Revolutionary War Soldier • Spy • Freedom Seeker 

These two images introduce the remarkable story of Saul Matthews, an enslaved man who served the American cause during the Revolutionary War and later sought freedom from the same society he had helped defend. Because no known portrait of Matthews survives, the illustration represents the Black soldiers who served during the Revolution while acknowledging the absence of a confirmed likeness. Beside it is an excerpt from Matthews’s 1792 petition to the Virginia General Assembly, in which he identified himself as “a black slave, the property of Geo. Kelly Esq.” and described taking up arms for the American cause during the war. His petition invoked his military service as he asked Virginia to recognize his claim to freedom. Virginia ultimately granted him his freedom in recognition of his wartime service.

Only an excerpt of the petition is displayed here. Visitors may view the complete document through the Library of Virginia’s Virginia Untold collection.

Overview:

Saul Matthews (birth/death unknown) was an African American soldier and spy who served Virginia during the American Revolution. Born into slavery in Virginia, Matthews risked his life to support the Patriot cause at a time when many enslaved people sought freedom by joining the British forces. In 1781, British General Charles Cornwallis controlled Portsmouth, Virginia, creating a serious threat to Patriot forces along the James River. Military leaders Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben needed information about British troop movements, positions, and strength. Matthews volunteered for the dangerous mission.

Traveling behind enemy lines, he gathered critical intelligence that helped Patriot forces attack British troops. His actions disrupted Cornwallis’ operations and forced British troops to change positions. Matthews’ bravery earned public praise from Colonel Josiah Parker, who said Matthews deserved the gratitude of his country. In 1792, the Virginia legislature granted Matthews his freedom for his service during the war.

Quick Facts:

• Born enslaved in Virginia (date unknown)

• Served as both a soldier and spy during the American Revolution

• Worked for the Virginia Patriot forces

• Gathered intelligence on British troop movements in 1781

• Helped Patriot forces raid British positions near Portsmouth, Virginia

• Assisted military leaders Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben

• Praised publicly by Colonel Josiah Parker for his bravery

• Granted freedom by the Virginia legislature in 1792

• Helped weaken British operations under General Cornwallis

• Represents the overlooked role of African Americans in the Revolutionary War

• Date of his death is unknown

Primary Source Spotlight:

Documenting Saul Matthews’s Revolutionary War service

These two excerpts come from a four-page collection of 1792 affidavits documenting Saul Matthews’s Revolutionary War service. The statements were prepared as Matthews sought his freedom from enslavement and provide firsthand accounts of his wartime activities, including his intelligence work behind British lines. The excerpt at left is the September 20, 1792 statement signed by John Hancock of Virginia; the portion at right begins Colonel Josiah Parker’s statement from the following day. This John Hancock should not be confused with the better-known John Hancock of Massachusetts, the signer of the Declaration of Independence.

For readability, only approximately one and a half pages of the original four-page document are displayed here. The complete four-page documentation is available through the Library of Virginia’s Virginia Untold collection.

Why This Story Matters:

Saul Matthews matters because forgetting people like him creates an incomplete picture of the Revolution and who belonged in the fight for independence.  As an enslaved Black man, Matthews faced a painful decision during the war. The British offered freedom to many enslaved people who joined their side, yet Matthews chose to serve Virginia even though he was still denied freedom and equal rights.

His work as a spy helped Patriot leaders gain important military information during a critical moment in the war. Matthews also represents the many Black Americans whose contributions were ignored or left out of history books for generations. His story reminds students that African Americans were active participants in the founding of the United States, even while many were still enslaved.

Legacy:

Saul Matthews’ legacy is tied to courage, sacrifice, and the hidden history of the American Revolution. His service shows that African Americans were not simply bystanders during the nation’s founding. They made difficult choices, risked their lives, and shaped the outcome of the war. Matthews also reminds us that freedom and citizenship were not equally shared, even among those who fought for independence.

For many years, stories like his received little attention in classrooms, films, or public memorials. Recovering the history of people like Saul Matthews helps create a fuller understanding of the Revolutionary War and challenges narrow ideas about who helped build the United States.

Discussion Questions:

1. What message does a society send to young people when it celebrates some heroes from history while ignoring others who made equally important contributions? 

2. Matthews was enslaved but still chose to fight for Virginia instead of joining the British for freedom. What factors might have influenced his decision?

3. What challenges can arise when a nation’s history focuses mainly on famous leaders while overlooking the ordinary people from different racial and social backgrounds who also shaped events? 

Reflection Prompt:

1. Why might some Americans have celebrated Saul Matthews for helping win the war while still believing he should remain enslaved afterward?

Sources & Further Reading:

1. "Saul Matthews." International Library of Negro Life and History. Historical Negro Biographies. 1969. Page 26

2. “Colonel Josiah Parker Family Cemetery.” National Register Nomination Document. 2004. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Prepared for the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service. Section 8, p. 15. 

3. Jackson, Luther P. “Virginia Negro Soldiers and Seamen in the American Revolution.” Journal Article. The Journal of Negro History, Vol. 27, No. 3, 1942, pp. 247–287. References to Saul Matthews appear on pp. 271–274. 

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