THE WILL OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
To Which is Annexed, a Schedule of His Property, Directed to be Sold. Alexandria: Printed from the Record of the County Court of Fairfax, 1800. First edition. 16mo (3.75 x 6.25 inches; 96 x 160 mm). 32 pages. With original rear wrapper detached but present, lacking front wrapper. Bound with string, partially detached and partially lacking. Heavy chipping with losses to title, heavily dampstained throughout, affecting text, moderate foxing, other stains. Heavy smoke odor. Fair only, but still a desirable text. Howes W-145, Sabin 101752.
Although the entirety of this document is very interesting, perhaps the most interesting portion appears on page 4, where Washington frees his slaves: "Upon the decease of my wife, it is my will and desire, that all the Slaves that I hold in my own right shall receive their freedom." He goes on to state that, although he wanted to free them sooner, some of them were married to slaves of other owners, and he did not want to cause problems in those homes. He also orders that his descendants provide care and board for any freed slaves who, by injury or old age, cannot provide for themselves.