Who was born into slavery, fought in the American Revolution, and served as a spy as a double agent?

• A. James Armistead
• B. Crispus Attucks
• C. William Penn
• D. John Peter Zenger

Answer: (A)

An enslaved person who served as a spy for the American forces during the Revolution and acted as a double agent. James Armistead Lafayette fits this description. Born into slavery, he joined the Continental Army and worked as a spy under General Lafayette. He posed as a runaway slave to gain access to British lines and then fed crucial intelligence to the Americans, effectively operating as a double agent by appearing loyal to the British while secretly helping the American cause. His information about Cornwallis’s movements and strength played a vital role in shaping American strategy at Yorktown, contributing significantly to the victory there. For his service, he was eventually granted his freedom by the Virginia legislature and honored with the name Lafayette.