He spied on the British, obtaining valuable information for the Patriots.
As a result, Matthews was given his full freedom from slavery by the Virginia legislature in 1792: "In consideration of many very essential services rendered to this Commonwealth during the late war … full liberty and freedom … as if he was born free."
[1] In 1781, General Cornwallis and his troops captured Portsmouth, Virginia.
Matthews always returned with much success and information, even though he was forced back into slavery for about ten years.
[2] In 1792 he successfully petitioned the Virginia General Assembly for freedom again.