James Armistead

James Armistead

James Armistead Lafayette was manumitted by the Commonwealth of Virginia for his services as a double agent during the Yorktown campaign. This engraving couples his portrait by John Blennerhassett Martin with a facsimile testimonial by the Marquis de Lafayette.

James Armistead

This is to certify that the bearer by the name of James  has done essential services to me while I had the honour to command in this state.  His intelligences from the enemy’s camp were industriously collected and faithfully delivered. He perfectly acquitted himself with some important commissions  I gave him and appears to me entitled to every reward his  situation can admit of.  Done under my hand, Richmond,  November 21st, 1784.                   Lafayette

James Armistead

painted 1783 by:Jean-Baptiste Le Paon

General Lafayette at Yorktown Attended by James Armistead

Lafayette and Armistead

credit: Le Barbier, National Archives of Canada

Cornwallis Surrenders at YorktownCornwallis 1

Frieze on Rotunda of U.S. Capital Building

Cornwallis Surrenders at YorktownCornwallis 2

Paris: Mondhare, 1781.

Cornwallis Surrenders at YorktownYorktown

Paris: Mondhare, 1781.

Burgoyne CampaignYorktown