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What is James Lafayette famous for?
James Armistead [Lafayette] was an African American spy during the American Revolution. Born in Virginia as a slave to William Armistead in 1760, he volunteered to join the Army in 1781.
Who owned James Lafayette?
William Armistead
In 1787, the Virginia Assembly granted James his freedom for his courageous contribution, while his owner, William Armistead, was compensated £250. James added Lafayette to his name to honor the French general for whom he spied.
Why is James Armistead famous?
James Armistead provided critical intel to the Continental Army as a double agent during the Revolutionary War. In the autumn of 1781, the American colonial army fought in the Battle of Yorktown, the final and arguably most consequential battle for American independence from British rule.
Who was William Armistead?
Captain William Armistead was the brother of Anthony, Robert, Westwood, and Alexander Carver. Captain William served as a Drummer Boy in the Revolution. He had at least two brothers, killed during the Revolution. He saw his brother Westwood killed at the Battle of Brandywine.
How many children did James Armistead?
James took the name James Armistead Lafayette. Armistead continued to live in New Kent County with his new wife, one son and several other children and became a rich farmer .
Did James Armistead Lafayette own slaves?
The Marquis returned to France. Forty years passed. Over this time, the he became one of the most important leaders in the western world. Over the same time, James Armistead Lafayette established a profitable plantation (and actually owned slaves for a time).
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.
Who was James Armistead a spy for?
General Lafayette
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.
What commander betrayed the United States when he switched sides to the British?
Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) was an early American hero of the Revolutionary War (1775-83) who later became one of the most infamous traitors in U.S. history after he switched sides and fought for the British.
What happened to slaves who fought for the British?
On June 30, 1779, Clinton expanded on Dunmore’s actions and issued the Philipsburg Proclamation, which promised protection and freedom to all enslaved people in the colonies who escaped from their patriot masters. Black men captured fighting for the enemy, however, would be sold into bondage.
Who was the owner of James Armistead Lafayette?
Armistead, an enslaved man, was owned by William Armistead of Virginia. Most sources indicate that James Armistead was born in 1748 in New Kent County, Virginia, though others put his birth around 1760.
Who was James Armistead and what did he do?
Armistead, an enslaved man, was owned by William Armistead of Virginia. Most sources indicate that James Armistead was born in 1748 in New Kent County, Virginia, though others put his birth around 1760. In 1781, after getting his master’s consent, Armistead volunteered to join the army under Lafayette.
When did James Armistead return to New Kent County?
Although fighting continued sporadically until the 1783 signing of the Treaty of Paris, the Revolutionary War effectively ended at “the trenches before York,” as did James Armistead’s career as an American spy. Armistead returned to New Kent County to resume life in bondage.
When did Armistead go back to slavery after the war?
After the war officially concluded in 1783, Armistead was forced to return to slavery.