Manuscript DS, signed “R. E. Lee Exr,” one page, 7.75 x 5, circa 1858. Document reads, in full: “Wm. O. Winston has placed in my hands his vouchers as agent for me as exe[cuto]r Negros of Geo. W.P. Custis for the years 1857 and 1858 as also a copy of his accounts for the same years, and has paid to me the balance appearing to be due to me on the account for 1858.” In fine condition, with three vertical folds.
Upon the death of George Washington Parke Custis in October of 1857, his Arlington estate fell under the control of his son-in-law, Robert E. Lee. While Custis had hoped that his slaves would be freed right away (but allowed a five-year window, if necessary), Lee determined that the estate’s finances were not secure enough to succeed without slave labor. A significantly stricter taskmaster than his predecessor, Lee met harsh opposition from the slaves and enlisted the help of his agent, William O. Winston, to rent three male slaves he was sending to Richmond under guard. If he couldn’t find anyone in the city, he was to hire them out to a farm or send them to work at his Pamunkey River plantations. In accordance with Custis’s wishes, Lee officially freed the slaves on December 29, 1862—just within the five-year frame Custis instructed. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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