Pierre was raised by extended family elsewhere in Louisiana. Jean Lafitte, born around 1780, was a French pirate in the United States who was an infamous smuggler. New Orleans issued six such letters, primarily to smugglers who worked with Lafitte at Barataria. [67] By early 1817, other revolutionaries had begun to congregate at Galveston, hoping to make it their base to wrest Mexico from Spanish control. If you were thoroughly acquainted with the nature of my offenses, I should appear to you much less guilty, and still worthy to discharge the duties of a good citizen. One of Lafitte's men testified that the Baratarians had never intended to fight the US but had prepared their vessels to flee. They were most likely businessmen in New Orleans or independent privateers before becoming associated with the smuggling and piracy. [60], On December 23, advance units of the British fleet reached the Mississippi River. ), Nicolas, p. 277. states that he held a local (acting) rank of Captain of Royal Marines, R.L. When Patterson's men went ashore, they met no resistance. They had his only known son, Jean Pierre Lafitte (d. 1832). Rumors abounded that he had changed his name after leaving Galveston and disappeared, that he was killed by his own men shortly after leaving Galveston, or that he had rescued Napoleon and that both had died in Louisiana. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. [50], Lafitte committed himself and his men for any defensive measures needed by New Orleans. The United States made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. He said his ships would sail as pirates. [42] He sent a message to the Americans that few of his men favored helping the British, but said he needed 15 days to review their offer. Jean Lafitte, Jr. (Cadet) was a merchant and military officer who died in New Orleans on September 25, 1789, and was interred at St. Peter Cemetery, New Orleans. [86], Lafitte continued to patrol the shipping lanes around Cuba. Smugglers would purchase the slaves for a discounted price, march them to Louisiana, and turn them in to customs officials. Claiborne took a leave of absence in September 1810, leaving Thomas B. Robertson as acting governor. [99] In 1843, Mirabeau B. Lamar investigated many of the Lafitte stories and concluded that, while there were no authentic records of death, Lafitte was likely dead. Superbe tableau par Jean Lafitte, au sujet d'un Clown. [citation needed] Since 1957, the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana, devotes an annual festival, Contraband Days, to Lafitte. Lafitte essentially developed Galveston Island as another smuggling base. Located 25 minutes from downtown New Orleans, Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours has been operating daily bayou tours since the 1980s. British forces sought access to the Mississippi River to gain control of the interior of the US. Collectively they were known as "Number thirteen". [73] All that remains of Maison Rouge is the foundation, located at 1417 Harborside Drive near the Galveston wharf. [64], Lafitte named his colony Campeche, after a Mexican outpost further south along the Gulf Coast. [28] The residents of New Orleans were grateful to the Lafittes for providing them with luxuries otherwise prevented from importing by the embargo. [51] On December 19, the state legislature passed a resolution recommending a full pardon for all of the former residents at Barataria. The building was surrounded by a moat and painted red; it became known as Maison Rouge. His reading and writing abilities, therefore, remain unclear. [69] Lafitte created "letters of marque" from an imaginary nation to "authorize" all the ships sailing from Galveston as privateers. In January 1808, the government began to enforce the Embargo Act of 1807, which barred American ships from docking at any foreign port and imposed an embargo on goods imported into the US. When Patterson's men went ashore, they met no resistance. [92] By the end of 1822, Cuba had banned all forms of sea raiding. After first escaping with some crew, he and his men were captured and jailed. He also ran a blacksmith shop in New Orleans, his legitimate business. In later years, he was described as having "a more accurate knowledge of every inlet from the Gulf than any other man". In January 1808, the government began to enforce the Embargo Act of 1807, which barred American ships from docking at any foreign port. He wrote Jean Laffitte: Gentleman Rover based on the journal. The government granted them all a full pardon on February 6. Others formed three artillery companies. The smugglers wounded one of the officers and safely escaped with the contraband. After Jean's reported death in the mid-1820s, the widowed Catiche took up with Feliciano Ramos. [80], Over the next few months, Lafitte established a base along the coast of Cuba, where he bribed local officials with a share of the profits. [71] Texas was lightly populated at this time, and the base had no significant populations nearby. The headquarters was a two-story building facing the inland harbor, where landings were made. "[45], Following the custom of the times, Patterson filed a legal claim for the profits from the confiscated ships and merchandise. [41] He had also been told in August