The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1851-08-14

VIZ eo'SHiuS VI ouI solCc auu manner re
narked:
Then, my venerable friend, if Lafit,e
was not pirate, a freebooter, skinner
ofthc seas, who in the name Of heaven wa.
lhe?
"A blacksmith" he promptly replied.
"a blacksmith! Oh, son of Jupiter
Oh, husband oflhe lovely Venus! Oh, Pro
lessor lngraham! Oh, George L;ppnrd!
"A blacksmith, sir; it is incredible, impos
sible. How could he sail vessel if he wa.
a blacksmith?
lie never did sail vessel, md coulJn'
do i any more than you. We had beer
within AN inch, few moments before, o
capsizing our vessel in a very short admin
istration Of the helm of State.
Lafiite ,'our companion continued grave
ly and deliberately, was born in Borde aus
and served bis time at the blacksmlh'
trade. He came to this country wher
quite young man, and kept little shoI
for some time on the levec. Here he re
NAMED for several years making an honest
living at his trade, when one day, he was
persuaded by some Spaniards on the leyee
some Of whom are now living in your city
in wealth and respectabilty--,o 90 into the
Smuggling trade. He went into partner
ship with the owner Of vessel trading be
tween New Orleans and tho West Indi;
Islands. He remained in the city TO dis
pose Of the goods smuggled, whilst bis part
nermanagcd the ship Meeting with grea
snceess he employed several vessels, anf
taking advantage Of the confusion inciden
10 the situation Of Louisiana in its transfer
from Spain to France, and from France t.
Tho United States, he located himself at Ba
rataria, on bay opened into the Gulf o
Mexico, where his vessels unloaded, ant
| heir cargoes were sent up in small vessels
or pirognes, through the bayous and canals
into the Mississippi, and were taken across
The river in boats disguised as those o
planters. The articles thus smuggled
were disposed Of by numerous agents
and handsome profits were made upor
| them.
| After while, the attention Of Govern
ment being attracted TO its operations, ;
naval force, under the command Of Capt
Patterson, was sent down to break them up
| Laiitte and his men made out to escape
bot oil their properly was eonfiscated, thai
houses burned 10 tho ground, and nat
yestiae now remains of tho establishment
Thus driven out 10 sea, Laftte's men took
10 their vessels. and we're dodging about the
Islands in the Gulf, when the English in
vading force arrived at the mouth of the
Mississippi. Proposals were then submit
ted TO Latilte to allow him handsome an
nuity and an honorable position in The
English navy, il he would pilot the British
force UP to the city or inform them of th'
most practicable route for reaching the city
Lai,te Immediately wrote to Gov. Claiborne
II the proposal, nnd begged to be permitted
10 fight under the flag Of the United States
The Governor submitted his petition t.
Gen. jackson, who freely granted thel
pardon and gave ihe'n and honorable posi-
ton in their lines, on the Sth OF January
when in charge Of the Is Founders, they dix
effective service.
This is briefly the history of fLaii'te. liz
has been much vliied and traduced. Th.
crminali,y oi bis smuggling consisted ii
its being more open than much OF the Snug
Cling now carried on in your city.
Our companion then proceeded to relat'
many interesting incidents in Lati'te's lite
lie conclaed his narrative by describing
Lniue's persona! appearance. lie was
tall, rather raw boned man, of lively blacl
eyes, pleasing face, sallow complexion, an'
good address. There was nothing OF the pl
rate or free -booter about him. His nature
was kind and benevolent, and bis heart wa
in the right place.'