James Armistead, born into slavery in Virginia, found himself in the middle of one of history's turning points when he became a spy during the American Revolution. Volunteering in 1781 to join the cause, Armistead was employed by Marquis de Lafayette, the French commander who was assisting the Americans. Lafayette utilized James in a role that required both immense bravery and intelligence: spying on the British troops. Armistead successfully infiltrated the British camps by posing as a runaway