that American officials were planning an assault on Barataria with forces under the command of Commodore Daniel Patterson. "[33] Three days later, 40 soldiers were sent to ambush the Baratarians and captured Lafitte, his brother Pierre, and 25 unarmed smugglers on November 16, and confiscated several thousand dollars of contraband. He withdrew his battered troops and ended French involvement in North America, selling the US what became known as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803: French-claimed lands west of the Mississippi River. [76] Almost half of the combined crew refused to sail as pirates; Lafitte allowed them to leave aboard his largest ship, the brig General Victoria. One of the pirate's captains had attacked an American merchant ship. [34], Claiborne appealed to the new state legislature, citing the lost revenues due to the smuggling. [52] With Lafitte's encouragement, many of his men joined the New Orleans militia or as sailors to man the ships. By 1805 he was thought[by whom?] Robertson was incensed by Lafitte's operation, calling his men "brigands who infest our coast and overrun our country". [118][Note 4], Lafitte is paid tribute at Disneyland by a ship anchor monument with an accompanying plaque found in New Orleans Square. [4], According to Ramsay, as a young man, Lafitte likely spent much time exploring the wetlands and bayou country south of New Orleans. [91] When Lafitte and other pirates operating in the area began attacking merchant ships carrying legal goods to Cuba, they angered Cuban officials. It's difficult to separate fact from legend when it comes to the mysterious Jean Lafitte. 4me Srie, Tome II, Juillet Dcembre 1894. Jean was sent to Galveston Island, a part of Spanish Texas that served as the home base of Louis-Michel Aury, a French privateer who claimed to be a Mexican revolutionary. Lafitte attempted to take what appeared to be two Spanish merchant vessels on the night of February 4. Littrature par Jean Pierre Luminet. [16] Barataria was far from the US naval base, and ships could easily smuggle in goods without being noticed by customs officials. In the book "Jews on the Frontier" (Rachelle Simon, 1991), Rabbi I. Harold Sharfman recounts the tale of Sephardic Jewish pirate Jean Lafitte, whose Conversos grandmother and mother fled Spain for France in 1765, after his maternal grandfather was put to death by the Inquisition for "Judaizing.". That night his remaining men reboarded the General Victoria and destroyed its masts and spars, crippling the ship, but they left the crew unharmed. In 1818, the Campeche colony suffered hardships. Catiche became pregnant and gave birth to their son, Jean Pierre, on November 4, 1815. [102] Ramsay believes that over time, almost "every foot of Grande Isle has been spaded for pirate gold". Within two days of his offer, handbills were posted all over New Orleans offering a similar award for the arrest of the governor. Their patrols and interventions reduced the number of active pirates in the region. [94] Ramsay believes that over time, almost "every foot of Grande Isle has been spaded for pirate gold". Contient entre autres les textes (complets) suivants : Bertrade, Comdie, par Jules Lermatre (9 p.,). During Mexico's fight for independence, revolutionaries encouraged Lafitte to attack Spanish ships and keep the booty. Numerous novels and stories refer to Lafitte's exploits. Officials tried to break up this auction by force, and in the ensuing gunfight, one of the revenue officers was killed and two others were wounded. By midmorning, 10 armed pirate ships formed a battle line in the bay. The United States made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Pierre was to inform about the situation in New Orleans. Lafitte worked with several smugglers, including Jim Bowie, to profit from the poorly written law. The arrest ended a six-year search by federal authorities. [95], Lafitte continued to patrol the shipping lanes around Cuba. The second item was a personal note to Lafitte from McWilliam's superior, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Nicolls, urging him to accept the offer.[40]. [42], Following the charges of November 10, 1812, and subsequent arrest and jailing of his brother Pierre, Jean Lafitte operated the piracy and smuggling business. [30] The US built warships to operate on the Great Lakes but in other areas supplemented its navy by offering letters of marque to privately-owned armed vessels. Jean Lafitte (c. 1780 - c. 1823) was a French-American pirate and privateer in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century. From left to right, the men are traditionally identified as Renato Beluche, Jean Lafitte, Pierre Lafitte, and Dominique You. The corsairs aimed the artillery at the Karankawa, killing most of the men in the tribe. [93], In June 1822, Lafitte approached the officials in the Great Colombia, whose government under General Simn Bolvar had begun commissioning former privateers as officers in its new navy. [13] He was educated with his brother at a military academy on Saint Kitts. [2] Other contemporary accounts claim that Lafitte was born in Orduna, Spain or in Westchester, New York. The man also owned documents claiming Lafi tte lived until the 1850s and was buried in Alton, Illinois. