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Lee, William, approximately 1752-

 Person

Biography

William (Billy) Lee was the enslaved manservant of George Washington for two decades, including the Revolutionary War. He was the brother of Frank Lee.

Topics

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:

Letter, to Anthony Whitting, 1791 August 14

 Item — Box 5, Folder: 1791.08.14
Identifier: W-722
Scope and Contents Major George A. Washington gone to Berkeley so he will address him [Whitting] on Mount Vernon matters -- send weekly reports -- corn at the mill should be ready -- gather this corn & stalks together for fodder -- plant this meadow in grass -- further instructions on harvesting and seeding -- all autumn grain and grass to be put in as soon as possible -- wants an overseer for Dogue Run, a man with a small family -- house for overseer, can move one from the Mansion to Dogue Run easier than...
Dates: 1791 August 14

Letter, to William Pearce, 1794 May 18

 Item — Box 8, Folder: 1794.05.18
Identifier: RM-490-F; MS-3962
Scope and Contents Crops suffering from drought--Mr. Dandridge--oats on last vessel have disappeared--has enclosed four small papers of seeds which have been sent from a curious gentleman in Europe--keeping of clover for seed--buck wheat--timothy--heavy cost of these in the markets of Philadelphia--value of various grasses--clover ought to be well cured before stacking--Crow--both cattle and sheep will benefit from turnip--asks about the drilled wheat and common wheat--ought to be ripe by the 8th or 10th of...
Dates: 1794 May 18

Letter, Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 1789 May 3

 Item — Box 14, Folder: 1789.05.03
Identifier: A-625.3
Scope and Contents A.L. initial S. 1 page. New York. President would like Billy [Lee] sent to Mt. Vernon when he can be moved safely, for he cannot be of use here--"But if he is still anxious to come on here the President would gratify him altho he will be troublesome--He has been an old and faithful Servt. this is enough for the Presidt. to gratify him in every reasonable wish"--if Major W. needs buck wheat from Phila. he will let you know--G. W. wishes Dunlop and Claypool's paper sent to N.Y., and will...
Dates: 1789 May 3

Letter, Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 1789 May 31

 Item — Box 14, Folder: 1789.05.31
Identifier: A-283.45
Scope and Contents

A.L. initial S. 1 page. New York. President desires to have Billy [Lee] sent to N.Y. since Billy earnestly desires it--send stays and shoes to Mrs. F[anny Bassett] W-n at Mt. V.--send Mrs. M. W.'s to [N.Y.] and charge all to President's account--she overpaid for altering some gowns--Billy's expenses to be pd. by G.W. thru Biddle (mentioned in Writings in footnote). Autograph letter initial signed, docketed, incomplete watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "T. L."

Dates: 1789 May 31

Letter, Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 1789 June 22

 Item — Box 14, Folder: 1789.06.22
Identifier: A-283.46
Scope and Contents

A.L. initial S. 1 page. New York. Billy [Lee] arrived--"The President thinks those ornaments will not answer the purpose as the two sets are not made to join each other & neither separate are large enough for his table"--President much indisposed--fever and a tumor on his thigh. Autograph letter initial signed, docketed, watermark. Name on original manuscript appears as "T. L."

Dates: 1789 June 22