e, it is my Will and desire th[at] all the Slaves which I hold in [my] own right, shall receive their free[dom]" (Fitzpatrick v.37, p.276). Washington refrained from releasing his slaves immediately, because he realized that many of his slaves had married dower slaves, who could not be freed until the death of Martha (Carroll v.7, p.585). To have freed his slaves immediately would have produced, "...such insu[perab]le difficulties...[and] excite the most pa[i]nful sensations, if not disagreeabl[e c]onsequences..." (Fitzpatrick v.37, p.276) from those dower slaves married to the freed slaves. Washington did not want to separate husband from wife, mother from child. Washington also feared that some freed slaves who had family that were dower slaves would help them to escape. By waiting until both he and Martha were past away, both Washington’s slaves and the dower slaves could be released at the same time. Washington also provided in his Will for the care of those freed slaves who, "from old age or bodily infi[rm]ities, and others who on account of [thei]r infancy...will be unable to [su]pport themselves...", should be given comfortable clothes and fed by his heirs while they are alive (Fitzpatrick v.37, p.276). Those youths without parents were to be cared for until the age of twenty, taught how to read and write, and be shown how to perform "...some useful occupation..." (Fitzpatrick v.37, p.276). Washington demanded that, "...[T]his [cl]ause 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..." (Fitzpatrick v.37, p.276). Though it took him until his death to free his slaves, Washington made sure that they would be given opportunities to survive on their own, even if it meant costing his heirs a lot of money. Washington’s concerns and caring for the slaves is yet another reason why this man must be revered in history. Whil...
