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William Lee (c. 1750 – 1810), also known as Billy or Will Lee, was an American slave and personal assistant of George Washington. He was the only one of Washington's slaves who was freed immediately by Washington's will.
- c. 1750
- Will Lee, Billy Lee
- Slave Manservant
For two decades, William Lee accompanied Washington nearly everywhere. As manservant, or valet, Lee assisted his master with myriad tasks, from delivering messages to laying out clothes to tying a silk ribbon around his hair.
Dec 22, 2021 · William Lee was the enslaved valet of George Washington for nearly two decades. Purchased by Washington in 1768, when he was at least sixteen years old, Lee was assigned to household work at Mount Vernon and accompanied Washington when he traveled, including during the American Revolution (1775–1783). The war made Lee, who often rode ...
William “Billy” Lee was an enslaved man who acted as General George Washington’s personal manservant during the American Revolution. In 1767, George Washington purchased brothers William and Frank Lee from Mary Lee of Virginia. William cost £61.15.
William (Billy) Lee. William Lee arrived at Mount Vernon in 1768, after Washington purchased him from a wealthy Virginia widow for 61 pounds and 15 shillings. Lee served as Washington’s valet for over 20 years, accompanying him everywhere.
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The exhibition tells the stories of Washington’s companions in his war camps, including his enslaved valet, William Lee, who would dress him in the tent; three of his aides-de-camp; and the...
In his will, Washington made arrangements to free his longtime valet William Lee immediately upon his death. The document also required that the remainder people Washington owned be emancipated following the death of Martha Washington.
