James Armistead, Revolutionary War Spy, Unsung Hero

Much of this information was found at http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1963424_1963480_1963442,00.html.

Virtually all wars are fought with the help of spies, including the American Revolution. I am not an expert in American history, and I had never heard of James Armistead prior to seeing an episode of “Mysteries at the Museum” where his story was told.  I was fascinated, so I searched for more information about him online. 

Armistead was a slave born in the mid-1700’s in Virginia.  Both the British and Continental armies used spies to learn more about the activities of their enemy.  Armistead’s “master” gave him permission to join the revolutionary cause. There were many black men, both free and enslaved, were being used as spies on both sides.  James Armistead was unique, because he was a double agent being used by both sides.

Armistead was placed in the service under the (General) Marquis de Lafayette in about 1781.  Lafayette’s forces had been reduced by British General Charles Cornwallis’ troops after Benedict Arnold betrayal of the Continental Army.  

Lafayette was desperate for someone to provide him with information about the enemy’s movements. After gaining Lafayette’s trust by performing various jobs and tasks for him, Armistead was promised freedom if he worked as a spy for the Revolutionaries.  He began serving as an orderly and guide, posing as an escaped slave at Benedict Arnold’s camp. He acquired information which he sent to Lafayette.

After a time, Armistad was posted close to Cornwallis' camp where he was offered a position as a British spy, making him a “double agent.”   The revolutionaries then provided James with inaccurate information, which he brought back to Cornwallis.

Traveling between both sides, James learned that the British naval fleet planned to move 10,000 troops to Yorktown, Virginia.  They intended to make it a central post for their operation.

Providing this information to Lafayette and George Washington were able to seize the town and form a blockade that crippled the British military.  The results of this great victory subsequently brought about Cornwallis’ surrender on Oct. 19, 1781.

James Armistead’s actions were a huge contribution to America’s victory. Had he not provided the information to Lafayette – at the time he gave it to him – there may well have been a very different conclusion to the war.

With Lafayette’s recommendation, Armistead gained his freedom in 1787.  At that time he chose to add "Lafayette" to his name, to honor the general.

After receiving his freedom, he moved near New Kent, bought 40 acres of land, and began farming. He later married and raised a family.  He was granted a $40 annual pension by the Virginia legislature for his services during the American Revolution. He lived as a farmer in Virginia until his death in 1830.

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