Revolutionary Spy

REVOLUTIONARY SPY - feature script by James Foye

On the fateful day of September 11, 1777, at Brandywine Creek, Pennsylvania, the American Revolutionary War rages on. British forces launch a fierce assault, plunging General George Washington and his troops into turmoil. Amidst this maelstrom, Sarai, a narrator with a keen eye, recounts the events. She reveals her master, William Armistead, was called upon by French General Lafayette to volunteer as a supply captain for Washington's army. While Armistead willingly accepts, his slave, James, is compelled to join. James, Sarai's beloved husband, displays unwavering loyalty, even saving Lafayette from certain death in the skirmish. Sarai's heart aches for James' safety, her prayers fervently seeking his protection. 

Fast forward three years to the tranquility of the Armistead Farm in Virginia. Sarai and James, grateful for each new day, learn of Lafayette's return and are tasked with preparing a sumptuous feast. Amidst preparations, James, engrossed in conversations with fellow slaves, suffers a brutal blow from Harry, the Overseer. Sarai, noticing the blood on James' lips, can't help but feel a sense of foreboding.

During the feast, Lafayette unveils alarming news: the British are shifting focus to the Southern colonies, ramping up the pressure on Washington. Lafayette isn't seeking Armistead's assistance this time; he's there for James. The British, promising freedom to loyal escaped slaves, inspire Lafayette's bold plan: James is to pose as a runaway and infiltrate the British infantry as a spy. Despite skepticism, Lafayette assures them of the plan's viability, citing British arrogance. Sarai's heart sinks at the thought of James' departure, but her concerns are dismissed as James is “loaned" by his master Armistead to Lafayette to infiltrate Benedict Arnold's camp, a mission fraught with peril but offering the promise of freedom. 

In this high-stakes game of espionage, James walks a razor's edge, evading detection while gathering intelligence. When James learns of General Cornwallis's plan to escape Yorktown and avoid the British surrender, he rushes to inform Lafayette, only to be met with disbelief. 

Miraculously, James survives and completes his dangerous mission. The British surrender at Yorktown. Yet, freedom remains elusive. Sarai and James continue their servitude until an emancipation act promises liberty to slaves who fought for America. James's status as a spy complicates matters until, three years later, an edict from the State of Virginia mandates his freedom, much to Armistead's chagrin. In a twist of fate, James negotiates a price with Armistead for Sarai and their adopted child’s freedom. 

Their journey leads them to a new beginning on their own farm, where they thrive. In 1824, they meet a visiting Lafayette, now as equals—free, dignified, and respected. This poignant reunion symbolizes their journey from bondage to liberty, a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit.