Saul Matthews facts for kids

Saul Matthews was a very brave African American man. He played an important role during the American Revolutionary War. Matthews worked as a spy for the Continental Army. This army fought for American independence. He gathered secret information from the British. This helped the American fighters, called Patriots. Because of his great service, Virginia's government gave him complete freedom in 1792. They said he deserved to be free "as if he was born free."

Saul Matthews: A Revolutionary War Spy

Early Life and Being Enslaved

Saul Matthews was born in Virginia. At that time, many people were forced into slavery. This meant they were not free to live their own lives. Saul Matthews was enslaved by a man named Thomas Mathews.

Spying for Freedom in the American Revolution

The year 1781 was a busy time during the American Revolutionary War. British General Cornwallis took control of Portsmouth, Virginia. Saul Matthews was under the command of Colonel Josiah Parker. Colonel Parker asked Matthews to go into the British camps. His mission was to gather secret information.

Matthews was a very successful spy. He went into British camps many times. Each time, he returned with important details. This information was very helpful to the American forces. Even after his brave actions, he was still enslaved for about ten more years.

Gaining His Freedom

In 1792, Saul Matthews took an important step. He asked the Virginia General Assembly for his freedom. The Assembly was the government of Virginia. They recognized his valuable service during the war. They granted him his full freedom. This meant he was finally free, just like someone born free. His story shows great courage and a fight for liberty.

See also

• Intelligence in the American Revolutionary War
• Intelligence operations in the American Revolutionary War