America Untold:
Forgotten heroes, Forgotten Stories
Scarlet Ingstad
Christian, Independent Author, Historian
Christian, Independent Author, Historian
The story of America's beginning is a fascinating tale, full of heroics and revolutionary ideals. However, there are many people during this era who were not held in the same light as others, and were excluded from the general narrative. We owe our freedom to many whose names we do not know--and it is my goal to help change that. This month, I introduce you to William "Billy" Lee, George Washington's enslaved valet. Those who are familiar with Lin Manuel Miranda's hit Broadway Musical might recall that Alexander Hamilton is often credited as being Washington's right-hand man. While in some instances this was true, Washington's real right-hand man was not a free man whom he employed--he was an enslaved man whom he owned. By His Side For two decades, William Lee was by George Washington's side everywhere he went. He was purchased as a teenager by Washington in 1768, along with his brother, Frank Lee. While his brother became the enslaved butler at Mount Vernon, William became Washington's enslaved valet, or manservant .This meant that William was responsible for Washington's daily needs, including bathing, assisting in powdering and tying his hair back into a queue, laying out his clothes, as well as accompanying him on fox hunts, surveying expeditions, and later, the American Revolution. It was likely that during these quiet moments, especially the vulnerable ones, William Lee and George Washington formed a bond of some kind. Martha Washington's grandson recalled: "Will, the huntsman, better known in Revolutionary lore as Billy, rode a horse called Chinkling, a surprising leaper, and made very much like its rider, low, but sturdy, and of great bone and muscle. Will had but one order, which was to keep with the hounds; and, mounted on Chinkling, a French horn at his back, throwing himself almost at length on the animal, with his spur in flank, this fearless horseman would rush, at full speed, through brake or tangled wood, in a style at which modern huntsmen would stand aghast...He also accompanied Washington when he was surveying, both locally and on the frontier." During the war, William not only continued with his manservant duties, he also took on some very unique roles as well. Thanks to the recollections and memoirs from several eye-witnesses, we know William was by Washington's side at all times, including in battles like the Battle of Monmouth. Additional evidence from the memoir of a soldier named Joshua Smith (who was court-martialed regarding his potential involvement in the Benedict Arnold treachery) reveals exactly how close William was to Washington during this time. One line in particular hints that William was privy to secretive information: "...one of Washington's domestics, who daily brought me provisions, and who was a confidential servant of the general's." Washington trusted William enough to task him with providing provisions for a prisoner. Smith's writings also indicated that William was present in Washington's military inner circle and that he felt comfortable in dealing with sensitive situations and highly-educated persons. It makes one wonder how much William also knew about various espionage operations, such as Benjamin Tallmadge's Culper Spy Ring. After the War During the war, William married a free black woman named Margaret Thomas (also known as Peggy Lee) from Philadelphia who became part of Washington's military household. About seven months after they returned to Mount Vernon, William asked Washington to let his new wife move in with him. Washington was not thrilled by the idea, stating that he "never wished to see her more," but he could not refuse William. They had just endured eight years of war together; this was the least Washington could do for his enslaved valet. There is, however, no historical record of whether or not Margaret Thomas ever made it to Mount Vernon. However, William and Washington's attachment to one another is apparent after in the war in the records we do have. Whether this was a genuine, affectionate attachment on William's part cannot be known and should also not be assumed. William was, after all, considered property of George Washington. After the war, William suffered sever back-to-back knee injuries that left him crippled. William insisted on joining Washington in Philadelphia after he became president, but his injuries were too substantial, and Washington ordered him to be returned to Mount Vernon in 1790. Nine years later, Washington drafted a new will--one that demonstrated his own personal attachment to William. Washington wrote that the people he owned were to be emancipated upon the death of both himself and his wife, Martha Washington--all except for William Lee: "...And to my Mulatto man William (calling himself William Lee) I give immediate freedom; or if he should prefer (on account of the accidents which have befallen him, and which have rendered him incapable of walking or of any active employment) to remain in the situation he now is, it shall be optional in him to do so: In either case however, I allow him an annuity of thirty dollars during his natural life...& this I give him as a testimony of my sense of his attachment to me, and for his faithful services during the Revolutionary War." William ultimately chose to remain at Mount Vernon, likely due to his injuries and the fact that his family still lived here as enslaved persons. He became a minor celebrity due to his proximity to Washington. Visitors came to visit Mount Vernon after Washington's death in 1799 to pay their respects, and to speak to the enslaved man who was by his side the entire time. Sadly. William developed a drinking problem, likely due to the pain of his knee injuries, and passed away. The year of his death is unknown. Some historians believe he died in 1810, others believe he died in the 1820s. Legacy
