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, and later received a legislative emancipation. As a double agent, he reported the activities of Benedict Arnold after he had defected to the British, and of Lord Charles Cornwallis during the run-up to the siege of Yorktown. He fed the British false information while disclosing very accurate and detailed accounts to the Americans.

James Armistead Lafayette
Born
James Armistead

1748 or 1760
New Kent County, Virginia, or Elizabeth City
Died1830 or 1832 (aged 70–84)
Baltimore or Virginia
NationalityAmerican
Espionage activity
Allegiance United States
Service branchContinental Army
Service years1781–1783
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