[Lauren BaRecall]

Oh, about his slaves. The slaves were his wife’s, via inheritance. He freed them before he took up arms.

I realize that General Lee moved into the Custis Lee Mansion upon his marriage, and that his father-in-law was Martha Washington's grandson.

I want to investigate that part regarding freeing his slaves prior to his leading the Army of Northern Virginia. This is the first time I'm hearing it. Thanks.

[ought-six]

Lee began releasing his wife’s slaves (his wife inherited them from the Custis estate) in 1861, and he did not take command of the Army of Northern Virginia until June 1, 1862. He released the last of his wife’s slaves in December, 1862.