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Birth
Today I was born as James in my owner's plantation in New Kent County, Virginia and just took his last name, Armistead. I am James Armistead. -
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Slave
I am a slave. I work for Master Armistead. -
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American Revolution
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British Camp..."Runaway Slave"
Today I just finished my destination at the British camp. I asked Arnold if I could work for him for anything. He said yes. -
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Fooling the British
He believed me, and I went to work as a forager, a person who serves food and drinks. The British never suspected I was a spy. Later I was so trusted they turned me into a double-spy and show me all of their real war plans. -
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Helping the Americans "Patriots" even more
I would tell General Lafayette what Cornwallis was doing, and we would create false information to give to Cornwallis so he would not suspect my secret as a DOUBLE-SPY. -
French Warships
Today, I saw French Warships trying to block off the British Supply Ships. This might actually help us win the war. -
False Letter
Cornwallis wanted to keep moving as was the original plan. However, I showed him a crumpled piece of paper that I had found on the road. It carried false information which I was assigned to give to Cornwallis to deceive him. Based on the information, Cornwallis decided to stay in Yorktown for a few more weeks -
Revealed that I was a PATRIOT
Today the British finally surrendered at Yorktown!!!! When Lord Cornwallis found out that I was really helping the Americans/French, he freaked out. I am just happy that the war is over so I could get my freedom -
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Fight for Freedom
This was my fight for freedom because -
King George III is very mad.
Since Cornwallis ended the war for the British King George III decided to punsih him for NOT working hard and NOT following rules. He lost his fortunes and was hated. -
My freedom and the changing of my name
Since today General Lafayette helped me to be a freed slave, I decided to cahnged my name from James to James Armistead into James Armistead Lafayette. To where I would honor both my former owner (who let me help WIN the war) and General Lafayette (the person who got my freedom). Thank you everybody who helped me for my freedom. -
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After Life of the War
Once I got my freedom, I decided to move about 9 mile south of New Kent and become a farmer by buying 40 acres of land. This is when I got married and had many children. Later some-point, I would have some slaves but I would treat them fairly to where they want to stay here. I would live happily and hope to have a great legacy. I was a farmer and a FREE slave. -
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Family
I am finally married and had 5 kids. He is my family toast because I love them so much to where I would give up anything just for them. -
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Financial Aid Support
Sometime this year, I would get financial aid from the legislature. I found out if I do get granted the financial aid then I would get a starting balance of $60 and then $40 a month afterward since I helped out in the Revolutionary War -
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Return to Yorktown
In 1824, he was recognized by General Lafayette during his tour of Yorktown reported by the Richmond Enquirer. -
Death
As I take my final breath today, I would remember the few months that I got my freedom, helped America win at Yorktown, and having my children. I loved every single day that I lived and hope for a better life tomorrow.
