|
|
|
 |
Jean Lafitte
American Pirate
 Known more as a businessman than a seaman, Jean Lafitte associated with
government officials and elegant women. Believed to have been born in
France, Jean Lafitte lived and owned a shop in New Orleans with his
brother. Operating out of Barataria Bay, south of New Orleans, Lafitte
led a band of pirates and privateers.With 10 or so vessels, Lafitte’s crew raided American, British and
Spanish ships. Although arrested by the governor, Lafitte never showed
up for the trial. The governor offered $750 for his capture, and in
turn, Lafitte offered double that for the capture of the governor. As
seen throughout many coastal ports and towns, many in New Orleans traded
with Lafitte’s band of pirates.In 1814, British officials offered Lafitte financial rewards and other
items if he would help in their attack on New Orleans. Lafitte notified
local officials who ignored his warning. Several weeks later, a small
British naval fleet attacked. Lafitte and his crew slipped out of town
before the attack.
Later that year, General Andrew Jackson agreed to accept Lafitte’s help
in fighting the British. In payment for his help, he and his crew were
pardoned for their crimes but lost their pirate haven in Barataria Bay.
Because of the increased Naval activity, Lafitte and his crew sailed
towards Spanish occupied province of Texas. He took over Galveston and
based his pirating activities from there. After sinking an American
merchantman, an American warship visited Galveston and Lafitte agreed to
leave, not before burning the settlement. Jean Lafitte and his brother
continued pirating from Central American ports until his death around
1821.
Some
interesting (yet random) facts about Lafitte:
Lafitte attacked
American, British and Spanish shipping in the Gulf of Mexico.
When the Governor of
Louisiana offered a reward of 750 dollars for Lafitte’s capture,
Lafitte turned around and offered a reward of $1500 for the capture of
the governor. Fought along side
American naval fleets against the British. Took over and occupied
Galveston.
|
Click on the Piece of Eight to return to the Main Page
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
