James Armistead Lafayette was an enslaved African American who worked as a spy for the Americans during the American Revolution. He is credited with helping the Continental Army win the pivotal Battle of Yorktown.
Early Life
James Armistead Lafayette was born into slavery around December 10, 1748, in New Kent, Virginia. In 1781, his owner, William Armistead, granted him permission to volunteer to join the Continental Army. James was directed to serve under the Marquis de Lafayette, the commander of allied French forces. While James was initially given menial tasks, his knowledge of the local area made him a valuable resource, and Lafayette ultimately enlisted him as a spy.
Revolutionary War
Under Lafayette’s direction, James approached the British army purporting to be a runaway slave. He was able to win the trust of British General Charles Cornwallis’ headquarters , as well as soldier Benedict Arnold. Through his interactions with the men, James gained valuable information about the British military plans, which he then conveyed back to Lafayette.
Based on the intelligence James gathered, Lafayette and General George Washington were able to thwart the British army’s attempts to send reinforcements to Yorktown, Virginia. The American and French blockade caught the British forces off guard and turned the tide of the battle. As a result of the Lafayette and Washington’s victory in Yorktown, the British officially surrendered on October 19, 1781.
Later Life
After the war ended, James returned to his owner. He was not eligible for emancipation under the Emancipation Act of 1783 because he was considered a slave-spy rather than a slave-soldier. When Lafayette learned that James was still enslaved, he offered his support, writing a letter to the Virginia Legislature stating that he had rendered, “services to me while I had the honor to command in this state. His intelligence from the enemy’s camp were industriously collected and more faithfully delivered. He properly acquitted himself with some important commissions I gave him and appears to me entitled to every reward his situation can admit of.”
After receiving his freedom two years later, James adopted Lafayette’s last name. He went on to purchase 40 acres of land and began farming. He later married and raised a large family. In 1819, James was granted a $40 annual pension by the Virginia Legislature for his services during the American Revolution. He died on August 9, 1830, at the age of 72.