Historian Fritz Hirshfeld said: "If Billy Lee had been a white man, he would have had an honored place in American history because of his close proximity to George Washington during the most exciting periods of his career. But because he was a black servant, a humble slave, he has been virtually ignored by both black and white historians and biographers." Thankfully, that is changing. William Lee's story is unique for an enslaved person. The majority of enslaved persons during this era were barely recorded, and when they were, it was for the property records of their enslavers. However, due to William's proximity to Washington, we known more about his particular story. William Lee was by Washington's side every day for over twenty years--something even Martha Washington cannot claim. After being born into a world where slavery was readily accepted, Washington went from thinking little of the practice, to expressing a desire to "be quit" of it. Washington did not end slavery in America (that would take another generation and another war to accomplish). What he did do was alter his will to free those he owned after the death of himself and his wife, setting an example for other enslavers of his generation. William Lee was likely a major reason behind this decision. Stories like that of William Lee and James Armistead Lafayette provide a unique look into Revolutionary America and the institution of slavery. There are dozens upon dozens of stories during the Revolution period that have gone largely untold. Until the day comes that their names are as well known as George Washington, we must keep telling their stories. Please pay particular attention to the "Want to Learn More" section below--lot's of excellent material here, including a brand new podcast series by Mount Vernon! Episode 3 stars William Lee, and it was released TODAY! Sources: - MacLeod, Jessie, "William (Billy) Lee." - Thompson, Mary V. "William Lee & Oney Judge: A Look at George Washington & Slavery." - Thompson, Mary V. The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret, 2019. - Lossing, Benson J. Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, by His Adopted Son, George Washington Parke Custis. - Washington, George, October 20, 1770, The Diaries of George Washington, 2: 294. - Ferraro, William M. "A Glimpse of William 'Billy' Lee: George Washington's Enslaved Manservant." - Smith, Joshua Hett, An Authentic Narrative of the Causes Which Led to the Death of Major Andre, 1809 (reprinted in 1969). - Washington, George, The Last Will and Testament of George Washington and Schedule of his Property, to which is appended the Last Will and Testament of Martha Washington, Fourth Edition, edited by Dr. John C. Fitzpatrick. Want to Learn More? Television and Podcasts: - Check out Mount Vernon's BRAND NEW podcast, "Intertwined," available wherever you prefer to get your podcasts. Narrated by Brenda Parker, "Intertwined" explores the lives of the enslaved persons at Mount Vernon. New episodes are posted weekly. TODAY, William Lee's episode was posted. Visit www.georgewashingtonpodcast.com for more information! - TURN:Washington's Spies: William Lee, portrayed by Gentry White, is in this show regularly beginning in season 2. I cannot say enough good things about Gentry White's portrayal of William. Absolutely phenomenal! William is also the star of the Valley Forge episode in season 2--it's a must-watch! Books: - The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret by Mary V. Thompson - Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington's Mount Vernon, edited by Susan P. Schoelwer, introduction by Annette Gordon-Reed - By His Side: The Story of George Washington and William Lee, by Jinny Powers Berten - An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America, by Henry Wiencek - Never Caught: The Washington's Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge, by Erica Armstrong Dunbar - The General's Cook, by Ramin Ganeshram - Amazing Grace: An Anthology of Poems About Slavery: 1660-1810, edited by James Basker - Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth, by Claire Bellerjeau and Tiffany Yecke Brooks Preview of Next Month's Hero: Did you know that Alexander Hamilton's closest companion was also one of the loudest voices in the abolition movement during the American Revolution? Learn all about the life of John Laurens in January's edition of Revolutionary Voices!
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Welcome back to Revolutionary Voices! This series highlights the lesser-known stories of American Revolution heroes, shedding light on myths, as well as revealing the truth behind the more popular stories we grew up hearing. America is a diverse and beautiful nation, and it's history should reflect this fact. We owe our freedom to many whose names we do not know--and it is my goal to help change that. This month I introduce you to the stories of three teens who braved the dangers of enemy territory to deliver urgent messages, saved American lives, and helped secure the ultimate outcome of the American Revolution. Meet Sybil Ludington, Emily Geiger, and Susanna Bolling. Sybil Ludington Sybil is often hailed as the "female Paul Revere" because of the story about her alleged-daring ride through Putnam and Dutchess counties to warn the patriot militia that British troops were burning down Danbury, Connecticut. It should be noted at this point that this story cannot be completely confirmed because the evidence all comes from secondary sources. The story itself did not emerge until much later after Sybil's death, so whether this story is half-true, all true, or completely fictitious is unknown. Sybil was the oldest of 12 children and her father was Colonel Henry Ludington, the commander of the 7th Regiment of the Dutchess County Militia, who later became an aide to General George Washington. In April of 1777, a force of 2,000 British soldiers commanded by General Tryon moved through Danbury, destroying private property and stores of supplies for the American forces. A messenger arrived from Danbury to deliver the news of this incident to Sybil's father. Henry Ludington wanted to organize his militia to respond, but they were scattered all over the state. The messenger was also exhausted from his ride and was unfamiliar with the territory. This is where sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington is said to have stepped in. Sybil knew the area well, having grown up in the region. She was also familiar with many of the members of her father's militia. Armed with knowledge, courage, and determination, Sybil left that night, in the middle of the storm, atop her father's horse. She traveled over forty miles from her home in Kent, south to Mahopac, and north to Stormville, then returned home the next day. She dodged British soldiers, loyalists, and outlaws during her journey to rouse the militia. Although the