George Washington's Enslaved Valet: William Lee

Summary

William Lee, a mulatto enslaved man, served George Washington for two decades as a valet, assisting in personal tasks and becoming a minor celebrity. During the Revolutionary War, Washington's views on slavery evolved, leading to a commitment against buying or selling slaves. Despite Lee's knee injuries, Washington recognized his loyalty and freed him in his will, providing a lifelong allowance. Lee stayed at Mount Vernon until his death in 1810, believed to be buried in the enslaved cemetery.

Takeaways

• 🕍 William Lee was George Washington's enslaved manservant for two decades.
• 🏇 Lee was known for his athleticism and horsemanship, and was described as muscular and athletic.
• 💼 He was purchased by Washington from Mary Lee for 61 pounds 15 pence sterling in 1768.
• 🏁 Lee was of mixed race, likely the son of an enslaved mother and a white father.
• 🎖️ He served Washington throughout the Revolutionary War, organizing the general's personal affairs.
• 🌟 As Washington's attendant, Lee gained minor celebrity status and was sought out by visitors.
• 🔄 Washington's views on slavery evolved during the war, leading to a commitment against buying or selling slaves.
• 🤕 In the mid 1780s, Lee suffered accidents that severely damaged his knees, affecting his ability to serve.
• 👞 After his injuries, Lee was reassigned to work as Mount Vernon's shoemaker.
• 🤔 The nature of Lee's devotion to Washington is ambiguous, with possibilities ranging from genuine affection to a desire for relative privilege.
• 📜 Upon Washington's death, Lee was the only slave freed immediately in his will and was given an annual allowance of $30 for life.

Q & A

Who was William Lee in relation to George Washington?

William Lee was George Washington's enslaved manservant or valet.

What tasks did William Lee perform for George Washington?

Lee assisted Washington with various tasks including delivering messages, laying out clothes, and tying a silk ribbon around his hair.

How did George Washington's step-grandson describe William Lee?

He was described as muscular, athletic, and an excellent horseman.

When did William Lee arrive at Mount Vernon?

William Lee arrived at Mount Vernon in 1768.

Who did George Washington purchase William Lee from, and for how much?

Washington purchased Lee from Mary Lee, a wealthy Virginia widow, for 61 pounds 15 pence sterling.

What does the term 'mulatto' imply about William Lee's racial background?

Mulatto implies that William Lee was of mixed race, likely the son of an enslaved mother and a white father.

What was William Lee's role during the Revolutionary War?

Lee served with Washington throughout the war, organizing the general's personal affairs, including his voluminous papers.

How did William Lee's relationship with George Washington evolve during the war?

Spending over seven years together during the war made their relationship especially close.

What changes in views on slavery did George Washington experience during the war?

Washington developed a newfound abhorrence of slavery and committed to neither buying nor selling slaves to avoid separating enslaved families.

What happened to William Lee's health in the mid 1780's?

William Lee endured several accidents that severely damaged both of his knees.

What position did William Lee take on after he could no longer serve as Washington's valet?

Lee was reassigned to work as Mount Vernon's shoemaker.

What did George Washington do for William Lee upon his death?

Washington freed Lee immediately in his will and provided him with an annual allowance of $30 for the rest of his life.

Where is William Lee believed to be buried?

William Lee is believed to be buried in the enslaved cemetery at Mount Vernon.

How can one learn more about the lives of the enslaved community at Mount Vernon?

One can visit mountvernon.org/slavery to learn more about the lives of the enslaved community at Mount Vernon.