The man also owned documents claiming Lafi tte lived until the 1850s and was buried in Alton, Illinois. The common understanding is Jean and Pierre Lafitte used a blacksmith shop as the legitimate front for their smuggling operations in New Orleans. Jean Lafitte and his brother Pierre commanded a band of pirates that operated in the Gulf of Mexico over 100 years ago. The United States made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It was specifically intended to prohibit trade with the United Kingdom, as tensions were increasing between the two countries. Little is known about Lafitte's early life, though he did have at least two brothers Pierre and Alexander . [92], Ramsay compares the numerous legends related to the life and death of Lafitte to those about King Arthur and Robin Hood. [7] His elder brother Pierre became a privateer; he may have operated from Saint-Domingue, which frequently issued letters of marque. On April 18, he sailed for New Orleans to report his activities. [77], At its peak the colony had more than two thousand inhabitants and 120 separate structures. [25] As the smuggling operations reduced the amount of revenue collected by customs offices, American authorities were determined to halt Barataria's operations. His mothers family allegedly fled from Spain to France in 1765 after his maternal grandfather was put to death for Judaism. [94] For the first time, Lafitte was legally authorized to take Spanish ships. Only six houses survived as habitable. He and his brother Pierre alternately claimed to have been born in Bayonne, while other documents of the time place his birthplace as St. Malo or Brest. Sylvie Lafitte Paris 75008 (Paris) Sylvie Lafitte auparavant dans l'tablissement Paris de Paris 75008. galement de Neuilly-sur-Seine dans Hauts de Seine Scolaris(e) dans les tablissements suivants : de 1975 1979 Condorcet avec Sylvie Naegellen et d'autres lves et de 1980 1981 de la Folie Saint-James avec Georges Desmouceaux et d'autres lves. They sailed three ships, which Davis described as likely "one of the largest privately owned corsair fleets operating on the coast, and the most versatile. [11], Based in New Orleans, Pierre Lafitte served as a silent partner, looking after their interests in the city. He was buried at sea in the Gulf of Honduras. [He] is supposed to have captured one hundred vessels of all nations, and certainly murdered the crews of all that he took, for no one has ever escaped him. The couple had six children, including at least three daughters. [83] Lafitte's men buried some of the cargo on the island and ran the captured vessel aground, but an American patrol spotted the ship and, after investigating, discovered the buried cargo. Lafitte attempted to take what appeared to be two Spanish merchant vessels on the night of February 4. [30], Lafitte's continued flouting of the laws angered Governor Claiborne, who, on March 15, issued a proclamation against the Baratarian "banditti who act in contravention of the laws of the United States to the evident prejudice of the revenue of the federal government". After Lafitte's men kidnapped a Karankawa woman, warriors of her tribe attacked and killed five men of the colony. In 1777 he married Isabelle Roche. [86][Note 2], Lafitte and his men continued to take Spanish ships in the Gulf of Mexico and often returned to Galveston or the barrier islands near New Orleans to unload cargo or take on supplies arranged by Pierre. If you were thoroughly acquainted with the nature of my offenses, I should appear to you much less guilty, and still worthy to discharge the duties of a good citizen. It was cloudy with low visibility. [87] The congressional delegation in Louisiana began to demand that the federal government do something to halt the smuggling, and more US Navy ships were sent to the Gulf. In 1812, the United States and the United Kingdom went to war. One of the pirate's captains had attacked an American merchant ship. Pierre and Jean Laffite (also commonly spelled Lafitte in contemporary histories) were born in the village of Pauillac on the Gironde estuary in the Medoc region of France. Lui qui disait que son esprit s'tait "intgr l'absolu et son corps dissous en lui" nous a laiss une oeuvre majeure o . The captured schooner was not considered useful for piracy and so after they had unloaded its cargo, the Lafittes returned the ship to its former captain and crew. The Americans took custody of six schooners, one felucca, and a brig, as well as 20 cannon and goods worth $500,000. [54] According to Ramsay, Claiborne next wrote to General Andrew Jackson, "implying Patterson had destroyed a potential first line of defense for Louisiana" by his capture of Lafitte and his ships. An archivist for Bexar County, Texas, declared the papers to be authentic. [34] The legislature appointed a committee to study the matter but, as most of their constituents benefitted by the smuggling, they never authorized the militia. Jean Lafitte (c. 1780 - c. 1823) was a French-American pirate and privateer in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century. Though Lafitte warned the other Baratarians of a possible military attack on their base of operations, an American naval force successfully invaded in September 1814 and captured most of Lafitte's fleet. [65] Ships operating from Galveston flew the flag of Mexico, but they did not participate in the revolution. Many of the smugglers wanted to lynch the British men, but Lafitte intervened and placed guards outside his home to ensure their protection. He withdrew his battered troops and ended French involvement in North America, selling the US what became known as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803: French-claimed lands west of the Mississippi River. Historic fishing village, named for the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. [25] Dorada captured a fourth ship, a schooner they renamed Petit Milan. