The liklihood of George Wythe being the catilus to abolish slavery in Virginia is doubtful, but there is the power of one to start the waterfall going.
How influential was Wythe in Virginia state politics? What would have been the obstacles in Virginia state politics in the late 1700's, early 1800's for the emancipation of slaves? Who was the largest slave holder at the time in Virginia?
What effect would have George Washington had, had he freed his slaves in his lifetime instead of when his wife died?
Also, I wonder how receptive Lafayette would have been had he stayed in the US, in Virginia to aid in abolishing slavery instead of going back to France to aid in the French Revolution?
The ripple effect of Virginia abolishing slavery in the early 1800's would be astounding to the US.