THE BALLAD OF BILLY LEE: George Washington's Favorite Slave

Billy Lee, an African-American slave, was at George Washington's side for over 30 years. Though never a relationship between equals, it was an intimate and enduring connection. A superb horseman, bold soldier and literate aide, Billy stood next to Washington when he crossed the Delaware, galloped at Washington's side when they rode into battle, a slave. armed with a pistol, a carbine and a spyglass--served with him at Valley Forge and through the diificult years until final victory at Yorktown. He was responsible for Washington's public and private papers at congresses and conventions, but Billy was a slave, yearning to be free, and his slavery cost him the love of his life.