The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1888-05-09


tered the pirates from intlicting death
upon the new corners, but they were
made prisoners as spies and conducted
to 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
about 1000 mem with those of the Brit
ish army and aid in the attack on New
Orleans.
In consideration of Laftte's acceptance
of this proposition he was to receive
$50, 900 sterling, with post capiaincy
in the British navy and command of a
frigate.
Lafitte answered that he would con
slider the matter and furnish reply in
few days.
The presence of the British brig at
Barratarla and the visits of its officers to
Iatitte soon became known to the State
authorities, who, expecting an alliance
of the Barratarians with the British, re-
solved TO at once eXtermlnate 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, Latitte, in person, advanced to the
suburbs of the city and forwarded thence
to Governor Claiborne the letters which
he had received from the British officers,
accompanied with communication
which stated their intentions and plans.
The Governor at once convened a coun-
Gil of the officers of the navy, army and
militia. To this council he submitted
the documents received from Laitte.
Upon examination the council doubted
the genuineness of the letters, the Gov
ernor was advised to hold no communi-
cation with Lafitte, and the expedition
ordered to proceed.
Laiitte, enraged at these proceedings,
arranged for 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.
1t 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. The policy of accepting and
relying on Latitte's protfered aid became
a matter of expediency and almost of ne
cessity. A conference between General
jackson and Governor Claiborne resulted
in the issuance of general orders inviting
Latitte and his men to join the army.
The invitation was accepted, AMI the
acquisition of the outlaws to the Ameri-
can army did much toward effecting
the grand results of the fight on the
field Of Chalmette.
The number of Lalltte's forces engaged
in 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-
ceived General Jackson's highest com
mendation, and early in 1915 President
Madison, in proclamation reciting
their courage and fidelity, granted free
pardon to Jean latltte and his men.
Bnt the invcterate propensity for pi-
racy, bloodshed and plunder, and. love
of the sea still clung to Iafitte, and with
in 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
(then 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 to his com
mands was often punished by death
Two of his lieutenants, Brown aud Fran
els, having deprecated on American
commerce, were by his order publicly
hanged. In order to preserve friendly
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
| Island. His government was well Or
ganized. The long, low island with its
undisturbed miles of surface, which had
hitherto known the presence of the Ton
| kaway and Carnchua Indians, soon be-
came the home of motley population of
French, Americans, English and Span
iards. A large number of houses were
built, Latitte's, large red painted struc-
ture, being principal among them. Here
| the "GOvernor of Texas" and "Lord of
/ Galveston Island" lived with all the
luXuries and prerogatives of a mighty
prince. Balls and fetes at his head
/ quarters were frequent, especially when
a new prize was taken. All strangers
visiting the island in friendly manner,
especially Americans, were treated with
hospitality, and were secure from harm
Old Mrs. Campbell, the wife of one of
Laftte's lieutenants, who recently died
on the mainland near Galveston, de
scribed the great pirate chief as then Sin
the prime of life, tall, well formed and
handsome; his eyes were of hazel color
and his hair and mustache very black
He usually wore a green uniform. He
was kind to his men, but born COM
mandern
In spite of the commands and remon-
strances of their chief, Laftte's men
deprecated on American commerce. and
in 1919 Lieutenant Kcarney was sent by
the United States Government to expel
the pirates from Galveston Island.
Before the arrival of the American
man-of-war, Latitte, having heard of its
mission. discharged all except sixty of
his crew, and with them and his next in
command-an Englishman named
Cochran-he boarded the Pride, his
fayorite vessel, and in the summer of
1919 left Galveston Island, never to re-
turn.
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