Today’s column is keeping in theme with America’s 250th birthday, but also in honor of the federal holiday Juneteenth. I’m writing about James Armistead Lafayette – a Revolutionary War Patriot. James was born into slavery on a Virginia plantation owned by William Armistead. He eventually met the Marquis de Lafayette (the exact details of which are lost to history, but presumably through James’ owner) and the two formed a unique and lifelong friendship. Thanks in large part to this friendship, James had an extraordinary life.

The Marquis de Lafayette was, of course, one of General George Washington’s most trusted men. Although he hailed from France (and has quite the amazing story himself), Lafayette was enthralled by the new ideals emanating from the New World (democracy in general and “regular” people running the country as opposed to the monarchy or a dictator) and joined the colonies to assist in the Revolution. Of course, it didn’t hurt matters, that the French detested the British! But Lafayette was instrumental in persuading James to become a spy in the British encampment.

This was possible because in November 1775, Virginia’s British governor, Lord Dunmore (acting on behalf of King George), issued a proclamation which 1) declared martial law; and 2) freed any slave who fought for the British. So when James showed up in a British encampment posing as a runaway slave, General Cornwallis was not overly suspicious, but instead tasked him with gathering information from the American rebels. So here he was, a double agent! James was able to traverse back and forth freely between camps. He provided General Cornwallis with misinformation, and provided Lafayette with correct information about British troops. James was instrumental in helping the American and French forces defeat the British during the siege of Yorktown in 1781. Wow. What a legacy!

In 1783 the Virginia General Assembly granted freedom to slaves who fought as soldiers. However, since James was “only” a spy and not a soldier bearing arms, he was not freed. Talk about a complete travesty of justice! When the Marquis de Lafayette learned of this, he wrote a letter to the General Assembly describing James’ service and requesting his freedom. Sadly, James still was not freed until 1787. But when he was FINALLY a free man, James then took Lafayette as his surname, as tribute to the Marquis.

Freeman James Lafayette acquired 40 acres and became a farmer, husband, and father. Interestingly enough, primary source documents state he also became a slave owner. Historians disagree whether this was done to protect the persons involved, or whether James required *free* labor to become financially viable in the realities of that time. Or perhaps a combination of both.

James and the Marquis were reunited in 1824, when Lafayette returned to America. They crossed paths in Richmond and fondly embraced. Who knows, without their unique friendship, America may have never come to be.

Laura lives in Zion Crossroads with her husband and two cats. She can be reached at hallielaura@
gmail.com.