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:)
