The powerful text of George Washingtons will displays the distinctive writing style that Washington had developed over the years. The contents of the will reveal much about Washington's character and his views concerning the diverse and valuable property, real and chattel, that he had acquired over the course of his lifetime. Perhaps the most notable of the will's provisions are his instructions for freeing his slaves and for supporting thereafter the helpless children and the elderly and infirm adults among them.
Upon the decease of my wife, it is my Will & desire that all the Slaves which I hold in my own right, shall receive their freedom. To emancipate them during her life, would, tho' earnestly wished by me, be attended with such insuperable difficulties on account of their intermixture by Marriages with the dower Negroes, as to excite the most painful sensations, if not disagreeable consequences from the latter, while both descriptions are in the occupancy of the same Proprietor; it not being in my power, under the tenure by which the Dower Negroes are held, to manumit them. And whereas among those who will recieve freedom according to this devise, there may be some, who from old age or bodily infirmities, and others who on account of their infancy, that will be unable to support themselves; it is my Will and desire that all who come under the first & second description shall be comfortably cloathed & fed by my heirs while they live; and that such of the latter description as have no parents living, or if living are unable, or unwilling to provide for them, shall be bound by the Court until they shall arrive at the age of twenty five years; and in cases where no record can be produced, whereby their ages can be ascertained, the judgment of the Court, upon its own view of the subject, shall be adequate and final. The Negros thus bound, are (by their Masters or Mistresses) to be taught to read & write; and to be brought up to some useful occupation, agreeably to the Laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, providing for the support of Orphan and other poor Children. and I do hereby expressly forbid the Sale, or transportation out of the said Commonwealth, of any Slave I may die possessed of, under any pretence whatsoever. And I do moreover most pointedly, and most solemnly enjoin it upon my Executors hereafter named, or the Survivors of them, to see that this clause respecting Slaves, and every part thereof be religiously fulfilled at the Epoch at which it is directed to take place; without evasion, neglect or delay, after the Crops which may then be on the ground are harvested, particularly as it respects the aged and infirm; seeing that a regular and permanent fund be established for their support so long as there are subjects requiring it; not trusting to the uncertain provision to be made by individuals. And to my Mulatto man William (calling himself William Lee) I give immediate freedom; or if he should prefer it (on account of the accidents which have befallen him, and which have rendered him incapable of walking or of any active employment) to remain in the situation he now is, it shall be optional in him to do so: In either case however, I allow him an annuity of thirty dollars during his natural life, which shall be independent of the victuals and cloaths he has been accustomed to receive, if he chuses the last alternative; but in full, with his freedom, if he prefers the first; & this I give him as a testimony of my sense of his attachment to me, and for his faithful services during the Revolutionary War.
Document Analysis
What conclusions can you draw about Washington as a man from the excerpt?
Does Washingtons will give any insight into his abilities as a military leader and president? Explain.
What arrangements does Washington specify for his elderly slaves and for the very young slaves whose parents are not living or who cannot adequately care for them?
1. From reading this excerpt i can conclude that George Washington was a kind man, who cared about his slaves. He wanted them clothed and feed after he died. He wanted them to be in his power until he and his wife died but after they both died they would be freed.
2. It shows that he was good at planning out tactics. He cared about this army, which in this case was his slaves. As a president he was a good a good stragizer. He lead with a firm grip on his people but wasnt a tyrant and abused his power.
3. "And whereas among those who will recieve freedom according to this devise, there may be some, who from old age or bodily infirmities, and others who on account of their infancy, that will be unable to support themselves; it is my Will and desire that all who come under the first & second description shall be comfortably cloathed & fed by my heirs while they live; and that such of the latter description as have no parents living, or if living are unable, or unwilling to provide for them, shall be bound by the Court until they shall arrive at the age of twenty five years;"
this means that he wants them to be fed and dressed in comfortable clothes. he wants them to be well taken care of since they cant fend for themselves well.
