Howdy History Buffs: According to many historians General Robert E Lee never owned slaves. His father-in- law George Washington Parke Custis owned over 200 slaves, who worked on his plantations. In a number of cases the Slave Owner would stipulate Manumission for their slaves in their wills. Therefore; the will of George Washington Parke Custis stipulated that within five years of his death every slave on his three plantations were to be set free. He passed away in 1857 and as the executor of Custis' Will, General Robert E. Lee went on to free all of the slaves belonging to Custis. Bernie in Virginia To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html