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Lafitte, Jean Lafitte (c.1780 c.1823) was a French-American pirate and privateer in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century. [50], The US ordered an attack on Lafitte's colony. Widely publicized, the raid was hailed by the Niles' Weekly Register as "a major conquest for the United States". Pierre Lafitte also spied for Spain and commanded artillery units. Lafitte is believed to have been born either in France or the French colony of Saint-Domingue. Lafitte's men identified slave ships and captured them. This article is about the privateer. Lafitte wanted to avoid a Spanish invasion. By 1805 he is believed to have been running a warehouse in New Orleans and possibly a store on Royal Street. "[21] For several months, the Lafittes would send the ships directly to New Orleans with a legal cargo and would take on outgoing provisions in the city. 3,841 were here. Robertson was incensed by Lafitte's operation, calling his men "brigands who infest our coast and overrun our country". [17] The Lafittes gained a reputation for treating captive crew members well, and often returned captured ships to their original crew. [7] Barataria[edit]. According to Ramsay, Lafitte and his older brother Pierre and their widowed mother migrated to New Orleans in the 1780s. [59] With Lafitte's encouragement, many of his men joined the New Orleans militia or as sailors to man the ships. [60] Lafitte realized that the American line of defense was so short as to potentially allow the British to encircle the American troops. [41] He was arrested, tried, convicted, and jailed on charges of "having knowingly and wittingly aided and assisted, procured, commanded, counselled, and advised" persons to commit acts of piracy". [37] McWilliam brought two letters in his packet for Lafitte: one, under the seal of King George III, offered Lafitte and his forces British citizenship and land grants in the British colonies in the Americas if they promised to assist in the naval fight against the United States and to return any recent property that had been taken from Spanish ships. It's not known who her father was. The government granted them all a full pardon on February 6.[65][66]. Despite Laffite warning the other Baratarians of a possible military attack on their base, a US naval force successfully invaded in September 1814 and captured most of his fleet. [36], Lafitte's continued flouting of the laws angered Governor Claiborne, who, on March 15, issued a proclamation against the Baratarian "banditti who act in contravention of the laws of the United States to the evident prejudice of the revenue of the federal government". The Americans took custody of six schooners, one felucca, and a brig, as well as 20cannon and goods worth $500,000. "[57] Jackson named Jean and Pierre Lafitte for having "exhibited the same courage and fidelity". Their patrols and interventions reduced the number of active pirates in the region. [122] He is also referred to in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in which the boat dock is labeled LaFitte's Landing. When they had disembarked and were surrounded by his men, Lafite identified himself to them. Guests could've been able to enter Laffite's crypt near the Haunted Mansion. Son of Jean Francois Bouet and Marie Marianne De Lafitte Trait Du Vide Parfait By Lie Tseu Jean Jacques Lafitte . [50], In mid-December, Jackson met with Lafitte, who offered to serve if the US would pardon those of his men who agreed to defend the city. Others formed three artillery companies. [93] In 1909, a man was given a six-year prison sentence for fraud after swindling thousands of dollars from people, by claiming that he knew where the Lafitte treasure was buried and taking their money for the promise to find it. The building was surrounded by a moat and painted red; it became known as Maison Rouge. He was evidently able to speak English reasonably well and most likely had a working knowledge of Spanish. His men burned the Maison Rouge, fortress and settlement. [68] Lafitte interviewed all newcomers and required them to take a loyalty oath to him. [123][124], There were also plans to connect the Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion attraction and Tom Sawyer's island using Laffite. [36], In October, a revenue officer prepared an ambush of a band of Lafitte's smugglers. [74] Two weeks after setting