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The Pirates Own Book:
Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers |
THE LIFE OF LAFITTE, THE FAMOUS
PIRATE OF THE GULF OF MEXICO |
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With a History
of the Pirates of Barrataria--and an account
of their volunteering for the defence of New
Orleans; and their daring intrepidity under
General Jackson, during the battle of the
8th of January, 1815. For which important
service they were pardoned by President
Madison.
Jean Lafitte, was born at St. Maloes in
France, in 1781, and went to sea at the age
of thirteen; after several voyages in
Europe, and to the coast of Africa, he was
appointed mate of a French East Indiaman,
bound to Madras. On the outward passage they
encountered a heavy gale off the Cape of
Good Hope, which sprung the mainmast and
otherwise injured the ship, which determined
the captain to bear up for the Mauritius,
where he arrived in safety; a quarrel having
taken place on the passage out between
Lafitte and the captain, he abandoned the
ship and refused to continue the voyage.
Several privateers were at this time fitting
out at this island, and Lafitte was
appointed captain of one of these vessels;
after a cruise during which he robbed the
vessels of other nations, besides those of
England, and thus committing piracy, he
stopped at the Seychelles, and took in a
load of slaves for the Mauritius; but being
chased by an English frigate as far north as
the equator, he found himself in a very
awkward condition; not having provisions
enough on board his ship to carry him back
to the French Colony. He therefore conceived
the bold project of proceeding to the Bay of
Bengal, in order to get provisions from on
board some English ships. In his ship of two
hundred tons, with only two guns and
twenty-six men, he attacked and took an
English armed schooner with a numerous crew.
After putting nineteen of his own crew on
board the schooner, he took the command of
her and proceeded to cruise upon the coast
of Bengal. He there fell in with the Pagoda,
a vessel belonging to the English East India
Company, armed with twenty-six twelve
pounders and manned with one hundred and
fifty men. Expecting that the enemy would
take him for a pilot of the Ganges, he
manoeuvred accordingly. The Pagoda
manifested no suspicions, whereupon he
suddenly darted with his brave followers
upon her decks, overturned all who opposed
them, and speedily took the ship. After a
very successful cruise he arrived safe at
the Mauritius, and took the command of La
Confiance of twenty-six guns and two hundred
and fifty men, and sailed for the coast of
British India. Off the Sand Heads in
October, 1807, Lafitte fell in with the
Queen East Indiaman, with a crew of near
four hundred men, and carrying forty guns;
he conceived the bold project of getting
possession of her. Never was there beheld a
more unequal conflict; even the height of
the vessel compared to the feeble privateer
augmented the chances against Lafitte; but
the difficulty and danger far from
discouraging this intrepid sailor, acted as
an additional spur to his brilliant valor.
After electrifying his crew with a few words
of hope and ardor, he manoeuvred and ran on
board of the enemy. In this position he
received a broadside when close too; but he
expected this, and made his men lay flat
upon the deck. After the first fire they all
rose, and from the yards and tops, threw
bombs and grenades into the forecastle of
the Indiaman. This sudden and unforeseen
attack caused a great havoc. In an instant,
death and terror made them abandon a part of
the vessel near the mizen-mast. Lafitte, who
observed every thing, seized the decisive
moment, beat to arms, and forty of his crew
prepared to board, with pistols in their
hands and daggers held between their teeth.
As soon as they got on deck, they rushed
upon the affrighted crowd, who retreated to
the steerage, and endeavored to defend
themselves there. Lafitte thereupon ordered
a second division to board, which he headed
himself; the captain of the Indiaman was
killed, and all were swept away in a moment.
Lafitte caused a gun to be loaded with
grape, which he pointed towards the place
where the crowd was assembled, threatening
to exterminate them. The English deeming
resistance fruitless, surrendered, and
Lafitte hastened to put a stop to the
slaughter. This exploit, hitherto
unparalleled, resounded through India, and
the name of Lafitte became the terror of
English commerce in these latitudes.
Lafitte boarding the Queen East
Indiaman
As British vessels now traversed
the Indian Ocean under strong convoys, game
became scarce, and Lafitte determined to
visit France; and after doubling the Cape of
Good Hope, he coasted up to the Gulf of
Guinea, and in the Bight of Benin, took two
valuable prizes loaded with gold dust,
ivory, and Palm Oil; with this booty he
reached St. Maloes in safety. After a short
stay at his native place he fitted out a
brigantine, mounting twenty guns and one
hundred and fifty men, and sailed for
Gaudaloupe; amongst the West India Islands,
he made several valuable prizes; but during
his absence on a cruise the island having
been taken by the British, he proceeded to
Carthagena, and from thence to Barrataria.