From this excerpt I can conclude that he was a man of fairness, reason, and generosity.He willingly chose to free his slaves after the death of his wife and to give help to those who needed as they needed.He also wished that all of his slaves and their families be free forever and that under any circumstance they are not to be sold or transported out of the commonwealth against their will.He thought of them as people and saw to it that they get a good education and a useful job.
He does give insight to his abilities as a military leader and president.He shows his ability in being able to delegate responsibilities effectively to make sure his slaves are manumitted and taken care of after his wifes death by charging the court with this task.His also makes sure to state that his successors adhere to his will and follow through will faithfulness.
He arranges for his heirs to keep the elderly ones comfortably clothed and fed while they live and that the ones that are too young to take care of themselves are to be taken care of by the court until the age of twenty-five and if their age cannot be determined then the court shall decide when it is appropriate to release them.He also arranged for the young ones to be taught to read and write as well as be brought up to learn the skills of a useful job of which they will work in when they are released.
1.What conclusions can you draw about Washington as a man from the excerpt? Some conclusions that I can draw about Washington as a man from his will is one he was caring, two he wasnt conceited. He actually thought about others besides himself. Washington was generous because he allowed for his slaves to be freed after his wife died. Instead of writing about all the glory he experienced in his will, and how great he was or how his legend should live on, he made a difference by freeing his slaves. Not that he should have had slaves in the first place, but at least he freed them, unlike other slaver owners.2.Does Washingtons will give any insight into his abilities as a military leader and president? Explain. Washington talks about his military and president abilities. As stated before he is not conceited. Basically he mentions that he had many experiences throughout his life as a military leader and a president.3.What arrangements does Washington specify for his elderly slaves and for the very young slaves whose parents are not living or who cannot adequately care for them? The arrangements that Washington specifies for his elderly slaves and for the very young slaves who need help are for his heirs to help them out, by giving them basic necessities such as clothes and food. When the young turn twenty five it is time for them to leave and support themselves.
1. From the excerpt, I feel that Washington was a resonable man. Even though he owned slaves which was unjust, He gave them freedom in his will and assured that all his slaves are entitled to live a normal life, just like a white person would.
2. To a certain extent, Washington gives us an idea of how he was as a military leader and a president. He has everything extensivly planned out in his will for his slaves so nothing can really go wrong and there is no confusion. This is probably what he did when he was in office or on the battlefield.
3. Washington states that for the elderly slaves who are not able to care for themselves, they are to be comfortably clothed and fed by Washington's heirs. For the very young slaves whose parents are deceased or unable to care for them are to remain in the care of Washington's heirs until the age of 25.
What conclusions can you draw about Washington as a man from the excerpt? Washington although he waited until the demise of both himself and his wife, he showed that he did care about his slaves by expressly forbid(ing) the Sale, or transportation out of the said Commonwealth, of any Slave I may die possessed of, under any pretence whatsoever., by setting up funds for those slaves too sick or old to work, and those slaves who are infants or cannot support themselves shall be comfortably cloathed & fed by my heirs while they live; He also highly valued friendship be cause he immediately released his slave (and very close companion) William as a testimony of my sense of his attachment to me, and for his faithful services during the Revolutionary War.
Does Washingtons will give any insight into his abilities as a military leader and president? Explain. This document clearly shows Washingtons more benevolent attitude toward those who serve under him by first emancipating his slaves, then providing for those who could not make it on their own. This document also shows that he rewards those loyal to him by immediately emancipating William Lee and give him an annuity of thirty dollars during his natural life.
What arrangements does Washington specify for his elderly slaves and for the very young slaves whose parents are not living or who cannot adequately care for them?
He plans to have a fund to provide for the elderly and sick slaves who cannot work and on account of their infancy, that [they] will be unable to support themselves shall be comfortably cloathed & fed by my heirs while they live. If his children were unable to or refused to provide for them he they shall be bound by the Court until they shall arrive at the age of twenty five years.