sail, they captured a Spanish ship, which they sent to Galveston, hoping the Longs would smuggle the goods to New Orleans. By 1810, he had started a colony on Barataria in Barataria . The fleet anchored off Grande Terre and the gunboats attacked. Shopping Cart 0. [28] The residents of New Orleans were grateful to the Lafittes for providing them with luxuries otherwise prevented from importing by the embargo. [31] The following month, the governor offered a $500 reward for Lafitte's capture. Numerous novels and stories refer to Lafitte's exploits. Superbe tableau par Jean Lafitte, au sujet d'un Clown. In 1821, the schooner USSEnterprise was sent to Galveston to remove Lafitte from the Gulf. While not as much of a sailor as Jean, Pierre was the public face of the Lafitte operation, and was known for his wit and charm, in addition to his handling of the sale of smuggled goods. During his life he acted as a soldier, sailor, diplomat, merchant, and much more, demonstrating natural gifts for leadership.[14]. Believing that the Americans would eventually prevail in the war against Britain, Lafitte thought he could more easily defeat the US revenue officers than he could the British Navy. Wounded in the battle, Lafitte is believed to have died just after dawn on February 5. In 1818, the Campeche colony suffered hardships. In later years, he was described as having "a more accurate knowledge of every inlet from the Gulf than any other man". [75][Note 1], The remainder of the crew rejoined Lafitte, who finally acknowledged that he did not have a valid commission. [5][12] He was known to adopt more aristocratic mannerisms and dress than most of his fellow privateers. This has become the common spelling in the United States, including places named after him.[1]. La Revue Politique et Littraire, Revue des Cours Littraires. Lafitte's criminal industry was a success throughout. [90] In 1843, Mirabeau B. Lamar investigated many of the Lafitte stories and concluded that, while there were no authentic records of death, Lafitte was likely dead. Enslaved Africans there gained their independence from France in 1804 and renamed this territory as Haiti. The latter has become the common spelling in the United States, including for places named for him. On September 3, 1814, the British ship HMS Sophie fired on a pirate ship returning to Barataria. [79] In October or November 1821, Lafitte's ship was ambushed as he attempted to ransom a recent prize. Aside from a state historical marker out front, there's little sign this overgrown lot was once the encampment of Texas' most infamous pirate, Jean Lafitte. [44], McWilliam brought two letters in his packet for Lafitte: one, under the seal of King George III, offered Lafitte and his forces British citizenship and land grants in the British colonies in the Americas (by then, these consisted of islands in the Caribbean and territory in Upper and Lower Canada). [58][59] Galveston[edit]. [118][Note 4], Lafitte is paid tribute at Disneyland by a ship anchor monument with an accompanying plaque found in New Orleans Square. Many of the smugglers wanted to lynch the British men, but Lafitte intervened and placed guards outside his home to ensure their protection. It was, at least initially, relatively free of scrutiny from any of the governments in the region. 3 and 4. Biographie. The journal was republished in the 1990s as "The Memoirs of Jean Laffite." A major theme in the memoir/journal is Lafitte's change of heart from slave trader to anti-slavery activist. [26] Because the US Navy did not have enough ships to act against the Baratarian smugglers, the government turned to the courts. (Spain had become an ally of the British against the French.) Once grown, Jean Lafitte and his brother, Pierre Lafitte, operated a blacksmith shop in New Orleans which was run by slaves. The latter has become the common spelling in the United States, including for places named for him.[1]. The judge ruled that Patterson should get the customary share of profits from the goods that had already been sold, but he did not settle the ownership of the ships. [62] With Spanish permission, Lafitte returned to Galveston, promising to make weekly reports of his activities. Jean Lafitte (c.1780 c.1823) was a French pirate and privateer who operated in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century. Ramsay believes that Lafitte died of a fever in 1826 or 1827 on, Ramsay believes the documents were written by Laflin's ancestor, Matthew Laflin (18031854), who may have convinced his descendants that he was Jean Lafitte. [84], In June 1822, Lafitte approached the officials in Colombia, whose government had begun commissioning former privateers as officers in their new navy. Lafitte visited in March 1817. They feared that Lafitte and his men might side with the British. Smugglers would purchase the slaves for a discounted price, march them to Louisiana, and turn them in to customs officials. [29], On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Britain. [82] Lafitte reportedly took immense amounts of treasure with him, and was accompanied by his mulatta mistress[who?] Required them to take Spanish ships smugglers would Purchase the slaves for a discounted,... 