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Description
Inspired by Hamiltots.

Lafayette became well known during the Revolution for his apparent mastery of the game hide-and-seek, using his skills to sneak away his army at night right under the noses of the British who surrounded his camp. Later in the war, he teamed up with a slave by the name of James Armistead, who had offered his services to the Continental Army as a spy. Armistead became a double agent in Lord Charles Cornwallis’ camp, stealing documents and running interference. His espionage work was key to America’s victory at Yorktown, which in turn was the battle that effectively won the Revolution.

Armistead’s master William Armistead, a patriot, petitioned Congress for James’ manumission, with Lafayette throwing his weight behind the effort to see his friend freed from slavery. Initially, Congress rejected the petition, as James had served in a civilian consultant role rather than as a soldier. It took Lafayette and William almost three years to convince Congress that James’ service was more than worth his manumission. James eventually gained his freedom and added Lafayette to his name to honor the marquis.

James Armistead Lafayette is part of the inspiration for the composite character of Hercules Mulligan in Broadway’s Hamilton: An American Musical. Mulligan was a spy in New York City, while James was the spy of Yorktown--the real spy on the inside who made the plan to take Yorktown a workable one.

Description
Inspired by Hamiltots.

Lafayette became well known during the Revolution for his apparent mastery of the game hide-and-seek, using his skills to sneak away his army at night right under the noses of the British who surrounded his camp. Later in the war, he teamed up with a slave by the name of James Armistead, who had offered his services to the Continental Army as a spy. Armistead became a double agent in Lord Charles Cornwallis’ camp, stealing documents and running interference. His espionage work was key to America’s victory at Yorktown, which in turn was the battle that effectively won the Revolution.

Armistead’s master William Armistead, a patriot, petitioned Congress for James’ manumission, with Lafayette throwing his weight behind the effort to see his friend freed from slavery. Initially, Congress rejected the petition, as James had served in a civilian consultant role rather than as a soldier. It took Lafayette and William almost three years to convince Congress that James’ service was more than worth his manumission. James eventually gained his freedom and added Lafayette to his name to honor the marquis.

James Armistead Lafayette is part of the inspiration for the composite character of Hercules Mulligan in Broadway’s Hamilton: An American Musical. Mulligan was a spy in New York City, while James was the spy of Yorktown--the real spy on the inside who made the plan to take Yorktown a workable one.