After this period, the conduct of Lafitte at
Barrataria does not appear to be
characterized by the audacity and boldness
of his former career; but he had amassed
immense sums of booty, and as he was obliged
to have dealings with the merchants of the
United States, and the West Indies, who
frequently owed him large sums, and the
cautious dealings necessary to found and
conduct a colony of Pirates and Smugglers in
the very teeth of a civilized nation,
obliged Lafitte to cloak as much as possible
his real character.
Lafitte and his crew clearing the
decks of the Indiaman.
As we have said before, at the period of the
taking of Gaudaloupe by the British, most of
the privateers commissioned by the
government of that island, and which were
then on a cruise, not being able to return
to any of the West India Islands, made for
Barrataria, there to take in a supply of
water and provisions, recruit the health of
their crews, and dispose of their prizes,
which could not be admitted into any of the
ports of the United States, we being at that
time in peace with Great Britain. Most of
the commissions granted to privateers by the
French government at Gaudaloupe, having
expired sometime after the declaration of
the independence of Carthagena, many of the
privateers repaired to that port, for the
purpose of obtaining from the new government
commissions for cruising against Spanish
vessels. Having duly obtained their
commissions, they in a manner blockaded for
a long time all the ports belonging to the
royalists, and made numerous captives, which
they carried into Barrataria. Under this
denomination is comprised part of the coast
of Louisiana to the west of the mouths of
the Mississippi, comprehended between
Bastien bay on the east, and the mouths of
the river or bayou la Fourche on the west.
Not far from the sea are lakes called the
great and little lakes of Barrataria,
communicating with one another by several
large bayous with a great number of
branches. There is also the island of
Barrataria, at the extremity of which is a
place called the Temple, which denomination
it owes to several mounds of shells thrown
up there by the Indians. The name of
Barrataria is also given to a large basin
which extends the whole length of the
cypress swamps, from the Gulf of Mexico to
three miles above New Orleans. These waters
disembogue into the gulf by two entrances of
the bayou Barrataria, between which lies an
island called Grand Terre, six miles in
length, and from two to three miles in
breadth, running parallel with the coast. In
the western entrance is the great pass of
Barrataria, which has from nine to ten feet
of water. Within this pass about two leagues
from the open sea, lies the only secure
harbor on the coast, and accordingly this
was the harbor frequented by the Pirates,
so well known by the name of Barratarians.
At Grand Jerre, the privateers publicly
made sale by auction, of the cargoes of
their prizes. From all parts of Lower
Louisiana, people resorted to Barrataria,
without being at all solicitous to conceal
the object of their journey. The most
respectable inhabitants of the state,
especially those living in the country, were
in the habit of purchasing smuggled goods
coming from Barrataria.
The government of the United States sent
an expedition under Commodore Patterson, to
disperse the settlement of marauders at
Barrataria; the following is an extract of
his letter to the secretary of war.
Sir--I have the honor to inform you that
I departed from this city on the 11th June,
accompanied by Col. Ross, with a detachment
of seventy of the 44th regiment of infantry.
On the 12th, reached the schooner Carolina,
of Plaquemine, and formed a junction with
the gun vessels at the Balize on the 13th,
sailed from the southwest pass on the
evening of the 15th, and at half past 8
o'clock, A.M. on the 16th, made the Island
of Barrataria, and discovered a number of
vessels in the harbor, some of which shewed
Carthagenian colors. At 2 o'clock, perceived
the pirates forming their vessels, ten in
number, including prizes, into a line of
battle near the entrance of the harbor, and
making every preparation to offer me battle.
