Seven Black American Spies In The American Revolutionary War

Learn about seven brave black American spies, six men and one woman who made a difference in the American Revolutionary war.

by Esme Addison

The American Revolution was not only fought on the battlefields but also in the shadows, where espionage played a crucial role in shaping its outcome. As an author of mysteries, I find espionage of all types infinitely interesting. And one of the reasons I added it to my novel, An Intrigue Of Witches.

As a student of history, I’ve always known that men and women of color acted as spies in America’s various conflicts, battles and wars. And I thought it would be fun (not to mention educational to explore this subject in fiction.) I was first inspired by visits to historical estates in Virginia where I learned about Thomas Jefferson’s invention of spy devices like the Wheel Cipher, and then James Madison’s use of coded letters to relay messages.

The use of spies, double agents, and intelligence networks was sophisticated, involving a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds. Among these were black Americans, whose contributions were pivotal to several key victories, including the decisive Battle of Yorktown.

While my novel is fiction, the men and women who risked their lives for a new nation is very much real. Let’s learn about six men and one woman who were spies during the American Revolutionary War.

Note: Because I could not find images of many of the men and women featured in this article, I opted to share historical images of people of color in the American Revolutionary War unless noted otherwise.

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James Armistead Lafayette: The Master Of Deception

James Armistead Lafayette, born into slavery around 1760, is one of the most celebrated black American spies of the American Revolution. His strategic importance cannot be overstated, particularly during the Yorktown campaign.

Armistead volunteered to serve in the Continental Army in 1781, with the consent of his owner, William Armistead. His initial role was to serve under the Marquis de Lafayette, but his true calling came when he was employed as a spy. Posing as a runaway slave seeking refuge with the British, Armistead infiltrated the camps of General Benedict Arnold and later, General Charles Cornwallis. His dual role as a double agent was masterfully executed; he fed the British misleading information while providing accurate and vital intelligence to the American forces.

One of Armistead’s most significant contributions was informing General Lafayette of Cornwallis’s troop movements and intentions, which allowed the American and French armies to strategically block British reinforcements at Yorktown. His intelligence was so precise that it directly contributed to the encirclement and subsequent surrender of Cornwallis’s army, effectively ending major combat operations of the war. After the war, Armistead’s service was recognized, and he was granted his freedom, adopting the surname “Lafayette” in honor of his commander.

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Cato: The Unseen Courier of the Culper Spy Ring

Cato, an enslaved man owned by Hercules Mulligan, played a crucial role in espionage through his involvement with the Culper Spy Ring. This network, established by George Washington, was one of the most effective intelligence operations of the war, operating out of New York City.

Mulligan, a tailor by trade, had access to British officers who often shared sensitive information under the guise of casual conversation. Cato served as the courier, carrying this intelligence from Mulligan to the Culper Ring’s operatives. His role involved significant risk, as he had to move through British-occupied areas without arousing suspicion. Despite being detained and interrogated by the British at one point, Cato’s loyalty and discretion never wavered, ensuring the safety and secrecy of the intelligence he transported. His contributions helped avert several British plans, including an ambush on French forces in Rhode Island and the exposure of Benedict Arnold’s treason.

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Quaco Honeyman: The Pioneer Spy Of Newport

Quaco, or Quaco Honeyman, is credited with being one of the earliest, if not the first, black American spies during the Revolutionary War, particularly in Newport, Rhode Island. His story is less documented, but it’s believed he was enslaved by a Loyalist, James Honeyman.

During the British occupation of Newport, Quaco used his position to listen in on British military discussions, gathering intelligence that he would then pass on. One notable piece of information attributed to him involved details about British General Richard Prescott, which likely contributed to Prescott’s capture. Quaco’s success lies in his ability to operate under the radar, leveraging his everyday role to fulfill a clandestine one, showcasing the strategic use of human intelligence in unconventional ways.

Saul Matthews: The Silent Watcher In New York

Saul Matthews, another black American spy, operated in the vicinity of New York, providing intelligence directly to General George Washington. Matthews was enslaved by Thomas Matthews and used his position to gather crucial information about British troop movements and plans. His work was especially vital during the British occupation of New York, where he could move among both Loyalists and Patriots, collecting data without drawing attention.

