Nov 18

Nov 18 The Slave at the Head of the Continental Army - Billy Lee

Billy Lee was one of George Washington’s slaves who, despite his condition of servitude, became a central and important figure for the Continental Army.

Lee spent more time with the Commander-in-Chief than any other person during the war years as their daily routines were shared.

Published 1/29/20 - Updated 11/17/21

Billy Lee

William Lee was the slave of a wealthy widow when he was purchased by George Washington.

Despite his lowly status, ‘Billy’ Lee was to become an important figure in the American Revolution.

Billy acted as Washington’s personal servant for more than two decades, assisting with everything from organizing George’s correspondence to laying out his clothing in the morning.

Revolutionary Service

During the Revolutionary War, Lee accompanied Washington everywhere he went.

Considering that he carried out much of Washington’s daily routine, Billy was in fact a member of the General’s military ‘Family’ and regularly completed small tasks which would resonate throughout the Continental Army.

He was the constant companion of the Commander-in-Chief.

As is generally the case when two men spend eight years at war together, these revolutionaries developed a strong and lasting affection for each other.

Connecting with the Commander-in-Chief

It is no secret that George Washington’s attitudes toward slavery changed dramatically through the American Founding.

Although there are several reasons for this, the talent, capabilities and courage demonstrated by Billy Lee certainly affected the General’s outlook.

Shortly after the war, Lee married a free woman from Philadelphia who Washington begrudgingly permitted to live at Mount Vernon (though there is no record of her arrival and it is speculated that she passed away shortly after the wedding).

One of the reasons Billy could always keep up with Washington was a combination of strength and exceptional horsemanship.

When George took his long rides, Lee was right there with him.

Injuries

Unfortunately, Billy suffered several serious knee injuries during the 1780’s.

When Washington went to New York to serve as the first President of the United States, Lee attempted the trip as well.

Sadly, his injuries made his continued work for the President impossible, despite Washington’s patience in giving him time to heal.

Lee returned to Mount Vernon where he worked as a cobbler (shoe maker) for the rest of his life.

Freedom

When George Washington passed away, his will stated that all his slaves would be freed after Martha’s death.

There was one exception to this rule.

William ‘Billy’ Lee was liberated immediately.

This was due to, as Washington’s will reads, “his attachment to me, and for his faithful services during the Revolutionary War.”

Want to learn about other BLACK PATRIOTS?

OK, here you go:

Salem Poor Rejoins a Desegregated Continental Army

James Armistead is Not Another Face in the Crowd

Prince Whipple Plants a Liberty Tree

Billy Lee was at the center of, if not a central character in, the American Revolution.

I recommend reading ‘The Ballad of Billy Lee’ which is a novel but had a tremendous amount of research put into it and shares a wealth of sources from which you can continue to learn about this interesting figure.

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).