At 10 o'clock, wind light and variable,
formed the order of battle with six gun
boats and the Sea Horse tender, mounting one
six pounder and fifteen men, and a launch
mounting one twelve pound carronade; the
schooner Carolina, drawing too much water to
cross the bar. At half past 10 o'clock,
perceived several smokes along the coasts as
signals, and at the same time a white flag
hoisted on board a schooner at the fort, an
American flag at the mainmast head and a
Carthagenian flag (under which the pirates
cruise) at her topping lift; replied with a
white flag at my main; at 11 o'clock,
discovered that the pirates had fired two of
their best schooners; hauled down my white
flag and made the signal for battle;
hoisting with a large white flag bearing the
words "Pardon for Deserters"; having heard
there was a number on shore from the army
and navy. At a quarter past 11 o'clock, two
gun boats grounded and were passed agreeably
to my previous orders, by the other four
which entered the harbor, manned by my barge
and the boats belonging to the grounded
vessels, and proceeded in to my great
disappointment. I perceived that the pirates
abandoned their vessels, and were flying in
all directions. I immediately sent the
launch and two barges with small boats in
pursuit of them. At meridian, took
possession of all their vessels in the
harbor consisting of six schooners and one
felucca, cruisers, and prizes of the
pirates, one brig, a prize, and two armed
schooners under the Carthagenian flag, both
in the line of battle, with the armed
vessels of the pirates, and apparently with
an intention to aid them in any resistance
they might make against me, as their crews
were at quarters, tompions out of their
guns, and matches lighted. Col. Ross at the
same time landed, and with his command took
possession of their establishment on shore,
consisting of about forty houses of
different sizes, badly constructed, and
thatched with palmetto leaves.
When I perceived the enemy forming their
vessels into a line of battle I felt
confident from their number and very
advantageous position, and their number of
men, that they would have fought me; their
not doing so I regret; for had they, I
should have been enabled more effectually to
destroy or make prisoners of them and their
leaders; but it is a subject of great
satisfaction to me, to have effected the
object of my enterprise, without the loss of
a man.
The enemy had mounted on their vessels
twenty pieces of cannon of different
calibre; and as I have since learnt, from
eight hundred, to one thousand men of all
nations and colors.
Early in the morning of the 20th, the
Carolina at anchor, about five miles
distant, made the signal of a "strange sail
in sight to eastward"; immediately after she
weighed anchor, and gave chase the strange
sail, standing for Grand Terre, with all
sail; at half past 8 o'clock, the chase
hauled her wind off shore to escape; sent
acting Lieut. Spedding with four boats
manned and armed to prevent her passing the
harbor; at 9 o'clock A.M., the chase fired
upon the Carolina, which was returned; each
vessel continued firing during the chase,
when their long guns could reach. At 10
o'clock, the chase grounded outside of the
bar, at which time the Carolina was from the
shoalness of the water obliged to haul her
wind off shore and give up the chase; opened
a fire upon the chase across the island from
the gun vessels. At half past 10 o'clock,
she hauled down her colors and was taken
possession of. She proved to be the armed
schooner Gen. Boliver; by grounding she
broke both her rudder pintles and made
water; took from her her armament,
consisting of one long brass eighteen
pounder, one long brass six pounder, two
twelve pounders, small arms, &c., and
twenty-one packages of dry goods. On the
afternoon of the 23d, got underway with the
whole squadron, in all seventeen vessels,
but during the night one escaped, and the
next day arrived at New Orleans with my
whole squadron.
At different times the English had sought
to attack the pirates at Barrataria, in
hopes of taking their prizes, and even their
armed vessels. Of these attempts of the
British, suffice it to instance that of June
23d, 1813, when two privateers being at
anchor off Cat Island, a British sloop of
war anchored at the entrance of the pass,
and sent her boats to endeavor to take the
privateers; but they were repulsed with
considerable loss.
Such was the state of affairs, when on
the 2d Sept., 1814, there appeared an armed
brig on the coast opposite the pass. She
fired a gun at a vessel about to enter, and
forced her to run aground; she then tacked
and shortly after came to an anchor at the
entrance of the pass. It was not easy to
understand the intentions of this vessel,
who, having commenced with hostilities on
her first appearance now seemed to announce
an amicable disposition. Mr. Lafitte then
went off in a boat to examine her, venturing
so far that he could not escape from the
pinnace sent from the brig, and making
towards the shore, bearing British colors
and a flag of truce. In this pinnace were
two naval officers. One was Capt. Lockyer,
commander of the brig. The first question
they asked was, where was Mr. Lafitte? he
not choosing to make himself known to them,
replied that the person they inquired for
was on shore. They then delivered to him a
packet directed to Mr. Lafitte, Barrataria,
requesting him to take particular care of
it, and to deliver it into Mr. Lafitte's
hands. He prevailed on them to make for the
shore, and as soon as they got near enough
to be in his power, he made himself known,
recommending to them at the same time to
conceal the business on which they had come.
