To Washington and Jefferson though, slavery was at best a necessary evil.
Both men were worried about the effect of owning slaves would have on their legacy.
IIRC, Washington put it in his will that they were to be freed upon Martha’s death. (There was no way to run the plantations without them) Martha, fearing foul play after his death, freed them immediately.
I don’t really remember if I read a biography of Jefferson, or if I did, I don’t recall what was done with the slaves on Monticello after his death. I do recall that he was deeply in debt, but what became of the slaves escapes me.
7mm
Jefferson wasn't legally permitted to free all of his slaves in his will, because he died deeply in debt, so, as property, they had to go to his creditors. He did free two while alive and five in his will.
