sentences:  His public statements upon retiring from the military in 1783 showed no sentiments about slavery, and he had taken care as a military man to remain subservient to civilian authority in suggesting policy changes.Politically, Washington was concerned that such a divisive issue as slavery should not threaten national unity, and he never spoke publicly about the institution.Privately, Washington considered ending his ownership of slaves in the mid-1790s, but could not realize this because of his economic dependence on them, the refusal of his family to cooperate toward emancipation of the dower slaves, and his own principled aversion to selling slaves like cattle.