Upwards of two hundred persons lined the
shore, and it was a general cry amongst the
crews of the privateers at Grand Terre, that
those British officers should be made
prisoners and sent to New Orleans as spies.
It was with much difficulty that Lafitte
dissuaded the multitude from this intent,
and led the officers in safety to his
dwelling. He thought very prudently that the
papers contained in the packet might be of
importance towards the safety of the country
and that the officers if well watched could
obtain no intelligence that might turn to
the detriment of Louisiana. He now examined
the contents of the packet, in which he
found a proclamation addressed by Col.
Edward Nichalls, in the service of his
Brittanic Majesty, and commander of the land
forces on the coast of Florida, to the
inhabitants of Louisiana. A letter from the
same to Mr. Lafitte, the commander of
Barrataria; an official letter from the
honorable W.H. Percy, captain of the sloop
of war Hermes, directed to Lafitte. When he
had perused these letters, Capt. Lockyer
enlarged on the subject of them and proposed
to him to enter into the service of his
Brittanic Majesty with the rank of post
captain and to receive the command of a 44
gun frigate. Also all those under his
command, or over whom he had sufficient
influence. He was also offered thirty
thousand dollars, payable at Pensacola, and
urged him not to let slip this opportunity
of acquiring fortune and consideration. On
Lafitte's requiring a few days to reflect
upon these proposals, Capt. Lockyer observed
to him that no reflection could be
necessary, respecting proposals that
obviously precluded hesitation, as he was a
Frenchman and proscribed by the American
government. But to all his splendid promises
and daring insinuations, Lafitte replied
that in a few days he would give a final
answer; his object in this procrastination
being to gain time to inform the officers of
the state government of this nefarious
project. Having occasion to go to some
distance for a short time, the persons who
had proposed to send the British officers
prisoners to New Orleans, went and seized
them in his absence, and confined both them
and the crew of the pinnace, in a secure
place, leaving a guard at the door. The
British officers sent for Lafitte; but he,
fearing an insurrection of the crews of the
privateers, thought it advisable not to see
them until he had first persuaded their
captains and officers to desist from the
measures on which they seemed bent. With
this view he represented to the latter that,
besides the infamy that would attach to them
if they treated as prisoners people who had
come with a flag of truce, they would lose
the opportunity of discovering the projects
of the British against Louisiana.
Early the next morning Lafitte caused
them to be released from their confinement
and saw them safe on board their pinnace,
apologizing the detention. He now wrote to
Capt. Lockyer the following letter.
To CAPTAIN LOCKYER.
Barrataria, 4th Sept. 1814.
Sir--The confusion which prevailed in our
camp yesterday and this morning, and of
which you have a complete knowledge, has
prevented me from answering in a precise
manner to the object of your mission; nor
even at this moment can I give you all the
satisfaction that you desire; however, if
you could grant me a fortnight, I would be
entirely at your disposal at the end of that
time. This delay is indispensable to enable
me to put my affairs in order. You may
communicate with me by sending a boat to the
eastern point of the pass, where I will be
found. You have inspired me with more
confidence than the admiral, your superior
officer, could have done himself; with you
alone, I wish to deal, and from you also I
will claim, in due time the reward of the
services, which I may render to you. Yours,
&c.
J. LAFITTE. |
His object in writing that letter was, by
appearing disposed to accede to their
proposals, to give time to communicate the
affair to the officers of the state
government, and to receive from them
instructions how to act, under circumstances
so critical and important to the country. He
accordingly wrote on the 4th September to
Mr. Blanque, one of the representatives of
the state, sending him all the papers
delivered to him by the British officers
with a letter addressed to his excellency,
Gov. Claiborne of the state of Louisiana.
To Gov. CLAIBORNE.
Barrataria, Sept. 4th,
1814.
Sir--In the firm persuasion that the
choice made of you to fill the office of
first magistrate of this state, was dictated
by the esteem of your fellow citizens, and
was conferred on merit, I confidently
address you on an affair on which may depend
the safety of this country. I offer to you
to restore to this state several citizens,
who perhaps in your eyes have lost that
sacred title. I offer you them, however,
such as you could wish to find them, ready
to exert their utmost efforts in defence of
the country. This point of Louisiana, which
I occupy, is of great importance in the
present crisis. I tender my services to
defend it; and the only reward I ask is that
a stop be put to the proscription against me
and my adherents, by an act of oblivion, for
all that has been done hitherto. I am the
stray sheep wishing to return to the fold.
