James Armistead

The name James Armistead is not easily reconizable to most Americans that are alive today, but he meant a great deal to the Patriot army and to the fate of our country.

James Armistead was one of the most important American spies during the American Revolution. What is yet more deceiving about his identity was his being a black slave. In those times it was very rare that someone of that station received such a high amount of trust and importance with the American army. He offered himself as a spy to the American rebels even though he would not be promised his freedom in return. He was only twenty one when he volunteered, but the Americans soon saw how brave and intelligent he was.

Armistead was taken right away to the camp of the American traitor and archenemy Benedict Arnold. Armistead was a wonderful spy, no one ever suspected that he could possibly be their enemy. His willingness and loyalty soon had the British unsuspecting of any foul play. Scouts went out daily to relay his messages. These plans were taken directly to General Lafayette who then acted accordingly. Everyday that Armistead stayed put him more at risk. Lafayette trusted him to be guide through the British camps, this put even more pressure on his position.

Armistead left no life record of himself for the weeks that he spent at the enemy camps. Since he spent much of his time in Lord Cornwallis's tent he heard many of the plans to attack the Americans. In July, Cornwallis's army camped out at Portsmouth on Chesapeake Bay. Armistead reported that a fleet of ships had anchored in the harbor, ready to take British troops to a new post. There were thoughts that the British would set sail soon. However the troops remained stationed at their post as the days wore on. Finally in early August, Cornwallis sailed to an unknown destination. It was soon learned that Cornwallis was unloading his troops at Yorktown. General Lafayette moved his troops to Williamsburg where they could watch for the arrival of the British. Only Lafayette's small army could hold the British army in place. In early September, the Americans had caught Cornwallis in a trap. They defeated their warships and drove them back to New York. For the work of James Armistead, General Lafayette wrote a certificate praising his work.

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