James Armistead Lafayette |
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In the Revolutionary War, one of General George Washington's most effective weapons against the British was an African American slave named James Armistead. Born around 1748 in Virginia, Armistead was enslaved by William Armistead, a planter and patriot. With his owner's permission, James volunteered to serve in the Continental Army under the command of the Marquis de Lafayette. Becoming a Double AgentArmistead was enlisted as a patriotic spy and worked as a "double-agent" on behalf of the United States. Pretending to be a runaway slave, he successfully infiltrated British military camps and gained the trust of British generals, including Benedict Arnold and Lord Cornwallis. While acting as a servant for the British, he gathered valuable intelligence and passed it along to Lafayette and other Patriot leaders. Turning the Tide of the WarThe information Armistead collected about British troop movements and strategies was critical in helping the American forces win the decisive Battle of Yorktown in 1781. His espionage efforts directly contributed to the eventual surrender of Cornwallis, effectively ending the major fighting in the Revolutionary War. Freedom and LegacyDespite his crucial role, Armistead was not immediately granted freedom after the war. However, the Marquis de Lafayette wrote a glowing letter of recommendation praising Armistead’s service, which was used to petition for his emancipation. In 1787, the Virginia General Assembly granted him his freedom. Life After the WarIn gratitude to Lafayette, James adopted his benefactor’s surname and became known as James Armistead Lafayette. He settled in Virginia as a free man, married, raised a family, and lived as a farmer. He died in 1830, remembered as one of the unsung heroes of the American Revolution. James Armistead was an enslaved African American who became a hero during the Revolutionary War. He was born around 1748 in Virginia and allowed by his owner to join the Continental Army as a spy.
A Double Agent for the AmericansArmistead pretended to be a runaway slave and joined the British army. He secretly passed important information to American forces while working inside British camps. Helping Win the WarThe information Armistead gathered helped the Americans win the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. This battle was a major turning point and helped end the war. Freedom and New NameAfter the war, Armistead was still enslaved, but the Marquis de Lafayette wrote a letter praising his service. This letter helped him gain his freedom in 1787, and he added “Lafayette” to his name in thanks. Life After the WarJames Armistead Lafayette became a farmer in Virginia. He lived a peaceful life and died in 1830, remembered as a brave and important spy for America. |
