James Armistead

James Armistead was an African American slave to William Armistead in Virginia during the American Revolution. He joined the army under General Lafayette and was stationed as a spy, acting as a slave in Lord Cornwallis's camp. He relayed much information that helped to defeat the British in the American Revolution. His espionage helped to make the British surrender at Yorktown. He later added Lafayette to the end of his name after the general he was so dedicated to.

He was born around 1760 (it is not certain) and died on Aug.9, 1830 as a freed slave turned farmer.