If you are thoroughly acquainted with the
nature of my offences, I should appear to
you much less guilty, and still worthy to
discharge the duties of a good citizen. I
have never sailed under any flag but that of
the republic of Carthagena, and my vessels
are perfectly regular in that respect. If I
could have brought my lawful prizes into the
ports of this state, I should not have
employed the illicit means that have caused
me to be proscribed. I decline saying more
on the subject, until I have the honor of
your excellency's answer, which I am
persuaded can be dictated only by wisdom.
Should your answer not be favorable to my
ardent desires, I declare to you that I will
instantly leave the country, to avoid the
imputation of having cooperated towards an
invasion on this point, which cannot fail to
take place, and to rest secure in the
acquittal of my conscience.
I have the honor to be
your excellency's, &c.
J. LAFITTE. |
The contents of these letters do honor to
Lafitte's judgment, and evince his sincere
attachment to the American cause. On the
receipt of this packet from Lafitte, Mr.
Blanque immediately laid its contents before
the governor, who convened the committee of
defence lately formed of which he was
president; and Mr. Rancher the bearer of
Lafitte's packet, was sent back with a
verbal answer to desire Lafitte to take no
steps until it should be determined what was
expedient to be done; the message also
contained an assurance that, in the meantime
no steps should be taken against him for his
past offences against the laws of the United
States.
At the expiration of the time agreed on
with Captain Lockyer, his ship appeared
again on the coast with two others, and
continued standing off and on before the
pass for several days. But he pretended not
to perceive the return of the sloop of war,
who tired of waiting to no purpose put out
to sea and disappeared.
Lafitte having received a guarantee from
General Jackson for his safe passage from
Barrataria to New Orleans and back, he
proceeded forthwith to the city where he had
an interview with Gov. Claiborne and the
General. After the usual formalities and
courtesies had taken place between these
gentlemen, Lafitte addressed the Governor of
Louisiana nearly as follows. I have offered
to defend for you that part of Louisiana I
now hold. But not as an outlaw, would I be
its defender. In that confidence, with which
you have inspired me, I offer to restore to
the state many citizens, now under my
command. As I have remarked before, the
point I occupy is of great importance in the
present crisis. I tender not only my own
services to defend it, but those of all I
command; and the only reward I ask, is, that
a stop be put to the proscription against me
and my adherents, by an act of oblivion for
all that has been done hitherto.
"My dear sir," said the Governor, who
together with General Jackson, was impressed
with admiration of his sentiments, "your
praiseworthy wishes shall be laid before the
council of the state, and I will confer with
my August friend here present, upon this
important affair, and send you an answer
to-morrow." At Lafitte withdrew, the General
said farewell; when we meet again, I trust
it will be in the ranks of the American
army. The result of the conference was the
issuing the following order.
Interview between Lafitte, General
Jackson, and Governor Claiborne.
The Governor of Louisiana, informed that
many individuals implicated in the offences
heretofore committed against the United
States at Barrataria, express a willingness
at the present crisis to enroll themselves
and march against the enemy.
He does hereby invite them to join the
standard of the United States and is
authorised to say, should their conduct in
the field meet the approbation of the Major
General, that that officer will unite with
the governor in a request to the president
of the United States, to extend to each and
every individual, so marching and acting, a
free and full pardon. These general orders
were placed in the hands of Lafitte, who
circulated them among his dispersed
followers, most of whom readily embraced the
conditions of pardon they held out. In a few
days many brave men and skillful
artillerists, whose services contributed
greatly to the safety of the invaded state,
flocked to the standard of the United
States, and by their conduct, received the
highest approbation of General Jackson.
BY THE PRESIDENT
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.A
PROCLAMATION.
"Among the many evils produced by
the wars, which, with little
intermission, have afflicted Europe,
and extended their ravages into
other quarters of the globe, for a
period exceeding twenty years, the
dispersion of a considerable portion
of the inhabitants of different
countries, in sorrow and in want,
has not been the least injurious to
human happiness, nor the least
severe in the trial of human virtue.
"It had been long ascertained
that many foreigners, flying from
the dangers of their own home, and
that some citizens, forgetful of
their duty, had co-operated in
forming an establishment on the
island of Barrataria, near the mouth
of the river Mississippi, for the
purpose of a clandestine and lawless
trade. The government of the United
States caused the establishment to
be broken up and destroyed; and,
having obtained the means of
designating the offenders of every
description, it only remained to
answer the demands of justice by
inflicting an exemplary punishment.
