Gilbert Stuart, "George Washington" oil on canvas, 1795.Washington, George:

(1732-1799) The first president of the United States and leader of the Continental Army, Washington led the country to military victory. Washington's father was a slave owner and when he died the slaves were given to him.  By the time Washington died he had  316 slaves on his estate.  In his will, all the slaves were to be freed once his wife died.

At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Washington did not want African Americans to fight.  There were multiple reasons for this but once it obvious that African Americans were a needed force, he allowed the creation of a black infantry and thus their enlistment.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/georgewashington/

http://www.mountvernon.org/learn/meet_george/index.cfm/ss/101/