Upon the decease [of] my wife, it is my Will and desire…
![“Upon the decease [of] my wife, it is my Will and desire th[at] all the Slaves which I hold in [my] own right, shall receive their free[dom] . . . . The Negroes thus bound, are (by their Masters or Mistresses) to be taught to read and write; and to be brought up to some useful occupation, agreeably…” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/ae7/george-washington-257_bounds_upon-the-decease-of-my-wife-it-is-my-wil_3182279.jpg)
“Upon the decease [of] my wife, it is my Will and desire th[at] all the Slaves which I hold in [my] own right, shall receive their free[dom] . . . . The Negroes thus bound, are (by their Masters or Mistresses) to be taught to read and write; and to be brought up to some useful occupation, agreeably to the Laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, providing for the support of Orphan and other poor Children. And I do hereby expressly forbid the Sale, or transportation out of the said Commonwealth, of any Slave I may die possessed of, under any pretence whatsoever.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He frees his own slaves, mandates education and vocational training, and prohibits further sale or transport of slaves.
In simple terms: Manumission with education and protection.
Key Takeaway
Promote humane treatment and skill building.
Themes
freedom
education
human rights
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
historical
ethical
When to use this quote
- family inheritance
- legal reform
- education policy
Key Concepts
abolition
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can education empower freed individuals?
- What obstacles arise in enforcing such laws?
A Different Perspective
Implementation depended on broader societal acceptance.