"But it has since been
represented that the offenders have
manifested a sincere penitence; that
they have abandoned the prosecution
of the worst cause for the support
of the best, and, particularly, that
they have exhibited, in the defence
of New Orleans, unequivocal traits
of courage and fidelity. Offenders,
who have refused to become the
associates of the enemy in the war,
upon the most seducing terms of
invitation; and who have aided to
repel his hostile invasion of the
territory of the United States, can
no longer be considered as objects
of punishment, but as objects of a
generous forgiveness.
"It has therefore been seen, with
great satisfaction, that the General
Assembly of the State of Louisiana
earnestly recommend those offenders
to the benefit of a full pardon; And
in compliance with that
recommendation, as well as in
consideration of all the other
extraordinary circumstances in the
case, I, James Madison,
President of the United States of
America, do issue this proclamation,
hereby granting, publishing and
declaring, a free and full pardon of
all offences committed in violation
of any act or acts of the Congress
of the said United States, touching
the revenue, trade and navigation
thereof, or touching the intercourse
and commerce of the United States
with foreign nations, at any time
before the eighth day of January, in
the present year one thousand eight
hundred and fifteen, by any person
or persons whatsoever, being
inhabitants of New Orleans and the
adjacent country, or being
inhabitants of the said island of
Barrataria, and the places adjacent;
Provided, that every person,
claiming the benefit of this full
pardon, in order to entitle himself
thereto, shall produce a certificate
in writing from the governor of the
State of Louisiana, stating that
such person has aided in the defence
of New Orleans and the adjacent
country, during the invasion thereof
as aforesaid.
"And I do hereby further
authorize and direct all suits,
indictments, and prosecutions, for
fines, penalties, and forfeitures,
against any person or persons, who
shall be entitled to the benefit of
this full pardon, forthwith to be
stayed, discontinued and released:
All civil officers are hereby
required, according to the duties of
their respective stations, to carry
this proclamation into immediate and
faithful execution.
"Done at the City of Washington,
the sixth day of February, in the
year one thousand eight hundred and
fifteen, and of the independence of
the United States the thirty-ninth.
"By the President,
"JAMES MADISON
"JAMES MONROE,
"Acting Secretary of State." |
The morning of the eighth of January,
was ushered in with the discharge of
rockets, the sound of cannon, and the cheers
of the British soldiers advancing to the
attack. The Americans, behind the
breastwork, awaited in calm intrepidity
their approach. The enemy advanced in close
column of sixty men in front, shouldering
their muskets and carrying fascines and
ladders. A storm of rockets preceded them,
and an incessant fire opened from the
battery, which commanded the advanced
column. The musketry and rifles from the
Kentuckians and Tennesseans, joined the fire
of the artillery, and in a few moments was
heard along the line a ceaseless, rolling
fire, whose tremendous noise resembled the
continued reverberation of thunder. One of
these guns, a twenty-four pounder, placed
upon the breastwork in the third embrasure
from the river, drew, from the fatal skill
and activity with which it was managed, even
in the heat of battle, the admiration of
both Americans and British; and became one
of the points most dreaded by the advancing
foe.
Here was stationed Lafitte and his
lieutenant Dominique and a large band of his
men, who during the continuance of the
battle, fought with unparalleled bravery.
The British already had been twice driven
back in the utmost confusion, with the loss
of their commander-in-chief, and two general
officers.
Two other batteries were manned by the
Barratarians, who served their pieces with
the steadiness and precision of veteran
gunners. In the first attack of the enemy, a
column pushed forward between the levee and
river; and so precipitate was their charge
that the outposts were forced to retire,
closely pressed by the enemy. Before the
batteries could meet the charge, clearing
the ditch, they gained the redoubt through
the embrasures, leaping over the parapet,
and overwhelming by their superior force the
small party stationed there.
Lafitte, who was commanding in
conjunction with his officers, at one of the
guns, no sooner saw the bold movement of the
enemy, than calling a few of his best men by
his side, he sprung forward to the point of
danger, and clearing the breastwork of the
entrenchments, leaped, cutlass in hand, into
the midst of the enemy, followed by a score
of his men, who in many a hard fought battle
upon his own deck, had been well tried.