Matthews’ contributions helped the American forces anticipate and counter British strategies, playing a role in several engagements. His success in espionage demonstrates the importance of local knowledge and the advantages of being underestimated, allowing him to navigate the complex web of loyalties in wartime New York.

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Pompey Lamb: The Fruit Seller Turned Spy

The decisive victory at the Battle of Stony Point, the last major conflict in New York during the Revolutionary War, might well have been influenced by the covert actions of a Black spy named Pompey Lamb. While employed as a deliveryman for fruits and vegetables to British troops, Lamb was also secretly gathering intelligence for the American cause.

Working closely with General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Lamb orchestrated a night delivery to the fort. The British, without suspicion, provided him with the password for the evening. On the night of July 15, 1779, Lamb arrived with his cart, but this time, he had American officers disguised as farmers with him. These officers quickly overpowered the guards, allowing Wayne’s troops to launch their surprise assault.

This strategic move led to a significant American triumph, with the British losing 63 soldiers and wounding 71, while the Americans suffered 15 fatalities and 83 wounded, including General Wayne himself. Although some details of Lamb’s espionage are debated among historians, his contribution to this victory is a testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of Black spies during the Revolution. Many of these contributions are only now coming to light, or still await full recognition, highlighting the untold stories of the era.

Elizabeth: In The Household Of A Spy

Elisabeth or Liss as she was often called was an enslaved woman in the household of Robert Townsend, a known member of the Culper Spy Ring. Liss lived and worked in the Townsend family home in Oyster Bay, New York. Her life took a mysterious turn when she escaped with the help of British Colonel John Graves Simcoe, an abolitionist, only to be re-enslaved in New York City by another British officer. However, her interactions with Robert Townsend, who was at the time conducting espionage operations under the codename “Culper, Jr.,” suggest she might have played a clandestine role. Liss’s unique position allowed her to move between the British and American lines, potentially gathering intelligence that could have aided the Patriot cause.

There’s speculation among historians that Liss might have served as an informant or even a spy for Robert Townsend. Her access to British officers, both in Oyster Bay and later in Manhattan, provided her with opportunities to glean valuable information. Although direct evidence of her espionage activities is scarce, her story intertwines with the Culper Ring’s operations, especially considering Townsend’s later efforts to secure her freedom. After the war, Townsend, influenced perhaps by his experiences with Liss, joined the New York Manumission Society, advocating for the abolition of slavery. Liss’s narrative, while not fully documented, paints a picture of an extraordinary woman who, under the shadow of bondage, might have navigated the complex world of Revolutionary War espionage, contributing silently but significantly to America’s fight for independence.

Antego: The Infiltration Specialist

During the American Revolutionary War, an enslaved man named Antigua, also known as Antego or Antigo, played a crucial role as a spy for the American forces in South Carolina. Owned by John Harleston of St. John’s Parish, Berkeley County, Antigua’s dedication and service were acknowledged in Harleston’s will, where he was granted freedom as a reward for his loyalty and effective espionage activities.

Antigua worked closely with Governor John Rutledge, focusing on gathering intelligence about British troop movements and plans. His ability to infiltrate enemy lines allowed him to collect vital information, which significantly aided the American cause.

In recognition of his services, Antigua’s impact was not only felt through his individual actions but also extended to his family. In February 1783, after the war, a petition was presented to the South Carolina House of Representatives by former Governor Rutledge, advocating for the freedom of Antigua’s wife, Hagar, and their child. This petition was successful, and on March 12, 1783, the South Carolina General Assembly officially freed Hagar and their child from slavery, acknowledging Antigua’s “diligence and fidelity” in his spying activities, often at great personal risk. His story is one of many that highlight the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of black Americans during the Revolutionary War.

The stories of these brave Americans illustrate not just individual triumphs but also highlight the broader significance of espionage in the American Revolution. These individuals, through their cunning, bravery, and strategic use of their circumstances, made indelible marks on the course of history. Their successes are a testament to the complexity and ingenuity of Revolutionary War intelligence operations, where every piece of information could tip the scales of war.