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


III :. hs BhAHhEAH.
The most conspicuous name in the au-
nails of modern piracy, and one which
rivals in prominence even those of Cap
tain Kydd and Henry Morgan, of the
seventeenth century, is that of Jean
Latitte..
Laitte was u Frenchman by birth, and
was born about the year 1850. He was
the eldest of three brothers, all of whom
were seafaring mem Shortly after ar
irving at his ma. ority he was commits.
stoned by the French Government as
priyateersman in the war with Spain.
Afterward he visited South America,
where he was commissioned by New
Carthagena for similar services against
Spanish vessels. Giving great latitude
tNhis commission he attacked and took
not only Spanish vessels, but all others
which were unable to withstand his su-
perior force ard flushed by succe ses
and encouraged by the accumulation of
power and riches soon degcnerated into
absolute piracy. Selecting the Gulf of
Mexico for his depredations, he soon be-
came terror to its waters.
Laiitte became mu h attached to 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 colors.
The principal rendezvous of Lafitte
was now the Island of Grand Terre (since
known as Barrataria), on tie coast of
ouisiana. A visit to the island shows a
stret h 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 eminences scat
tered over the island are covered with
live oak groves. But few genuine traces
OF the pirate are now to be seen on the
island, though the older of the fishermen
who inhabit it abound in warns of dis
coveries made fifty or more years ago,
aad Of trees with cabalistic signs, and of
searches VIII ch have been made for trea-
surcs, 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 to the north
and reached by narrow passes between
the island and mainland.
Within this bay, aiitte's vessels dis
charged their cargoes, which were thence
taken by way of Nd AGENT bayous and
creeks, navigable only for shallow bot
toned boats, and known to smugglers
and pirates alone, to within a few miles
OF New Orleans, where they finally ar
rived and were disposed of to merchants
who asked no questions
Another retreat was situated on the
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.
Latittc possessed also II hiding place
for himself and treasure in an uninhab-
tied portion of New Carthagena.
from these pla es this daring bucca-
neer's vessels issued and spread terror
and devastation among the commerce of
the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and
parts of the Atlantic Ocean. Some Sc
we're naval combats 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
fled to the West Indies, taking with
jewels. Much of these riches were
was captured by Latitte on the high seas.
Often the freebooters were bold enough
to attack the dwellings and Plantations
of those wealthy Spaniards in obscure
portions of the West Indies and rob
them of the wealth they had brought
from MeNico. The military were fre-
quently called from their posts to defend
life and property in cases OF this sort.
The wealth acquired by Lalitte from
this source is said TO have been enor-
nous. A great many writers assert that
the amount in value of the treasures car
ried away from Mexico about this period
by refugees and exiles exceeds belief.
The rendezvous at Barrataria (then so
called by the Americans) becoming
notorious and the interference of Laftte's
vessels with Spanish and French
merchantmen having nearly demoralized
the commerce Of New Orleans, the GOV
ernor Of Louisiana issued a proclamation
Offering a reward Of $500 for the head of
the pirate chief. Latitte returned the
compliment by Offering SIS, ,O0i for the
head of Governor Claiborne, and shortly
aiterward visited New Orleans in dis
guise. In the early part of his piratical
course he visited Charleston, and falling
in love with a French maiden slew his
rival in a duel.
In the latter part of 1914 the intention
OF the British to attack New Orleans
became known. 1t was much feared that
the Barratarians would ally themselves
with the invaders, allow a passage
through Barrataria Bay tthe ascent of
the Mississippi being deemed hazardous),
and, with their thorough knowledge of
the neighboring territory aud waters,
aud assistance Of men and artillery, place
the city within the power of the enemy.
Shortly before the battle of New
Orleans an armed brig, belonging to his
Majesty's navy, anchored Just outside
the Pass of Barrataria. A pinnace convey
ing four British officers and flag of
truce was dispatched to the is
land Before these officers could
reach Laftte's headquarters they
were rudely seized by a crowd
Of pirates who met them as they reached