the estate and sends young Master George to New Orleans to track down Tom.

Master George eventually arrives at Legree's plantation to find the dying Tom, and the young man is overwrought with grief. Tom is consoled by Master George's appearance and the fact he had not been forgotten at the Shelby plantation. Uncle Tom asks Master George not to tell Aunt Chloe of the dire condition in which Tom has been found and then the beloved slave smiles, closes his eyes, and dies. Master George takes...