troops would arrive too late to save Danbury, they were able to attack the British as they left the area. Today, historical markers trace her route throughout Putnam County, and a statue commemorating her story stands near Lake Gleneida. Emily Geiger Shortly after the siege of Ninety Six, South Carolina, General Nathanael Greene crossed Broad River. He was eager to send a message to General Thomas Sumter who was on the Wateree River, ordering him to join them so they could launch an attack against the British Lord Rawdon. The only problem? The entire region was full of British soldiers and Tories--no one was willing to volunteer for this dangerous assignment. No one that is except for young Emily Geiger. General Greene was surprised by the sixteen-year-old's insistence on serving her country as a courier, risking life and limb to deliver his message. A young girl traveling by horse would be a lot less suspicious than a full-grown man, so he agreed to her offer. He drafted the letter and gave it to Emily, who then quickly saddled up and began her journey. On the second day of the trip, Lord Rawdon's scouts intercepted Emily and questioned her as to why she was coming from the direction of General Greene's forces. They were suspicious of Emily's story, so they captured her and confined her to a room for further questioning. While the British began looking for a woman to physically search Emily, she quickly tore up the letter and ate it. By the time the British found a woman to search her, the evidence was long-gone. Emily was later released and she resumed her mission, having memorized the letter prior to eating it, and delivered the message verbally to General Sumter. Today, Emily Geiger is remembered through her burial location in the Geiger Cemetery between Calhoun and Lexington counties, and three South Carolina chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution which are named in her honor. Susanna Bolling
In May of 1781, the British General Cornwallis and his men invaded the home of Susanna Bolling and her family in Hopewell, Virginia. During their occupation of the family's home, Susanna overheard Cornwallis discussing his plans to capture the Marquis de Lafayette who was staying at the Half Way House in Chesterfield at the time. Susanna knew that the capture of Lafayette would be a devastating blow to General George Washington and the rebel cause. In fact, had this event transpired, it could very well have meant the end of the war. And so, armed with this understanding, sixteen-year-old Susanna began her perilous journey. Susanna snuck out of her family home, rowed across the Appomattox River, borrowed a friend's horse, and rode ten miles to the Half Way House to warn Lafayette. Her actions spared Lafayette's life and the American cause. The Frenchman was able to escape and continue on with the fight against the British forces. Had Susanna been caught, she would have likely been hanged as a spy and a traitor. Five months later, General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington, an event that would never have happened if it were not for Susanna. Susanna's name is on the list of lesser-known American heroes and heroines whose actions saved the American cause. Today, she is remembered through the Half Way House Restaurant, still in operation in North Chesterfield, Virginia. In 2019, the Virginia General Assembly officially named December 5th, Susanna's birthday, "Susanna Bolling Day." Patriotic, Independent, Courageous The stories of Sybil, Emily, and Susanna embody the core ideals of the American Revolution. They felt a deep sense of dedication to a cause far greater than themselves, and were willing to risk everything to see it through. Unlike Paul Revere, who rode 14.5 miles on horseback with the support of several others along a courier-line, these teenagers operated independently. Revere was part of a very complex warning system which consisted of several other people, unlike the tale we've all probably heard at some point in our childhood of "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere." Sybil, Emily, and Susanna traveled farther than Revere, and did so without any assistance from others. This is not to discredit Paul Revere, but to put into context the courage and tenacity these young women exhibited--and the fact that we all know who Revere was, but very few know who these young women were. Three women, sixteen years old, accomplished feats that many of us adults cannot even fathom. Thanks to them, patriot lives were saved and the cause for liberty remained steadfast. Sybil Ludington, Emily Geiger, and Susanna Bolling are heroines of the American Revolution and their names, and Voices, are worth remembering. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE A PREVIEW OF NEXT MONTH'S HERO!! I'm quite excited about him... Sources and Further Reading: - "Sybil Ludington," Historic Patterson, New York: https://www.historicpatterson.org. - Debra Michaels, PhD. "Sybil Ludington," Women's History, https://www.womenshistory.org - "Emily Geiger: Teenage Revolutionary War Hero," History's Women. https://www.historyswomen.com. - Percy Geiger, The Geigers of South Carolina, 1945 - Greg McQuade, "How a 16-Year-Old Girl from Hopewell Helped Win the Revolutionary War," https://princegeorgecountyva.gov. - "House Joint Resolution No. 649: Susanna Bolling Day in Virginia," https://lis.virginia.gov. - Women Heroes of the American Revolution by Susan Casey - Spies, Soldiers, Couriers, & Saboteurs: Women of the American Revolution, by K. M. Waldvogel - Sybil Ludington's Midnight Ride, by Marsha Amstel - Emily Geiger's Dangerous Mission, by Dyana Stan - Susanna's Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War, by Libby Carty McNamee Next Month's Hero: Did you know that George Washington's enslaved valet fought by his side in the American Revolution from start to finish? Or that he played a pivotal role in changing Washington's views on slavery? Find out more about the life of William Lee in next month's post!!! |
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Scarlet Ingstad
I am an independent author and historian seeking to uplift the stories of the lesser-known heroes and heroines of the American Revolution, alongside modern-day heroes and heroines who have served in the U.S. military and continue their service through their historical work. Archives
March 2022
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