Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1861-01-05
at(isttllaneous.
Washington's Will.

ave have already seen that a few hours
before his death Washington sent 10 his
study for two wills, which when brought, we're
handed by him to Mrs, Washington, one to
be destroyed, and the other to be preserved
by her. As he had kept them both to the
close of his life, it may be supposed that, in
conformity with his strictly methodical bust
nest habits, the two wills had been prepared
by him, to meet respectively the contingen.
cies Of surviving his wife or dying before her
Although, as hO frequently observed 10 bis
correspondence, his affairs had greatly suffer
ed by his long absences from home, he left a
large estate. lie Inherited small property
/ from bis fat her f; his elder brother bequeuthed
/ to him tue estate Of Mount Vernon he re.
ceived large accession of wealth with bis
wife and be made very extensive purchases
of unimproved lands, not only in Virginia but
( in sev,ral other States, some Of which proba-
bly, rose in value. A Schedule appended to
/ his will of that part of his property which
was to be sold for distribution among his
general heirs, amounts, as estimated by him.
/ to something more than bslf million of
dollars. The larger part Of this estate was
specifically bequeathed, and must have more
: than eaualled this amount. President Adams,
/ the elder, writing to q friend in Massachu.
setts, at the time Of Wsshington's election as
/ Commander in Chief l1I5, speaks Of him as
"a gentleman Of one OF the finest fortures on
the conteneht" II is probable that many Of
/ the unimproved lands though possessing q
/ speculative value, were unproductive, and Of
stocks, and other property yielding a fixed
/ income, the amount appears 10 have been
small.
! "By The third item of the will, which was
! made about six months before bis death, Cen
( eral Washington provided that, upon the
/ decease OF his wife, al! .he slaves held by
/ him 10 his own right should receive their
+ freedom. To emancipate them during her
/ lfe the will proceeds, would, though earnest
! ly desired by me, bs attended with insupera-
bic difficulties, on account Of their intermiy-
ture By marriage with the dover negroes, as
/ to excite the most painful sensations, il not
/ dsagreeabe consequences, to the latter,
while both descriptions are in the occupancy
| of the same proprietor, it not being IN my
/ power, under the texture by which the dover
negroes are held, to manumlt them. For
those emancipated, who from old age or
bodily infrmity should be unable TO support
themselves, the will directs that comiorta-
bile provision o! food and clothing while they
! lived should be made by his heirs. ! hose
who were too young to support themselves,
and who had no parents able or willing to
support them, we're to be bound by the Court
| iii thew were tweaty FIVE years of age were
| to be taught TO read and write by the master
| to whom they were bound. and brought up TO
some useful occupation. The will expressly
forbids the sale or transportation out Of Fir.
| guia OF any slave Of whom he might die pos
sessed, under any pretence whatsoever, and
| it enforced the general Intentions OF tue testa
tor in the following stringent terms :-"And
| | do moreover most pointediy and solemnly
enjoin upon my executors to see that this
clause respecting slaves aud every part
thereof be religiously fulfilled at the epoch at
which it is directed TO take place, without
evasion, neglect or delay. after crops which
may then be in the ground are harvested
particularly as it respects the aged and
infant seeing that a regular and permsnent
fund be established for their support, as long
as there are subjecte requiring it not trust
ing to the uncertain provisions TO be made
oy individuals.
For bis favorte servant, Billy who attend
ed him through the revolutionary war, q
special provision was made 10 the following
terms, and with characteristic precision
ITO my mulatto man William, calling him
self Win Lee, give immediate freedom, or
should he prefer it, ION account OF the acct
dents which have befalen hin, aud which
render him incapable of walking or any sctiys
employment.) to remain in the situation be
now is it shall be optional in him to 90 go in
either case, however, allow him ON aanuity