[DoodleDawg]

No. Lee could not free them until the estate’s debts had been paid off. He was required to free them once that happened. No matter how much you try to weasel here, Lee was not the owner.

Yet he was the one who freed them. Did he free any other slaves he didn't own?

And Custis’ will said when the debts are paid off or 5 years at the most. So you are wrong about that. Lee performed his duty as executor to the best of his ability given he was kinda busy leading the Army of Northern Virginia at the time.

Yes rebelling is time consuming, isn't it?

[FLT-bird]

Lee was serving his country - Virginia.