West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1888-04-19

made prisoners as spies and conducted
70 the chiefs presence. LATTE released
them from custody, and calming the
agitation among his men, proceeded to
inquire the object Of the Britons visit.
They presented letters from superior
officers, and stated that they had come
to endeavor to have him unite his forces
labout 1000 mem with those OF the Brit
lsh army and aid in the attack on New
Orleans.
In consideration of La6tte's acceptance
OF this proposition he was to receive
$50, 600 sterling, with a post captaincy
In the British navy and command Of a
frigate.
Laitte answered that he would con
slider the matter and furnish reply in a
few days.
The presence Of the British brig at
Barratarla and the visits Of its officers to
afitte soon became known to the State
authorities, who, expecting an alliance
OF the Barratarians with the British, re-
solved 10 at once exterminate the out
laws. To this end an expedition under
! Commodore Patterson was fitted out to
( proceed against the island.
While these preparations were being
made, Lattte, in person, advanced TO the
suburbs OF the city and forwarded thence
10 Governor Claiborne the letters which
ne had received from the British officers,
i accompanied with communication
which stated their intentions and plans.
I The Governor at once convened coun-
\ Gil Of the officers Of the Davy, army and
militia To this council he submitted
| the documents received from LATTE.
/ Upon examination the council doubted
! the genuineness Of the letters, the Gov
ernor was advised to hold no communi-
cation with LATTE, and the expedition
ordered 20 proceed.
Latitte, enraged nc these proceedings,
arranged for a stubborn defence. but
finally dispersed his forces and retreated
TO the sea, leaving his fortresses, several
vessels and valuable treasures, all of
which fell into the hands Of the Ameri-
cans.
Propositions Of surrender were imme
diately submitted TO the Governor by
the chief Of the pirates.
The British force, under Pakenham,
was now prepared to attack New Orleans.
IL was composed Of the flower Of King
Georges army and was fully double
in numbers the largest force that
could be made available for the city's
defence. Tho policy of accepting and
relying on Lafittes profered aid became
matter OF expcdiency and almost of ne
ccssity. A conference between General
Jackson and Governor Claiborne resulted
in the issuance Of general orders inviting
Lattte and his men 20 join the army.
The invitation was accepted, and the
acquisition Of the outlaws TO the Ameri-
can army did much toward effectinp
the grand results OF the fight on the
field Of Chalmette.
The number OF Laltte's forces engaged
ia the defense Of New Orleans was about
800, all Of them brave, and faithful TO
the cause which they and their command
er had espoused. Many of them were
excellent artillerists and as such were
invaluable TO the American forces.
Their conduct in the engagement re-
ceiyed General Jackson's highest com
mendation, and early in 1915 President
Madison, in a proclamation reciting
their courage and fidelity, granted free
pardon to jean ahtte and hes men.
Bnt the inveternte propensity for pi-
racy, bloodshed and plumber, and love
Of the sea still clung to Iafitte, and with
in a few months after his pardon he re-
organized his crews and again became
the common enemy Of all nations"
Galveston Island on the coast OF Texas
(thcu a Territory Of Mexico) was selected
and fortified as his retreat. On this
beautiful isle Of the sea-" he lived in
almost regal splendor. His authority
was absolute. Disobedience 10 his com
mands was often punished by death.
Two Of his licutenants, Brown and Fran
cis, having dcpredated on American
commerce, were by his order publicly
In IA L.
relations with him, the Republican party
Of Mexico gave him commission as
Governor Of Texas His men conferred
on him the title Of Lord Of Galveston
leland Ills government was we'll or
ganizod. The long, low island with it,
uudisturbed miles Of surface, which had
hitherto known the presence Of the Ton
kaway and Carnchua Indians, soon be-
came the home OF n motley population Of
French, Americans, English and Span
iaFds. A large number Of houses were
built, latiite's, a large red painted struc-
turc, being principal among them. Here
the "6ovcrnor Of Texas" aud Lord OF
Galveston Island" lived with all the
luSuries and prerogatiyes Of mighty
prince. Balls and fotes AZ his head
quarters were frequent, especially when
a new prize was taken. An strangers
visiting the island in a friendly manner,
especially Americans, wero treated with
hospitality, and were secure from harm.
Old Mrs Campbell, the wife Of one Of
Inftto's licutcuauts, who recently died
on tho mainland near Galveston, de-
scribod the great pirate chief az then "'in
the prime Of life, tall, well formed and
handsome. his eyes were of hazel color
and his hair and mustache very black.
lle usually wore "a green uniform. lie
was Kind 90 bis men, bat a born com
mandcr
ln spite 0f The commands and rcmon-
elranccs of their chief, Iaftfcs men
deprecated on American commerce and
in 1919 Lieutenant kcarncg was sent bv
che nitcd States Government 90 cxpcl
thc pirates from Galveston Island
Before thc arrival of the American
man-oi-war. Laittc, having heard of iis
mission. discharged ell except sixty Of
Dis crew. and with them aud his next in
command-au Englishman named
GO hran -hc boarded the Pride. his
fsroutc vessel. and in iho summer Of
1919 loft Galveston Island, never 90 re-
turn
But little is known Of his subsequent
career. His Lieutenant, Cochran. soon
aflcrward entered the Mexican navy and
rose 90 the rank 0f Commodore. Iafttc
F.r aMuTe.N Unnrn rarrm.arH