American Revolution Spies Essay

When people think of spies, they normally think about the black-clad spies, like James Bond. However, most people do not think about the spies during the American Revolution. Spies in the American Revolution have a lasting impression on American history. During the American Revolution, spies were significant to both the British and the Americans. “They [Spies] prevented the infiltration of patriot circles by loyalists, broke the code of enciphered British messages, and provided information about impending British activities against the Patriots before the first shot was fired in this conflict.” (Wala 1) Spies would gather information and decipher clues about the enemy. They report back information that is useful before battles. However, it

is a dangerous mission. If spies were caught, they would be hung. Nevertheless, spies earn great respect and honor for their patriotic cause towards their country. Some significant spies who had a positive impact on the outcome of the Revolutionary War were Nathan Hale and James Armistead.
Primarily, Nathan Hale was an essential patriot spy who lost his life for his country and influenced many other patriots to become spies.

Nathan Hale, a soldier in the Continental Army, volunteered to cross the British lines in order to obtain information about the British. But after returning from his successful mission, Hale was captured and hung. “With a strong and steady voice, Hale spoke. He said, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." (Koestler-Grack 101). This quote means if he was able to spy for his country again, if given the opportunity and would be more willing to take the chance of being hanged for it. His last, dying words instantly became one of the most legendary patriotic quotes, influencing many patriots to become spies or to aid in the war. “General Washington was greatly disturbed by the poor planning and bad decisions that led to Hale’s death. Never again were such mistakes made by Washington or his spy network.” (Yomtov 37). This citation illustrates how Nathan Hale’s actions influenced American patriots to become spies and provided a patriotic cause towards the war. Motivated by Nathan Hale’s action, Washington took further extent in his spy network. His spy network was beneficial to the outcome of the war. Thus, Nathan Hale was a vital patriot who gave his life for his country, inspiring many patriots to become

spies.
Furthermore, James Armistead was a significant spy who played a vital role in the outcome of the Battle of Yorktown.

James Armistead was a slave in Virginia who was recruited as a spy in the Revolutionary War under General Lafayette. “Armistead agreed and immediately began funneling the Redcoats phony information supplied by Lafayette, including a fraudulent report that referenced nonexistent units of Continental troops.” (Andrews). As a double agent, Armistead was able to move freely between both camps and earn the trust of General Cornwallis and Benedict Arnold, providing information that allowed American forces to prevail at the Battle of Yorktown. “It was the slave James who informed the Americans that Cornwallis intended to fortify Yorktown and what wait there for the fleet to extricate his forces, allowing the French and Americans to trap the British force.” (Bellesiles). Armistead provided Lafayette with crucial information that allowed the general to intercept Cornwallis's plan and ultimately defeat Cornwallis at Yorktown in Oct. 1781, the decisive battle that ended the Revolution. Evidently, James Armistead was a crucial spy who played a key role in the outcome of the Revolutionary

War.
Hence, American Revolution’s most legendary spies, Nathan Hale and James Armistead, were crucial to the outcome of the American Revolutionary War. Nathan Hale’s bravery and commitment influenced many patriots to become a spy or aid in the war. After Hale’s death, Washington organized a spy network. This spy network was beneficial toward the patriotic cause. Armistead’s effectiveness and intelligence was so valuable to the Americans, making a lasting impression in American history. The victory at Yorktown may not have been possible without James Armistead. Although Hale and Armistead lived a dangerous life, their bravery and courage earned them a spot in American history. Not only had their efforts in the war had led to victory in the American Revolutionary War, but to the development of the United States into a strong, independent democracy.