What did James Lafayette do in the Revolutionary War?

What did James Lafayette do in the Revolutionary War?

With the permission of his master, Armistead enlisted in the Revolutionary War under General Lafayette. Working as a spy, Armistead gained the trust of General Cornwallis and Benedict Arnold, providing information that allowed American forces to prevail at the Battle of Yorktown.

Who was James Armistead and how did he help the war effort?

During the American Revolution, however, James received permission from his master, William Armistead, to enlist in the Marquis de Lafayette’s French Allied units. Here, the army dispatched Armistead as a spy, playing the role of a runaway slave to gain access to General Cornwallis’s headquarters.

What did James Armistead Lafayette do that would help the Patriots?

James Armistead la Fayette was a patriot spy during the Revolutionary War who, as a double-agent, provided critical information to the Marquis de la Fayette and disinformation to British commander Charles Cornwallis during the months preceding the Yorktown Campaign.

Why should we remember James Armistead?

Armistead was born into slavery around December 10, 1748, to owner William Armistead in New Kent, Virginia. Instrumental during the American Revolution, with his impeccable double spy ability, Lafayette intelligence ended the Battle of Yorktown, consequently gaining America independence.

What is James Armistead famous quote?

Two Patriots: One Slave and One Free; James Armistead Lafayette and James Forten. “It is not for their own land they fought, not even for a land which had adopted them, but for a land which had enslaved them, and whose laws, even in freedom, oftener oppressed than protected.

Why did most African Americans side with the British during the war?

African-Americans fought for both sides, providing manpower to both the British and the revolutionaries. Their actions during the war were often decided by what they believed would best help them throw off the shackles of slavery. Most believed that victory by the British would lead to the end of slavery.

Why is James Armistead a hero?

James Armistead was the first African American spy. He helped win an important battle at Yorktown in the Revolutionary War. James Armistead is a great hero. He wanted to join the US Army so he could fight in the Revolutionary war, his master let him.

Who was a double spy and good friends with Lafayette?

Ethan Allen: His Life and Times James Armistead Lafayette (December 10, 1760 – August 9, 1830) was an African American slave who served the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War as a spy and double agent.

Who was James Armistead and what did he do?

James Armistead was an enslaved African American, best known for his work as a spy during the American Revolution. Synopsis James Armistead was born into slavery in Virginia around 1748. With the permission of his master, Armistead enlisted in the Revolutionary War under General Lafayette.

What did James Armistead Lafayette do in the Revolutionary War?

James Armistead Lafayette Early Life and Revolution Facts. James Armistead Lafayette supplied crucial information to Generals Lafayette and George Washington that helped the Continental win the Battle of Yorktown; the battle that insured America’s victory in the Revolutionary War.

Why was James Armistead Lafayette a double agent?

Acting as a double-agent he gained the trust of both British Generals Cornwallis and the American traitor Benedict Arnold; supplying American General George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette with important military information.

How did Armistead Cornwallis contribute to the American Revolution?

Working as a spy, Armistead gained the trust of General Cornwallis and Benedict Arnold, providing information that allowed American forces to prevail at the Battle of Yorktown. Armistead died in 1830, having successfully petitioned for his freedom in 1787.