Will of General George Washington: To Which Is Annexed, a Schedule
Item #78643
[WASHINGTON, George]. The Will of General George Washington: To Which Is Annexed, a Schedule of His Property, Directed to be Sold. Alexandria: Printed from the record of the County Court of Fairfax, 1800. 32pp. Orig. plain wrappers, stitched. Contemporary ownership signature of Ann W. Hutchinson on inside front wrapper. Wrappers chipped and soiled. Some tanning to text. Overall very good. In a green half morocco slipcase and chemise, spine gilt. HOWES W-145, "aa." Evans 39000. ESTC W29703. Sabin 101752. First edition of Washington's will, exceedingly rare in original wrappers. The first codicil bequeaths the Washington estate to his wife, Martha, but the second provision is by far the most famous - it is here that Washington provides for the emancipation of his slaves upon the death of his wife. The same codicil makes arrangements for the care of older and infirm freed slaves and for the education of the younger freed slaves. The rest of the will contains detailed arrangements for the dispersal of Washington's property to his relatives and friends, including the Marquis de Lafayette (who received a pair of steel pistols taken from the British during the Revolution), and his nephew, Bushrod Washington, who took possession of Washington's personal papers and library, among other items. The schedule of property gives a detailed accounting of Washington's real property holdings at the time of his death. The will reveals how wealthy Washington was, with a value at the time of over a million dollars, making him one of the richest men in the country. This first edition of George Washington's last will and testament was followed by several other printings in 1800; as such, it has become very scarce in the market.
Price: $22,500.00