In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring one of the unsung heroes of the American Revolution, James Armistead Lafayette.
James Armistead was born into slavery in c. 1748 and spent the early years of his life working on a plantation in Virginia. He was owned by William Armistead, a planter who allowed him to serve in the Revolutionary War. Initially, James worked under Major General Marquis de Lafayette — the French nobleman aiding the American cause — and he quickly proved himself invaluable to the cause, particularly behind enemy lines posing as a runaway slave loyal to the British. James easily passed behind enemy lines, working as a double agent, pretending to spy for the British while in reality, he spied for the Continental Army. Under this guise, he was able to infiltrate enemy camps and gain the trust of top British commanders, including Benedict Arnold and Lord Cornwallis.
During his time in the War, James collected critical intelligence by listening to conversations, memorizing troop movements, and reporting back to the Continental Army. One of his most significant contributions came in 1781, when he relayed critical intelligence that helped General George Washington and the allied French forces trap British troops at Yorktown, leading to their eventual surrender. The Siege of Yorktown was the final major battle of the war, and James Armistead’s bravery and intelligence were central to that victory.
Though his service to the Continental Army was distinguished, at the conclusion of the War, James was returned to his owner. He did not qualify for military service emancipation in 1783 because he had served as a spy rather than an enlisted soldier; however, General Marquis de Lafayette was deeply impressed with James’ fidelity to the Continental Army and his invaluable contributions, referring to him as “My Honest Friend” and wrote an appeal for his freedom. After one failed attempt at petitioning the General Assembly, James filed a second petition in the House of Delegates in 1786, which was granted later that year, leading to his freedom. The Senate affirmed the House’s ruling in January 1787. In recognition of Lafayette’s support for his freedom, James adopted the Marquis’s surname, becoming James Armistead Lafayette.
In freedom, it is believed James became a farmer and raised a family in Virginia, though much of his personal records have been lost. In 1818, James petitioned the General Assembly to be awarded a pension for his military service, which was awarded in early 1819. Though he lost touch with the Marquis Lafayette for many years, in 1824 James traveled to Richmond to see his old commander, who recognized him in a gathered crowd, called to him by name, and embraced him as an old friend.
James’s courageous actions as a double agent played a pivotal role in securing American independence. He was dedicated to the potential of freedom, regardless of the personal cost.
