What is James Lafayette known for?

What is James Lafayette known for?

James Armistead [Lafayette] was an African American spy during the American Revolution. While working for Lafayette he successfully infiltrated British General Charles Cornwallis’s headquarters posing as a runaway slave hired by the British to spy on the Americans.

Why is James Armistead a hero?

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

What is a fact about James Armistead?

James Armistead Lafayette (December 10, 1760 – August 9, 1830) was an African American slave. He served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War as a double agent. He served under the Marquis de Lafayette. He reported on the activities of Benedict Arnold after he had gone over to the British.

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 is Marquis de Lafayette important to the American Revolution?

Marquis de Lafayette was a French general who played an important part during the Revolutionary War. He helped the colonists against the British. He volunteered his time and money to help the Americans. He was able to help the Americans win the war and was treated as a hero.

How did James Lafayette receive his freedom after the American Revolution?

Though Americans celebrated freedom throughout the United States at the end of the war, James Armistead returned to life as a slave. His status as a spy meant that he did not benefit from the Act of 1783, which emancipated any slave-soldiers that fought for the Revolution. Armistead received his manumission in 1787.

What were James Armistead accomplishments?

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.

What did Marquis de Lafayette do in the American Revolution?

Marquis de Lafayette served the Continental Army with distinction during the American Revolutionary War, providing tactical leadership while securing vital resources from France.

Who was James Armistead Lafayette and what did he do?

James Armistead Lafayette. James Armistead Lafayette (born 1748 or 1760 – died 1830 or 1832) was an enslaved African American who served the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War under the Marquis de Lafayette.

How was Marquis de Lafayette welcomed in the US?

When Marquis de Lafayette came to the United States in 1824 accepting an invitation from James Monroe, the then President of the United States, he was welcomed as a hero by the crowds in every state he visited. On one such visit in Virginia he spotted James Armistead Lafayette in the crowed and leaped from his carriage to hold James in his hand.

What was the early life of Lafayette like?

Childhood & Early Life. James Armistead Lafayette was born a slave to owner William Armistead. While some sources indicate that he was born on December 10, 1748 at the New Kent County farm of William Armistead in Virginia, others point out his birth took place on December 10, 1760 in the Elizabeth City of Virginia.

How did Lafayette get his last name?

In 1784, Lafayette found Armistead in Virginia and was disappointed to find he was still a slave. Lafayette wrote a testimonial on Armistead’s behalf and two years later the Virginia General Assembly emancipated him. It was at this time that Armistead made “Lafayette” his last name, in honor of the General.