Astonished at the intrepidity which could
lead men to leave their entrenchments and
meet them hand to hand, and pressed by the
suddenness of the charge, which was made
with the recklessness, skill and rapidity of
practised boarders bounding upon the deck of
an enemy's vessel, they began to give way,
while one after another, two British
officers fell before the cutlass of the
pirate, as they were bravely encouraging
their men. All the energies of the British
were now concentrated to scale the
breastwork, which one daring officer had
already mounted. While Lafitte and his
followers, seconding a gallant band of
volunteer riflemen, formed a phalanx which
they in vain assayed to penetrate.
The British finding it impossible to take
the city and the havoc in their ranks being
dreadful, made a precipitate retreat,
leaving the field covered with their dead
and wounded.
General Jackson, in his correspondence
with the secretary of war did not fail to
notice the conduct of the "Corsairs of
Barrataria," who were, as we have already
seen, employed in the artillery service. In
the course of the campaign they proved, in
an unequivocal manner, that they had been
misjudged by the enemy, who a short time
previous to the invasion of Louisiana, had
hoped to enlist them in his cause. Many of
them were killed or wounded in the defence
of the country. Their zeal, their courage,
and their skill, were remarked by the whole
army, who could no longer consider such
brave men as criminals. In a few days peace
was declared between Great Britain and the
United States.
The piratical establishment of Barrataria
having been broken up and Lafitte not being
content with leading an honest, peaceful
life, procured some fast sailing vessels,
and with a great number of his followers,
proceeded to Galvezton Bay, in Texas, during
the year 1819; where he received a
commission from General Long; and had five
vessels generally cruising and about 300
men. Two open boats bearing commissions from
General Humbert, of Galvezton, having robbed
a plantation on the Marmento river, of
negroes, money, &c., were captured in the
Sabine river, by the boats of the United
States schooner Lynx. One of the men was
hung by Lafitte, who dreaded the vengeance
of the American government. The Lynx also
captured one of his schooners, and her prize
that had been for a length of time smuggling
in the Carmento. One of his cruisers, named
the Jupiter, returned safe to Galvezton
after a short cruise with a valuable cargo,
principally specie; she was the first vessel
that sailed under the authority of Texas.
The American government well knowing that
where Lafitte was, piracy and smuggling
would be the order of the day, sent a vessel
of war to cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, and
scour the coasts of Texas. Lafitte having
been appointed governor of Galvezton and one
of the cruisers being stationed off the port
to watch his motions, it so annoyed him that
he wrote the following letter to her
commander, Lieutenant Madison.
To the commandant of the American
cruiser, off the port of Galvezton.
Sir--I am convinced that you are a
cruiser of the navy, ordered by your
government. I have therefore deemed it
proper to inquire into the cause of your
living before this port without
communicating your intention. I shall by
this message inform you, that the port of
Galvezton belongs to and is in the
possession of the republic of Texas, and was
made a port of entry the 9th October last.
And whereas the supreme congress of said
republic have thought proper to appoint me
as governor of this place, in consequence of
which, if you have any demands on said
government, or persons belonging to or
residing in the same, you will please to
send an officer with such demands, whom you
may be assured will be treated with the
greatest politeness, and receive every
satisfaction required. But if you are
ordered, or should attempt to enter this
port in a hostile manner, my oath and duty
to the government compels me to rebut your
intentions at the expense of my life.
To prove to you my intentions towards the
welfare and harmony of your government I
send enclosed the declaration of several
prisoners, who were taken in custody
yesterday, and by a court of inquiry
appointed for that purpose, were found
guilty of robbing the inhabitants of the
United States of a number of slaves and
specie. The gentlemen bearing this message
will give you any reasonable information
relating to this place, that may be
required.
Yours, &c.
J. LAFITTE. |
About this time one Mitchell, who had
formerly belonged to Lafitte's gang,
collected upwards of one hundred and fifty
desperadoes and fortified himself on an
island near Barrataria, with several pieces
of cannon; and swore that he and all his
comrades would perish within their trenches
before they would surrender to any man. Four
of this gang having gone to New Orleans on a
frolic, information was given to the city
watch, and the house surrounded, when the
whole four with cocked pistols in both hands
sallied out and marched through the crowd
which made way for them and no person dared
to make an attempt to arrest them.
