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Birth
James Armistead was born in New Kent, Virginia, as a slave to William Armistead. -
Start of the American Revolution
The American Revolution officially started with the Battle of Lexington and Concord. If the revolution didn't start in the first place, Armistead probably would have lived his whole life as a slave. He probably wouldn't have had the chance to serve as spy and become such a significant figure. The American Revolution was a turning point in his life. -
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Joining the Cause of the Revolution
After receiving consent from his master, he joined the cause of the revolution. He was positioned as a spy under General Lafayette of the American Continental Army. -
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Spying on Benedict Arnold
First, Armistead was ordered to spy on General Benedict Arnold, the former American General who became a traitor. -
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Benedict Arnold's Departure
Arnold's departure from the British camp left Armistead no one to spy on. This event caused Armistead to start spying on Cornwallis's troop instead. -
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Working as a Double Spy
After infiltrating into the British camps posing as a runaway slave, as time went by, Armistead gained trust from General Cornwallis of the British Army. Cornwallis positioned Armistead to serve as spy for the British. This marked the beginning of his job as a double spy, and it allowed him to travel through both camps without suspicion. -
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Message from George Washington
Washington sent a message to Lafayette asking for information on Cornwallis's strategies. Even though Lafayette sent several spies to infiltrate into British camps to obtain information, none proved as useful as Armistead. This event proved Armistead important to the Americans. -
Valuable Reports to the Americans
Lafayette recieved a report dated July 31, 1781 from Armistead. This report consisted of the British troop's movement which later helped the Americans gain victory at Yorktown. -
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Blocking the British Reinforcements
Washington and Lafayette were able to block the British reinforcements to Yorktown with Armistead's reports of the British troop's movements. -
Victory at Yorktown
Cornwallis surrendered, and the Americans won the battle of Yorktown with Armistead's useful information. Armistead was later praised for his contribution to the battle. -
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The Act of 1783
The Act of 1783 for slave-soldiers restricted Armistead from gaining emancipation. He was considered a slave-spy. -
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Return to Home
Armistead returned to William Armistead and continued his life as a slave after the revolution. -
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Lafayette's Requisition for Armistead's Freedom
Lafayette wrote to the Virginia General Assembly and asked for Armistead's emancipation. It was unsuccessful. -
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Second Requisition for Freedom
Another requisition asking for Armistead's emancipation was sent. This time it was successful. -
Emancipation
Armistead received emancipation with General Lafayette's help. He made "Lafayette" his last name in honor of the General. -
Life after the Emancipation
Armistead bought lands and started farming. He became a farmer and later owned slaves too. -
Marriage
James Armistead married and raised a large family. He lived near New Kent, Virginia, with his wife and children. -
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Applying for Financial Aid
Armistead applied to the state legislature for financial aid. He received $60 for present relief and $40 annual pension for his services in the Revolutionary War. -
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Recognized
Armistead was recognized by General Lafayette when the General made his final visit to America. -
Death
Armistead died at the age of around 70 in New Kent, Virginia.