1. From this excerpt, i can understand that Washington was a kind-hearted and thoughtful person. He took time and energy to make sure that his slaves were taken care of exacly how he wanted them to be. He cared immensly for his wife because he wouldn't let his slaves free while is wife was living because it wouldn't feel right to him. 2. Washington took time to correct the life of every last slave he owned. If he was that way with his slaves, then he must be that way with his army and the people he was leading as a president. People don't just act that way in one area of their life, it's the way they think about everyone. 3. Washington specifically wants his slaves to be taken good care of once his wife and himself dies. All slaves of old age, young age, and the people who are physically weak will be cloathed and fed by his heirs while their living. All slaves with no living parents or parents who are unable or unwilling to provide for them will be bound by the court until they turn 25 years old. 619--Rey Mysterio!
What conclusions can you draw about Washington as a man from the excerpt?
This exerpt portrays Washington the same way he has been portrayed throughout history. He was always considered one of the most honorable and kind men of his era and he proves to be no less in his will. Many who resided in the state of Virginia owned slaves, however it is probable that very few of them ever went to the extent of freeing the slaves once they died. The exerot displayed his compassion and kindness toward them.
Does Washingtons will give any insight into his abilities as a military leader and president? Explain.
Even though he doesn't address his abilities as a military leader and president directly in this excerpt, due to the thorough nature of his plans to free his slaves and their well-being afterwards it displays the attention to detail that he used as a war hero and a president. It gives specific directions for everything and even goes into detail on possible scenarios that could occur.
What arrangements does Washington specify for his elderly slaves and for the very young slaves whose parents are not living or who cannot adequately care for them?
Washington payed special attention to detail when he layed out the plans for the emancipation of his slaves. He knew that he had to address every possible scenario. He mentions in his will that he wants his hiers to care for his elderly slaves so that they live out their remaining years in comfort. For the young slaves whose parents are unable to care for them or dead he outlines a plan for the government to care for them until they are 25 and teach them to read, write, and even job skills.
What conclusions can you draw about Washington as a man from the excerpt?
This exerpt portrays Washington the same way he has been portrayed throughout history. He was always considered one of the most honorable and kind men of his era and he proves to be no less in his will. Many who resided in the state of Virginia owned slaves, however it is probable that very few of them ever went to the extent of freeing the slaves once they died. The exerot displayed his compassion and kindness toward them.
Does Washingtons will give any insight into his abilities as a military leader and president? Explain.
Even though he doesn't address his abilities as a military leader and president directly in this excerpt, due to the thorough nature of his plans to free his slaves and their well-being afterwards it displays the attention to detail that he used as a war hero and a president. It gives specific directions for everything and even goes into detail on possible scenarios that could occur.
What arrangements does Washington specify for his elderly slaves and for the very young slaves whose parents are not living or who cannot adequately care for them?
Washington payed special attention to detail when he layed out the plans for the emancipation of his slaves. He knew that he had to address every possible scenario. He mentions in his will that he wants his hiers to care for his elderly slaves so that they live out their remaining years in comfort. For the young slaves whose parents are unable to care for them or dead he outlines a plan for the government to care for them until they are 25 and teach them to read, write, and even job skills.
1. George Washington was a uncommly humble man for his era. After his second term as presedent the people offered to allow him to basicly become king and rule till his death but Washington being the man of the people believed that it was not right for him to take the position longer than it was made for "2 terms in office is enough for any man" is what Washinton said when he was offered the position. This will basicly backs up Washingtons stories. It is still wrong for him to wait till after his death to have freed the slaves but in that era that was very uncommon for a slave owner to do. Not only did he free the slaves but he ordered the elderly and the young slaves to stay in the house with food and clothing till the age of 25 and the heirs would teach them to read and write or a trade to help them make it in soceity.
2. No i dont believe that this excerpt gives much insight into his abilities as a military leader and president because although he did free his slaves i dont believe he did it out of assuming responsiblilty. I believe he did it because he was known as a very humble man and did it out of respect for them. Takeing care of them housing and feeding them and teaching them how to read and write was a statigic move but it does not show much about his military character. Anyone who thought ahead could have done that.