The United States cutter, Alabama, on her
way to the station off the mouth of the
Mississippi, captured a piratical schooner
belonging to Lafitte; she carried two guns
and twenty-five men, and was fitted out at
New Orleans, and commanded by one of
Lafitte's lieutenants, named Le Fage; the
schooner had a prize in company and being
hailed by the cutter, poured into her a
volley of musketry; the cutter then opened
upon the privateer and a smart action ensued
which terminated in favor of the cutter,
which had four men wounded and two of them
dangerously; but the pirate had six men
killed; both vessels were captured and
brought into the bayou St. John. An
expedition was now sent to dislodge Mitchell
and his comrades from the island he had
taken possession of; after coming to anchor,
a summons was sent for him to surrender,
which was answered by a brisk cannonade from
his breastwork. The vessels were warped
close in shore; and the boats manned and
sent on shore whilst the vessels opened upon
the pirates; the boat's crews landed under a
galling fire of grape shot and formed in the
most undaunted manner; and although a severe
loss was sustained they entered the
breastwork at the point of the bayonet;
after a desperate fight the pirates gave
way, many were taken prisoners but Mitchell
and the greatest part escaped to the cypress
swamps where it was impossible to arrest
them. A large quantity of dry goods and
specie together with other booty was taken.
Twenty of the pirates were taken and brought
to New Orleans, and tried before Judge Hall,
of the Circuit Court of the United States,
sixteen were brought in guilty; and after
the Judge had finished pronouncing sentence
of death upon the hardened wretches, several
of them cried out in open court,
Murder--by God.
Accounts of these transactions having
reached Lafitte, he plainly perceived there
was a determination to sweep all his
cruisers from the sea; and a war of
extermination appeared to be waged against
him.
In a fit of desperation he procured a
large and fast sailing brigantine mounting
sixteen guns and having selected a crew of
one hundred and sixty men he started without
any commission as a regular pirate
determined to rob all nations and neither to
give or receive quarter. A British sloop of
war which was cruising in the Gulf of
Mexico, having heard that Lafitte himself
was at sea, kept a sharp look out from the
mast head; when one morning as an officer
was sweeping the horizon with his glass he
discovered a long dark looking vessel, low
in the water, but having very tall masts,
with sails white as the driven snow. As the
sloop of war had the weather gage of the
pirate and could outsail her before the
wind, she set her studding sails and crowded
every inch of canvass in chase; as soon as
Lafitte ascertained the character of his
opponent, he ordered the awnings to be
furled and set his big square-sail and shot
rapidly through the water; but as the breeze
freshened the sloop of war came up rapidly
with the pirate, who, finding no chance of
escaping, determined to sell his life as
dearly as possible; the guns were cast loose
and the shot handed up; and a fire opened
upon the ship which killed a number of men
and carried away her foretopmast, but she
reserved her fire until within cable's
distance of the pirate; when she fired a
general discharge from her broadside, and a
volley of small arms; the broadside was too
much elevated to hit the low hull of the
brigantine, but was not without effect; the
foretopmast fell, the jaws of the main gaff
were severed and a large proportion of the
rigging came rattling down on deck; ten of
the pirates were killed, but Lafitte
remained unhurt. The sloop of war entered
her men over the starboard bow and a
terrific contest with pistols and cutlasses
ensued; Lafitte received two wounds at this
time which disabled him, a grape shot broke
the bone of his right leg and he received a
cut in the abdomen, but his crew fought like
tigers and the deck was ankle deep with
blood and gore; the captain of the boarders
received such a tremendous blow on the head
from the butt end of a musket, as stretched
him senseless on the deck near Lafitte, who
raised his dagger to stab him to the heart.
But the tide of his existence was ebbing
like a torrent, his brain was giddy, his aim
faltered and the point descended in the
Captain's right thigh; dragging away the
blade with the last convulsive energy of a
death struggle, he lacerated the wound.
Again the reeking steel was upheld, and
Lafitte placed his left hand near the
Captain's heart, to make his aim more sure;
again the dizziness of dissolution spread
over his sight, down came the dagger into
the captain's left thigh and Lafitte was a
corpse.
The upper deck was cleared, and the
boarders rushed below on the main deck to
complete their conquest. Here the slaughter
was dreadful, till the pirates called out
for quarter, and the carnage ceased; all the
pirates that surrendered were taken to
Jamaica and tried before the Admiralty court
where sixteen were condemned to die, six
were subsequently pardoned and ten executed.
Death of Lafitte, the Pirate.
Thus perished Lafitte, a man superior in
talent, in knowledge of his profession, in
courage, and moreover in physical strength;
but unfortunately his reckless career was
marked with crimes of the darkest dye.
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