Born c. 1750, Lee was purchased on May 27, 1768, when he was just a teenager, by George Washington, as described in Washington's account book as Mulatto Will, from the estate of the late Colonel John Lee of Westmoreland County, Virginia for sixty-one pounds and fifteen shillings. William kept the surname "Lee" from his previous owner. Also purchased at the time was William's brother Frank as well as two other slaves.
Born circa 1750, Lee was acquired by George Washington on May 27, 1768, when he was a minor, as documented in Washington's account book under the name Mulatto Will. At the same time, William kept his surname "Lee" from his previous owner, and two other slaves were also purchased.