3. Washington arranged the elderly to be fitted comfortably for the remainder of their life by being clothed and fed. The ones who are to young to sopport themselves were housed and fed and taught to read and write and some kind of craft to help them make it in society when they left at the age of 25.
1. Washington was a genuinely good man with good ideals (at least for his time). He like many others owned slaves, but unlike many others he had the kindness to free them when he died. 2. It shows his skill as a leader by his attention to detail and ability to thoroughly devise a plan. It also shows how he is loyal to those loyal to him.
3. Out of the kindness of his heart he makes sure that his slaves are taken care of not just freed and set off on their own. He has the young slaves fully taken care of by the government until age 25, and he has the elderly slaves taken care of by his heirs.
1. Washington proves to be more than what a first glance would perceive him as, which would be a slaveholding racist. His will shows the compassion and appreciation he eternally feels for the slaves and workers whose efforts helped amass the fortune he was fortunate to leave behind. As a man, Washington is pretty noble. 2. The document highlights the thoroughness and diligence of Washingtons being, the characteristics that made him so effective on the battlefield. It also gives insight onto why Washingtons soldiers felt so compelled when under his guidance. The document proves him to be a very humane and kindhearted person, traits which undoubtedly won him favor in the war effort. 3. For the elders, Washington provides them with the care of his heirs throughout their lifetime. As for the young ones with no parents, they are guaranteed food and shelter until the age of twenty five.
Washington was an honorable man with morals.He wanted to free the slaves that had worked hard for him and give them better lives with some form of income or help once they were freed, and they were to be taught to read and write.He wanted them to have better lives once he went.
The way he wants to treat those he would have viewed as lower than he was shows how he would have been a military leader and president.He would have treated the people of the United States with great respect, and he would have also treated his soldiers with the same respect they deserved.Or at least this is what I believe.
3. The elderly slaves were to be taken care of by his heirs, and they were to be clothes and fed and well cared for.The young ones and the ones with no parents were to receive the same treatment as the elderly slaves but were also to be cared for by the Courts until they reached twenty-five years of age.
1. After reading the excerpt, I feel that Washington was a kind and respectable man. Though during his lifetime he had slaves, he was trying to do the right thing once he passed away. Although releasing his slaves after he died, this does not justify having them in the first place. Also, I think that he truly cared about some of them, and wanted them to be happy once they were freed.
2. I feel that Washington's will does give insight into his ability as a military leader and president. It shows that he was a fair man, and when it came to presidential capabilities, he must have been able to separate right from wrong, and knew how to fix his mistakes.
3. The arrangements Washington specifies for his elderly slaves is for them to be released, but if they can not care for themselves then his own heirs will care for them. He specifies the same things for the very young slaves whose parents are not living or who cannot adequately care for themselves.
What conclusions can you draw about Washington as a man from the excerpt?
After reading the excerpt of Washingtons will I can tell that Washington was fair-minded and thoughtful.It seems as though he believed that the slaves had a right to freedom but he was not willing to give them that freedom until after the death of both he and his wife.His plan to free his slaves after his death was very generous. He even included a clause forbidding the future sale or transport of the slaves out of the commonwealth against their will. He also made sure that the elderly and the very young would be taken care of.
Does Washingtons will give any insight into his abilities as a military leader and president? Explain.
I believe that Washingtons will give us very good insight into his abilities as a military leader and a president.The section of the will that describes what is to be done with his slaves is very detailed and well though out.It shows that he is very good at creating a plan of action and is able to delegate tasks to others.This will also shows us that he pays attention to detail because the plan to free the slaves is well thought out and provides for more than just their freedom, he actually plans for their life after slavery. This will demonstrates his ability to be a leader.
What arrangements does Washington specify for his elderly slaves and for the very young slaves whose parents are not living or who cannot adequately care for them?
Washington arranges for his heirs to provide care to the elderly slaves and be sure that they are clothed and fed.For the very young slaves he states that the court should take care of them until they reach the age of twenty five.He also provides instruction that they be taught to read and write and to learn skills so that they can work at a suitable occupation when they are free.
-Rey Mysterio!
