James Armistead Lafayette was an enslaved African American who became a spy for the American Colonists during the Revolutionary War. Born into slavery in Virginia, he was given permission by his owner to enlist with the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general working with the American forces.
It was then that he served as a double agent. Proving himself trustworthy to the British, he relayed false information from the American army while gathering crucial military intelligence from the enemy. One notable act he did was informing General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette about the British plan to deploy troops to Yorktown. Thanks to James Armistead Lafayette’s intelligence, the American forces prevented this deployment, resulting in a decisive American victory that greatly contributed to ending the Revolutionary War.
After the war, Lafayette was returned to his status as a slave since Virginia laws did not recognize service to the country as meriting emancipation. However, his case was brought to the Virginia Assembly, and with the help of the Marquis de Lafayette, he was eventually granted his freedom in 1787.
Key Takeaways
- James Armistead Lafayette was an enslaved African American who worked as a double agent during the American Revolutionary War.
- He relayed crucial military intelligence to the American forces, significantly aiding in their victory at Yorktown.
- Lafayette’s spying activities ultimately contributed significantly to the end of the Revolutionary War.
- Despite his immense contributions, Lafayette returned to slavery after the war and was only granted his freedom in 1787.
Related Questions
1. What was Lafayette’s life like after he gained freedom?
After gaining his freedom, he changed his last name to Lafayette in honor of the French general. He became a farmer, married, and raised a large family in Virginia. He lived until 1830.
2. Who was the Marquis de Lafayette?
The Marquis de Lafayette was a French aristocrat and military officer who provided crucial aid to the American Colonists during the Revolutionary War.
3. How did James Armistead become a spy?
With the approval of his owner, James Armistead joined the Marquis de Lafayette’s troops. He successfully gained the trust of the British, allowing him to serve as a double agent for the American forces.
4. How did Lafayette’s information contribute to the American victory at Yorktown?
Lafayette provided crucial intelligence about British plans to the American forces. This information helped prevent British troop deployment to Yorktown, leading to a decisive American victory that hastened the end of the war.
5. Were there many African American spies during the Revolutionary War?
Several enslaved and freed African Americans served as spies, scouts, or soldiers during the Revolutionary War. However, their contributions have often been overlooked in historical accounts. Like Lafayette, many risked their lives for a country that didn’t yet recognize their freedom.