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George Washington and his "mulatto man" Billy Lee...
George Washington and his "mulatto man" Billy Lee...
Item # 553877
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March 22, 1797
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, March 22, 1797 Nearly a full column on the front page is taken up with a very significant letter signed in type by: Go. Washington. This letter is concerning some erroneous claims made against Washington and Washington setting the record straight, a portion of which reads: "...At the time when these letters first appeared, it was notorious...that my mulatto man Billy had never been one moment in the power of the enemy. It is also a fact that no part of my baggage or any of my attendants were captured during the whole course of the war..." with much more (see photos for the full text).
The "Billy" mentioned is almost certainly Billy Lee, who--it is claimed--was undoubtedly the most widely publicized slave in 18th century America, thanks to his intimate relationship with the commander-in-chief and to the talent of John Trumbull, the historical painter of the Revolution who portrayed both men.
Very rare to find any mention of Billy Lee in an 18th century newspaper.
Complete in 4 pages, never bound nor trimmed, some slight perforation at the central fold, some minor staining to the front page. Generally nice condition.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
No Longer Available
