West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1888-04-19
JEAN LAFITTE.
ny ). n. HRAsHEAR.

~ =. H. hhAehkAh.
The most conspicuous name in the an
mails Of modern piracy. and one which
rivals ia prominence even those Of Can
tain kydd and Henry Morgan. Of the
seventeenth century, Is that of Jean
LATTE was Frenchman by birth, and
was born about the year 1870. He was
the eldest OF three brothers, all OF whom
We're seaiaring men. shortly after ar
irving 10 his ma .Ority be was commis
stoned by the Preach Government as n
privatecrsman Ia the war with Spaiu.
Afterward ne visited South Americt
where he was commissioned by New
Carthagena for similar services against
spanish vessels. Giving great latitude
20 ms commission he attacked and took
not only spanish vessels, but all Others
which were unable 20 Withstand his SUI
perior force, and flushed by successes
and encouraged by the accumulation Of
power and riches soon degenerated into
absolute piracy. Selecting the Gulf of
Mexico FOR his depredations. he soon be.
came terror 20 its waters.
Lahtte became mue h attached 10 the
principles OF government Of the United
States, and, it is said, directed that no
attacks be made by his forces on vessels
sailing under the American colorA
The principal rendezvous Of LATTE
was now the Island Of Grand Terre (sincc
known as Barrataria), on the coast of
Louisiana. A visit 90 the island shows a
stret OF land about two leagues In
length and three In breadth, lying east
and west and nearly parallel with the
line Of coast. On both sides the island
rises abruptly from the sea, in strong con
trast with the contiguous coast country
OF Louisiana. Several cminences scat
tered oger the island are covered with
live oak groves. But fcw genuine traces
OF the pirate arc now TO be seen on the
Island, though the older Of the fishermen
who inhabit IL abound ia yarns Of dis.
coveries made fifty or more years ago
and Of trees with cabalistie signs, and OF
searches VIII ch have been made for trea-
sures, which are even yet believed TO lie
buried where only some interpreted
cryptogram may make them again be.
come the property Of man. This island
defended small bay lying % the north
and reached by narrSw passes between
the island and mainland
Within this bay, laiittc's vessels dis.
charged their cargoes which were thence
taken by way Of adjacent bayous and
creeks, navigable only for shallow bot
and pirates alone, 90 within a few miles
OF New Orleans. where they finally ar.
rived and we're disposed Of to merchants
who asked no questions
Another retreat was situated on tho
coast Of the Island Of San Domingo.
This place, well concealed among the
natural caves and high, rocky shores Of
the island, was strongly fortified
Laiitte possessed slsO hiding place
for himself aud treasure In an uninhab.
tied portion OF New Carthageua.
From these places this daring buccn-
neer's vessels issued and spread terror
and devastation among the commerce OF
she Gulf Of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and
parts OF the Atlantic Ocean. Some &c.
we're naval cOmbais were had in the West
Indian seas between the pirates and
French and Spanish men-of-war
About this time Mexico was the scene
Of numerous revolutions, and many
refugees from newly acquired supremacy
aed 10 the West Indies, taking with
them large treasures in gold silver aud
jewels. Much Of these riches were
was captured by attic on the high seas.
Often the frcebooters were bold enough
70 attack the dwellings aud plantations
Of those wealthy spaniards In obscure
portions Of the West Indies and rob
them Of the wealth they had brought
from MeVico. The military were ne.
quently cnllcd from their posts 90 defend
life and property 10 cases al this sort
The wealth acquired by LATTE from
this source is said 90 have been enor-
nous. A great many writer's assert that
the amount in value Of the treasures car
riod away from Mexico about this period
by refugees and exilcs exceeds belief
The rendezvous az Bnrraiaria (fhcn 90
called by the Americana boconinr,
notorious and the interference of f.aftfe's
vessels with Spanish and French
merchantmen having nearly dcmoralized
the commerce Of New Orleans, the Gov.
crnor II Louisiana issued proclamation
offering q reward Of $500 for the head of
the pinto chief Latte rcturncd the
compliment hy Offering fi5. COS f1r the
head Of Governor Claiborne, and shortly
nficrward visited New Orleans ih die.
gaisc In The early part of bis piratical
course De visited Charleston, and falling
IN love with q French maiden slow his
rival in q duel
in The lattcr part Of 1914 the intention
81 the Brltifh 90 attack New Orleans
became known. 10 was much feared fhat
the Hauatrians wo Ild ally themselves
with thc invaders, allow passage
through Barrhtaria Bay che ascent Of
the Mississippi being deemed hazardousl.
and with their thorough knowledge of
the ne'ghboring territory and waters.
and assistance ofmcn and artillery. place
the city within the power of ihc enemy.
Shortly before Che battle OF Now
Orleans an armed brig belonging % his
Maicstys navy. IN, horod just outside
the Ia s'oi Bauaiaria. a pinnacc convey
ing four British officers and "a fag Of
truce was Dispatched Co.. the is-
4and Before these officers could
Qch Iadttcs headquarters they
mdely seized by crowd
Eates who met them as thoy reached