11 Facts About James Armistead

James Armistead Lafayette was born on 1748 or 1760 – died 1830 or 1832 and was an enslaved African American who served the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War under the Marquis de Lafayette, and later received a legislative emancipation.

James Armistead fed the British false information while disclosing very accurate and detailed accounts to the Americans.

James Armistead was born to an enslaved mother either in North Carolina or Virginia.

James Armistead's owner William Armistead was an ardent patriot, and served as commissary for Virginia's troops in the revolutionary war.

James Armistead's father had died in 1779 and he inherited stores and land, as well as James .

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James Armistead prepared written reports, and delivered them to other American spies.

James Armistead had served as a spy, not a soldier, and did not carry a gun.

However, James persisted and succeeded with the support of William Armistead – again in 1786 a member of the House of Delegates – and Lafayette's personal 1784 testimonial as to James's service.

James Armistead Lafayette acquired two parcels totaling about forty acres in New Kent County in 1816 and became a relatively wealthy farmer in the area.

James Armistead eventually received $60 for present relief and a $40 annual pension, which he traveled to Richmond to collect twice a year thereafter.

James Armistead made a tour of all 24 states, during which huge crowds gathered to see him and he was feted as a hero.