WASHINGTON, GEORGE | "The Will of General George Washington" in The Eastern Herald and Gazette of Maine, Vol XVI. [Portland: John Kelse Baker & Daniel George], Monday, March 24, 1800

Property from the Eric C. Caren Collection

WASHINGTON, GEORGE

"The Will of General George Washington" in The Eastern Herald and Gazette of Maine, Vol XVI. [Portland: John Kelse Baker & Daniel George], Monday, March 24, 1800

Folio, four pages (19 x 11 5/8 in.; 486 x 298 mm) on a full sheet of laid paper, woodcut printer's device in masthead, woodcut of the Federal eagle heading a report from Congress, text in four columns; browned and lightly spotted, some creasing, worn at central fold, some minor marginal chipping. The consignor has independently obtained a letter of authenticity from PSA that will accompany the lot.

"In the name of God, amen. I, George Washington, of Mount-Vernon, a Citizen of the United States, and lately President of the same, do make, ordain and declare this instrument. …" On 9 July 1799, just six months before his death, Washington wrote his own will, which was probated in January 1800 at the County Court of Fairfax, and shortly afterwards printed as a pamphlet in Alexandria. Two months later, the text had reached Portland, Maine, where the publishers of The Eastern Herald, recommended it to their readers as "abound[ing] with profound wisdom." The will occupies the entirety of the front page and most of the last.

Perhaps the most notable feature of Washington's will is its provision for freeing his slaves and for his estate to provide for those "who from old age or bodily infirmities, and others who on account of their infancy, … will be unable to support themselves." Martha Washington signed the deed of manumission for her late husband's slaves in December 1800, and they officially became free on 1 January 1801.