William “Billy” Lee
By
John C Abercrombie
Lee was purchased by George Washington while he was a teenager. Washington paid a premium price for William and his brother Frank as they were slated to be household slaves rather than field laborers.
We frequently wonder about the difference between Household slaves v field slaves. Generally, those working in the house had skills that were not necessary to work in the field. They had to work hard and were greatly inconvenienced by the owner. There are tales of slaves being required to sleep on the floor outside of the master’s bedroom for example just in case the master should wake up in the middle of the night and desire a drink of water.
A review of posters for runaway slaves often note skills, such as polyglot (skilled in several languages) good with numbers (able to do bookkeeping and other associated skills) as well as many skilled crafts capable of highly intricate and technical work. This was the case despite the widely accepted notion that slaves were unskilled, untrainable, unteachable, and capable of only the most basic backbreaking work.
However, we see that these two brothers, William, and Frank, were purchased based on skills.
With slaves, as with skilled workers, those doing rough work without the need for fine skills are valued less. We see the same differences in skilled v unskilled workers.
William and Frank were often chosen to serve as domestic servants and were given responsibilities and privileges most slaves never got. Frank became Washington’s butler and William was his manservant.
George Washington was an avid fox hunter and Billy was in charge of the hounds. Keeping up with the dogs during a hunt required an expert horseman. Billy Lee demonstrated skill and daring while performing in that capacity.
Billy Lee traveled with Washington to Williamsburg and on his surveying expeditions to the Ohio Valley. Lee served with Washington throughout the eight years of the Revolutionary War. He was with Washington during the severe winter at Valley Forge and the siege of Yorktown.
Lee accompanied Washington in the thick of battle according to historian Fritz Hirschfeld.
Lee suffered a disabling injury after the war that prevented him from continuing his duties with Washington and he spent his last years as a shoemaker at Mount Vernon, Washington’s home. Veterans of the war visiting in the area frequently stopped to speak to Billy and reminisce about the war.
William was a constantly in the company of Washington even in war. Because Billy served by Washington’s side he was often depicted next to Washington in paintings. He became one of the most publicized African Americans of his time.
Billy was the only slave freed outright in Washington’s will. The remainder of the 124 were to be freed after George’s Wife Martha’s death. There were also some slaves owned by Martha’s first husband that Washington had no right to free.
Lee was given a lifetime pension for his service and upon Washington’s death and being freed, he was offered the option of remaining at Mount Vernon which he accepted. Billy Lee is buried at Mount Vernon.
The following quote is from an internet link.
Fritz Hirschfeld has been quoted as saying “If Billy Lee had been a white man, he would have had an honored place in American history because of his close proximity to George Washington during the most exciting periods of his career. But because he was a black servant, a humble slave, he has been virtually ignored by both black and white historians and biographers. Hirschfeld, George Washington and Slavery p 111.
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John C Abercrombie
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There are few books on the life and times of William “Billy” Lee, but here is one of them.
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Memoir of William Lee: George Washington’s Trusted Valet Earns His Freedom
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A detailed look into George Washington and his relationship with slavery in his life from early life to death. There are some startling revelations in this work.
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The following also gives a look into Washington’s life and the pursuit of a run away slave that he sought but never caught.
Never Caught: The Washington’s‘ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge
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The following work is not specifically about George Washington or his slaves, but covers history during the period of interest to readers exploring early history of Blacks in America.
History of the Negro Race in America From 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens Kindle Edition
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Refurbished Computer
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Try Audible Plus
Audible Plus, a brand new all-you-can-listen membership that offers access to thousands of titles, including a vast array of audiobooks, podcasts and originals that span genres, lengths, and formats.
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For times when it is impractical to read.
This is one of my most favorite ways to educate and entertain myself. I have available hundreds of books that I can listen to. It is possible to listen tot hem on your phone, tablet or computer. you can switch hassle free. Highly recommended!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Lee_(valet)
Video
Meet American Patriot – William “Billy” Lee
“William “Billy” Lee was an enslaved man who acted as General George Washington’s personal manservant during the American Revolution.”
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George Washington’s Enslaved Valet: William Lee
For two decades, William Lee was by George Washington’s side and forged a close relationship with him. He was with Washington throughout every moment of the Revolutionary War, and till his death. It is thought that Washington’s relationship with Lee altered his view on slavery as he grew older. In this video, one of our character interpreters Brenda Parker shares the story of William Lee, one of the many enslaved workers at Mount Vernon.
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George Washington and Billy Lee
Historians and historical interpreters discuss the complex and important relationship between George Washington and slave Billy Lee.
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Uncovering History: William ‘Billy’ Lee Slave, American & Founder (part 12)
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The Forgotten Founding Father – “The Story of Billy Lee” – Part 1 of 2
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The Forgotten Founding Father – “The Story of Billy Lee” – Part 2 of 2
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