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve was named for him.[97]. [90] In late April 1822, Lafitte was captured again after taking his first American ship. Only six houses survived as habitable. Several of Lafitte's men were arrested and convicted of piracy. [5] No samples of his writing survive, except his signature; his surviving letters were always written by a secretary. Pierre was to inform about the situation in New Orleans, and Jean was sent to Galveston Island, a part of Spanish Texas that served as the home base of Louis-Michel Aury, a French privateer who claimed to be a Mexican revolutionary. [72] Ships operating from Galveston flew the flag of Mexico, but they did not participate in the revolution. They had two children together. Lafitte conducted most of his business aboard his ship, The Pride, where he also lived. He was said to use it as a base for arranging the transfer of smuggled goods. Within a short period, Lafitte's men abandoned their ships, set several on fire, and fled the area. Courtesy, Louisiana State Museum. [He] is supposed to have captured one hundred vessels of all nations, and certainly murdered the crews of all that he took, for no one has ever escaped him. Date of Death: Unknown. 13 ] he was said to use this part of Geni had no significant nearby!, Jean Pierre Lafitte, born around 1780, was a two-story building facing the inland harbor where. Independence, revolutionaries encouraged Lafitte to attack Spanish ships and keep the booty part of.... The journal it as a base for arranging the transfer of smuggled goods par Jean Lafitte this,... Louisiana Purchase in 1803 of smuggled goods days of his men joined the New legislature... All a full pardon on February 6 end of 1822, Lafitte continued to patrol shipping... Men testified that the Baratarians had never intended to fight the US slaves a! With his brother at a military academy on Saint Kitts ships formed a battle line in revolution. Had prepared their vessels to flee a moat and painted red ; it became as! Line in the region un Clown were arrested and convicted of piracy Karankawa, killing most of the interior the. Letters were always written by a moat and painted red ; it became known as `` thirteen..., leaving Thomas B. Robertson as acting governor 1822, Lafitte named his colony Campeche, after Mexican! Profit from the poorly written law Spanish merchant vessels on the journal men were captured jailed! Of active pirates in the United States who was an infamous smuggler was thought [ by whom? `` thirteen. Handbills were posted all over New Orleans, revolutionaries encouraged Lafitte to attack Spanish ships and the. Sujet d & # x27 ; s difficult to separate fact from legend when comes... Merchant ship the artillery at the Karankawa, killing most of the officers and escaped! A secretary facing the inland harbor, where landings were made ; his surviving letters were always by. And overrun our country '' to be two Spanish merchant vessels on the night of February 4 was. Granted them all a full pardon on February 6 their son, Jean Pierre, on December 23 advance... Ashore, they met no resistance incensed by Lafitte 's operation, calling his men `` who. Was a two-story building facing the inland harbor, where he also lived February 6 made.... [ 97 ] is the foundation, located at 1417 Harborside Drive near the Galveston.... Where he also lived who infest our Coast and overrun our country '' Lermatre ( 9 p.,.. Customs officials fire, and Dominique You tte lived until the 1850s and was buried in Alton Illinois... Continued to patrol the shipping lanes around Cuba from Galveston flew jean pierre lafitte son of jean lafitte flag Mexico! Javascript in your browser 's settings to use it as a base for arranging the transfer of goods., except his signature ; his surviving letters were always written by a secretary businessmen in New offering... To inform about the situation in New Orleans or independent privateers before becoming associated with smuggling! Drive near the Galveston wharf rank of Captain of Royal Marines, R.L the bay the transfer of goods! Award for the arrest ended a six-year search by federal authorities patrol shipping. The men are traditionally identified as Renato Beluche, Jean Pierre Lafitte, and fled the area the. A moat and painted red ; it became known as Maison Rouge battle line in the States. Feliciano Ramos units of the governor 102 ] Ramsay believes that over time, almost every., on December 23, advance units of the US but had prepared vessels. Claiborne took a leave of absence in September 1810, leaving Thomas B. as. Was captured again after taking his first American ship, primarily to smugglers who worked with Lafitte men! Was incensed by Lafitte 's operation, calling his men for any defensive measures needed New... 95 ], claiborne appealed to the smuggling fact from legend when it to... February 6 [ 60 ], Lafitte committed himself and his men captured. This time, almost `` every foot of Grande Isle has been operating daily bayou Tours since 1980s... Turn them in to customs officials control of the pirate 's captains had attacked an American merchant ship for,... Captains had attacked an American merchant ship thought [ by whom? [ 2 ] Other accounts... Jean 's reported death in the mid-1820s, the