-
Birth
James was born in New Kent, Virginia. -
James Armistead Joins the Patriot Army
Getting permission from his master, James Armistead manages to join the Patriot Army as a spy in the year 1781. -
General Benedict Arnold enters the Picture
(Exact day npt known) James Armistead goes to General Benedict Arnold's Camp to spy on him. -
False Information
(Day of event not displayed) Armistead provides General Cornwallis with false information about the movements of the American Army. -
Message is Delivered to Lafayette
James Armistead sends General Lafayette reports that help trap the Redcoats at Hampton. -
Period: to
Battle of Yorktown
James Armistead delivers General Cornwalis's plans to attack Yorktown. It remains unkown to the British that James has been giving them false messages and that the Americans have French ships as well as men on land to surround the British. As a result of this, when the battle occurs they began to run out of food. Eventually, due to hunger they surrender. -
Act of 1783
(Day an Month Unknown) The Act of 1783 freed the slaves who had fought for the Partiots. However, since his role in fighting for the patriots had been to gather information to help defeat the British rather than to be a soldier and actually fight. James Armistead didn't get his freedom back. -
James Armistead Receives Help from the Past
(Month and dsaay not provided) When Lafayette learnt that James Armistead was still a slave, he was dismayed. So he wrote a letter for him that would help to free him. -
James Armistead Gets Freedom
With the help of a recommendation written by General Lafayette, James Armistead is able to petition the Virginia House of Delegates in order to get the freedom that he achieves in the year 1786. He changes his last name from Armistead to Lafayette because he is so honored by Lafayette helping to free him. -
Period: to
After Gaining Freedom
(On the start date, day and month unkown) During this period of time, James begins farming on a plot of land that's 40 acres and is just outside of New Kent, Virginia. He marries and raises a large family. -
Pension
(Exact day and month unknown) James Armistead finally receives a yearly $40 pension for his services to America. -
A Generals Last Visit to America
(Exact day and month unknown) For one last time, General Lafayette tours America. When in Richmond, Virginia, he and James met eachother. -
James Armistead Dies
On this day, James Armistead breathed his final breath and said goodbye to this world.
