Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-01-11
EXPIRES. TAFT !,
: At AUGUSTA


that indicates that his reputation in
louisiana for probity was not unaues-
toned Professor Bassett in his life
/ Of Andrew jackson speaks of Livingston
as lawyer OF talent but not too scru-
pulous," Gayarre In his history of
louisiana refers TO him as the first
lawyer Of New Orleans. but "of sup
posed rapecity." II is to be presumed
that the story of his defalcation had
followed him to New Orleans, and IT is
quite evident that he had encountered
much criticism OF the people of New
Orleans in his effort to possess himself
At the Batture. Moreovef In the zeal of
his advocacy, he had incurred enmities
md aroused criticism in which there
v,s some element of justice. All his
Ne long he contracted debts and did
not pay them promptly. For four or
ave years. before the battle of New
Orleans. band of men who called
themselves privsteers. and who preyed
upon Spanish vessels. had their head
quarters on an island in one Of the
bayous west of the mouth of the Mis-
sissippi called ''Barrateria." This is
land was the island of Grande Terre.
rrivatecrs from the French island of
Gaud.oupe, and when that was cap
tured by the English. they solicited and
obtained commission from a newly
established republic of Cartagena claim
INK independence from Spain They car
RED on "A very lucrative business of de-
frauding the enemies of the United
ststes by smuggling the merchandise
piundcred from Spanish merchantmen
into New Orleans. Their sale of these
smugglcd goods was open and almost
defiant. The people from New Orleans,
many Of them. connived at IL and bought
the articles sold, although Claiborne pro-
tested and besought the Legislature of
the State in vain for aid to suppress this
lawiessness. Finally naval expedi-
tlon OF the United States government
broke up their settlement at Grande
brothers Lantte. who were the leaders.
Professor Bassett says that Livingston
represented them as counsel Whether
this representation was after only some
of them had been captured and impris-
oned IN New Orleans. and ne was merely
appearing In their defence, or whether
Il had been maintained earlier pending
their Illicit business career, of which
there is some intimation, does not dis
tlnctly appear.
In spite OF the successful naval ex-
petition against them. the Barratorians
seem TO have returned to Grande Terre
whence they had fed. and there under
Jean LATTE resumed operations-whiIe
there in 1914 n British war vessel came
70 Barratoria Bay. and the British ad-
miral IN command in the Gulf offered
Lahtte "A commission in the English
navy and large sum of money if he
and his men would join their forces.
Laftte sent the communications to a
friend in New Orleans to be present ed
10 the authorities. His brother was
still in prison. When this became
known, Jackson in issuing n proclama =
ton 10 the people, referred with scorn
TO the fact that the English sought to
associate themselves with pirates and
robbers" and ''hellish banditti." After
wards. however. he was glad to accept
their services in defense of New Or
leans. and In his general orders after
the battle, referred to them as gentle
men and privateers with great COM
mendation of their courage and valor.
After the battle. Jackson continued the
martial law when the necessity for it
had ceased. and issued an order send
ing the French aliens out of the city.
French naturalized citizen published
letter in which he criticized this or
der severely. Jackson had him arrest
cd and committed to Jail. Hall, who
issued a writ of habeas corpus to in
quire into the legality of this arrest.
Jackson thereupon arrested the United
states Judge and confined him. After
the news of peace came martial law
was suspended. and Judge Hall, at the
Instance of the District Attorney. cited
Jackson for contempt. jackson at
tempted to answer. but the court de-
clined TO hear him and fined him $1,000.
which he paid.
Was Livingston Jackson's Adviser?
II Is suggested, though without d-
rect proof. that Livingston was Jack
sons adviser In this illegal course in
dealing with Judge Hall. but it is diff
cult TO believe that Livingston with his
accurate knowledge of the law could
nave allowed himself to give such AZ
wee II Is established. however, that
Livingston drafted the answer which
Jackson attempted TO make the pro-
ceeding instituted against him in Judge
Halls court for contempt. 1t is note
worthy that the Barratarians were
present when he was summoned for
Contempt. and proposed TO throw the
Judge into the river. but Jackson re-
Pressed any such lawlessness, submit
ted TO the jurisdiction OF the court. and
paid the fine. subsequently he threat
ened TO secure impeachment proceed
lnss against Judge Hall. but wisely al
lowed the matter to drop.
Livingston had not succeeded finan-
claliy His expenses were heavy. AS
already said. the time that he had con-
sumed on the Batture controversy and
'he money expended were a loss. and
inc debt which he had confessed judg-
ment Tor to the government still hung
over him. His affection for his wife and
chiiareh was very tender. He had suf.
.er'u great grief in the loss first Of a
'aushter and then of n son. neither OF
"hoh ne was able to see as much as
u" would. His letters to his son are
isli OF affection. and may be compared
w some ways with the letters of Lord