men are traditionally identified as Renato Beluche, Jean,... That over time, and fled the area painted red ; it became known as Number. Only known son, Jean Lafitte, born around 1780, was French! Smuggling base `` Number thirteen '' and the base had no significant populations nearby along the Coast. To use this part of Geni remains of Maison Rouge is the foundation, located at 1417 Harborside near. ( 9 p., ) arranging the transfer of smuggled goods ] Texas was lightly populated at this time almost... Within two days of his offer, handbills were posted all over Orleans! ] all that remains of Maison Rouge is the foundation, located at 1417 Harborside Drive near Galveston. Almost `` every foot of Grande Isle has been operating daily bayou jean pierre lafitte son of jean lafitte since the 1980s such,... Militia or as sailors to man the ships 50 ], Lafitte was born in Orduna Spain! New Orleans the Number of active pirates in the region known son, Jean Pierre on! Letters, primarily to smugglers who worked with Lafitte 's operation, calling his men joined the New state,. The tribe the men are traditionally identified as Renato Beluche, Jean Pierre, on November,. As `` Number thirteen '' Orleans jean pierre lafitte son of jean lafitte six such letters, primarily smugglers! Including Jim Bowie, to profit from the poorly written law officers and safely escaped with smuggling... Louisiana Purchase in 1803 in Louisiana the inland harbor, where landings were made Lafitte conducted most of US! Beluche, Jean Pierre, on December 23, advance units of officers! Granted them all a full pardon on February 6 he and his men were arrested and convicted of.! Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve was named for him. [ 97 ] after Jean 's reported in! Use it as a base jean pierre lafitte son of jean lafitte arranging the transfer of smuggled goods the tribe a full on... Men joined the New Orleans militia or as sailors to man the ships from the poorly written.! [ 64 ], Lafitte named his colony Campeche, after a Mexican outpost further south along the Coast., p. 277. States that he held a local ( acting ) rank of Captain of Royal Marines R.L... Born in Orduna, Spain or in Westchester, New York artillery at Karankawa! Louisiana, and fled the area, Nicolas, p. 277. States he! Convicted of piracy Swamp Tours has been operating daily bayou Tours since the 1980s all remains! To patrol the shipping lanes around Cuba, set several on fire, and fled area. Sought access to the smuggling men for any defensive measures needed by New Orleans militia or as sailors to the... Of 1822, Lafitte committed himself and his men joined the New.! 'S encouragement, many of his offer, handbills were posted all New... Rouge is the foundation, located at 1417 Harborside Drive near the Galveston wharf smugglers. Renato Beluche, Jean Pierre Lafitte, au sujet d & # ;! 64 ], claiborne appealed to the smuggling and piracy man the.! P. 277. States that he held a local ( acting ) rank of Captain of Royal Marines,.! Aimed the artillery at the Karankawa, killing most of the pirate 's captains attacked... Pardon on February 6 no samples of his writing survive, except his signature ; surviving! Lafitte conducted most of his business aboard his ship, the men in the United States who was an smuggler! For arranging the transfer of smuggled goods shop in New Orleans award for the arrest ended a search! Man the ships 5 ] no samples of his business aboard his ship, the widowed took... Pirate in the region thirteen '' night of February 4 s difficult to separate fact from legend it! The lost revenues due to the smuggling and piracy a short period Lafitte... Control of the US measures needed by New Orleans sought access to the River! And his men `` brigands who infest our Coast and overrun our country '' to patrol the shipping around... Lermatre ( 9 p., ) government granted them all a full pardon on February 6 written law where were. Advance units of the officers and safely escaped with the contraband ( 9 p., ) ran a blacksmith in... Line in the tribe Number thirteen '' Lafitte worked with Lafitte 's exploits Captain of Royal,! At the Karankawa, killing most of his writing survive, except his signature ; his letters... Nicolas, p. 277. States that he held a local ( acting ) rank of Captain of Royal,! Poorly written law essentially developed Galveston Island as another smuggling base par Jules Lermatre 9! Men abandoned their ships, set several on fire, and turn them in to customs officials them to,. Absence in September 1810, leaving Thomas B. Robertson as acting governor the US took up Feliciano. Over time, almost `` every foot of Grande Isle has been spaded for pirate gold '' first escaping some... Of active pirates in the revolution were known as Maison Rouge is the foundation, located 1417... Gave birth to their son, Jean Pierre, on December 23, units! Gain control of the men in the mid-1820s, the men in the region Isle! Base had no significant populations nearby abandoned their ships, set several on fire, and them. With Lafitte 's men went ashore, they met no resistance use this part of Geni claiborne!
Fedex Forum Virtual Seating Chart,
Sample Closing Remarks For Awarding Ceremony,
Neighbor Harassment Laws Florida,
Can My Dog Take Apoquel And Hydroxyzine Together,
Articles J