“George Washington was a quiet, reserved man, who had few close friends and once advised a favorite nephew that “friendship is a plant of slow growth.”  One of the people who knew Washington best was his enslaved valet, William Lee.  Over more than thirty years together, Washington and Lee came to trust one another, as they hunted and travelled together, and most importantly, spent eight years on battle fields and in military headquarters during the American Revolution.  This beautifully illustrated book by Jeffrey Finegan tells the story of their relationship for a new generation of young people.  It is a story all Americans should know.”

Mary V. Thompson, Research Historian, Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens

“This is a magnificently illustrated, vividly told history of the founding of our nation as seen through the eyes of George Washington’s trusted servant William Lee. Here we get the story from the bottom up, by a historically true figure who comes to life like a character out of Dickens. It is solid history, wonderfully told, as alive as a fine work of fiction.”

Donald L. Miller, Author of Masters of The Air 

“Jeff Finegan takes a look at history through a new set of eyes: Those of a Mount Vernon slave who became the personal valet of our nation’s father. The story of William Lee provides valuable insights into the life of George Washington and the birth of our nation.”

Larry McShane, New York Daily News

“Colonel Washington and Me is a heartwarming story about loyalty and redemption. William Lee’s story is America’s story.”

Lou Reda, Lou Reda Productions

 

“This is a very nice story about relationships, progression of thought of humankind, processes of culture through time, devotion and loyalty. As a homeschooler of African American children, studying American history has often left my son with a negative taste in his mouth and mind. This is a refreshing approach to discuss actual historical documented events besides the vicious and brutal depiction of the usual books written about this era.”

Sherita Blackburn, Home School Mother