Did you know, that included in George Washington's will was the release of his slaves upon his wife's death? This was a dramatic precedence for a plantation owner. He also specified that the young slaves be taught to read and write and taught a useful occupation before being released. Another precedent, since it threatened white supremacy. For the old and the sick slaves that would have problems taking care of themselves he set aside money.
AND...he left money to found a university in the District of Columbia. AND...Over fifty relatives were also included in his will.
AND...When he became seriously ill, the doctors bled him and took approximately FIVE pints of blood in a short amount of time.
*Information gleaned from
Washington a Life by Ron Chernow which I have almost finished! I've been reading it since January:)
38 comments:
I am glad to hear it - but note that he didn't release them until he and his wife didn't need their services any longer. Other times. Hooray for educating them though.
Slavery is a sensitive topic, but for a man of his times it was progressive and generous. Hugs, Valerie
I found an old will by the nearly oldest ancestor from America on the direct paternal line of mine. It mentioned a shameful truth. They weren't set free, one of the kids got them. Not sure who or why, can't remember.
I knew about the doctors bleeding George, but not about the slaves. Very brave for his time. This is possibly the first of our shameful history we still can't seem to live down.
The reason I only mentioned the Bahamians yesterday was because I knew the sick young people were testifying in the House and was hoping there would be some resolution to come out of the hearing. Sadly, those sick people who were INVITED HERE initially, are still left in limbo. Yet another shame we can place in our "why in the world am I proud I'm an American?" column.
Something new I've learned today Sandra, thanks for sharing.
Yvonne.
I just visited Lexington, Va and we toured Washington and Lee University. Seems Washington was given the land the college sits on as a gift while he was in office and he gave it to the college because he didn't think it was fitting that he profit as president. Bet no politician today would be that noble!
Almost benevolent. Good that he kept the slaves on until his wife's death. We wouldn't want her to struggle without servants, workers and staff.
No, I didn't know.
The things they don't teach in school. And wasn't reading and writing forbidden to slaves so that if caught they could be severely punished? Or did that come later at Civil War time?
Sad, isn't it. Washington had 'dower' slaves too that were handed down instead of given their freedom.
No he didn't. He struggled much of his adult life with the ills of slavery vs his pocketbook. Still it was a radical move for his time. He hoped that others would follow his example, but the cotton gin came along and threw slavery in high gear.
Yes and yes.
Hugs received and returned.
I hear you, Elizabeth. I honestly can't believe what's going on in this country. We'll be judged and history will remember.
My pleasure, Yvonne.
That's a safe bet:)
She actually freed them early. There had been an 'accident' and she was afraid some would try to hurry the freedom process along so she didn't wait till her death to free them.
I'm sure that's been omitted from the school history books.
That's really good. I think I must add this one to my list -- all you've written about here intrigues me!
whoa...5 pints is a BUNCH ~~~~~
Who'd a thought, huh?
I am not sure when that was in effect, CJ. Though, whenever it was so wrong.
Yeah:)
I think you'd like it. Let me know if you end up getting it. Just be prepared, it's long.
And he was already extremely sick. So I have no doubts it tipped him over the edge. One of the doctors wanted to try a new procedure, the tracheotomy, because his throat was so swollen he could hardly breath. The other two physicians decided against and it wasn't done. They realized after the fact it was a mistake not too.
Very interesting.
He was an interesting man for sure.
Always interesting and eye opening to hear about our pasts. Hugs, RO
For sure, Ro.
Hugs received and returned.
really interesting !!
Crikey, did the 5 pints kill him? Fascinating about the slaves. I didn't know he did that, either.
They teach that he crossed the Delaware and became the first President but they don’t teach this?? This information makes me respect this man more than I ever did before.
Hi Gloria.
He was a very interesting individual.
I did know. I did! I did! I did!
Love,
Janie
Hey Sis, He may not have lived regardless, but it certainly didn't help his odds.
Interesting, isn't it? He wasn't an easy taskmaster. One thing that I did appreciate, he didn't believe in breaking up families.
Good job, Janie!
I visited Mount Vernon twice and paid attention to the tour guides.
Very interesting Sandra! Big Hugs!
Post a Comment