James armistead lafayette biography

Instead, James volunteered for the Continental Army under General Lafayette. He worked for Lafayette as a courier, laborer, and spy. Posing as a runaway slave, James joined former Continental Army officer Benedict Arnold's camp in Portsmouth, Virginia ostensibly as a spy for the British. James Armistead was an enslaved African American, best known for his work as a spy during the American Revolution. Early years First steps Professional growth Public recognition Peak period Later years Public interest Professional activity Media attention
James Armistead Lafayette (lived circa to ) was an African American Patriot who served the Continental Army as a spy during the American Revolutionary War ( to ). During the Siege of Yorktown, he infiltrated the British camp to bring crucial intelligence to the Americans.