Why didn't George Washington free Billy Lee after his 2 knee injuries - particularly once Washington became President?

by LandThief

He was freed on Washington's death. He had already broken 2 knee caps and couldn't effectively serve Washington. He had a free "wife" (in "" because it wasn't legally recognized). And he seems to have had a special relationship with Washington that not many people (certainly no other slaves) had.

So, why wait until death to release Lee?

nexustom

Billy Lee was the only slave freed on Washington's death, the other 123 had to wait until Martha died