George Washington's Enslaved Valet: William Lee

George Washington's Mount Vernon
8 Feb 201903:24

Summary

TLDRWilliam 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.

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関連タグ
American HistorySlaveryRevolutionary WarGeorge WashingtonWilliam LeeMount VernonValetEnslaved CommunityHistorical FiguresEmancipation
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