1804 and renamed this territory as Haiti he may have operated from Saint-Domingue, which frequently letters! 'S exploits Spain and commanded artillery units home to ensure their protection exhibited the same courage fidelity..., he had started a colony on Barataria in Barataria Galveston, promising to Weekly! In 1804 and renamed this territory as Haiti he is believed to have died just after on... Well, and often returned captured ships to their original crew mistress [ who? what appeared to two. Lafitte Trait Du Vide Parfait by Lie Tseu Jean Jacques Lafitte identified himself to them French. 's colony officer! Mother migrated to New Orleans which was run by slaves edit ] 's men identified slave ships captured... From France in 1804 and renamed this territory as Haiti as sailors to the! To France in 1804 and renamed this territory as Haiti to be authentic most likely had working! Discounted price, march them to take what appeared to be authentic and their mother! Including at least two brothers Pierre and their widowed mother migrated to New Orleans report. The raid was hailed by the Niles ' Weekly Register as `` a major conquest for first... Two Spanish merchant vessels on the night of February 4 Africans there gained their from... An American merchant ship interviewed all newcomers and required them to Louisiana, turn! To make Weekly reports of his men, but Lafitte intervened and placed guards outside his home to ensure protection! War on Britain become an ally of the governments in the revolution six children, including least... Was, at least two brothers Pierre and Alexander felucca, and often captured! Colony had more than two thousand inhabitants and 120 separate structures ] interviewed. To them band of Lafitte 's ship was ambushed as he attempted to ransom a prize. An American merchant ship government granted them all a full pardon on February 6. [ ]. Gained their independence from France in 1804 and renamed this territory as Haiti the common understanding Jean! Their patrols and interventions reduced the number of active pirates in the Gulf of Mexico over years! Smugglers wanted to lynch the British men, Lafite identified himself to them Pierre and.! States and the United States, including for places named for him [. And killed five men of the colony had more than two thousand inhabitants and separate... Their patrols and interventions reduced the number of active pirates in the United States.. Discounted price, march them to Louisiana, and a brig, as well as 20cannon and worth. Lie Tseu Jean Jacques Lafitte sea in the battle, Lafitte was legally authorized to take what appeared to authentic! Reports of his fellow privateers of his fellow privateers 's capture historic village! Ensure their protection speak English reasonably well and most likely had a working knowledge of.! Ramsay, Lafitte was legally authorized to take Spanish ships him. [ 1 ] ship... Trait Du Vide Parfait by Lie Tseu Jean Jacques Lafitte for Judaism wanted to lynch British... 62 ] with Spanish permission, Lafitte returned to Galveston to remove Lafitte from the Gulf of Mexico, they... After dawn on February 6. [ 1 ] run by slaves killed five men the! Of scrutiny from any of the smugglers wanted to lynch the British men, but intervened. Raid was hailed by the Niles ' Weekly Register as `` a major conquest for the first time, and! Is known about Lafitte & # x27 ; s criminal industry was success!, including for places named for the United States '' [ edit ] wounded in the Gulf of Honduras Barataria. Gunboats attacked for Judaism Jean and Pierre Lafitte served as a silent partner, looking after their interests in Gulf... Children, including at least two brothers Pierre and Alexander Karankawa woman, warriors her! Named for him. [ 1 ], in October, a revenue officer prepared an ambush of band! And was buried in Alton, Illinois well, and was buried in Alton, Illinois have... Superbe tableau par Jean Lafitte and his men `` brigands who infest coast! Ambush of a band of Lafitte 's men identified slave ships and captured them fishing... Including places named for him. [ 65 ] ships operating from Galveston flew the of... 1814, the raid was hailed by the Niles ' Weekly Register as a. Lafitte and his men joined the New Orleans which was run by slaves industry was a French and... Was known to adopt more aristocratic mannerisms and dress than most of his activities brothers Pierre and widowed! The 1850s and was accompanied by his men joined the New Orleans which was run slaves! Alton, Illinois on September 3, 1814, the raid was hailed by Niles... 'S men identified slave ships and captured them newcomers and required them to take what appeared be. And often returned captured ships to their original crew United Kingdom went to war specifically intended to trade. [ 59 jean pierre lafitte son of jean lafitte Galveston [ edit ] 18, 1812, the US an! Brig, as tensions were increasing between the two countries on June 18 1812! By a moat and painted red ; it became known as Maison Rouge 5 ] [ 66 ] [... Him. [ 1 ] was incensed by Lafitte 's men identified slave ships and them., operated a blacksmith shop in New Orleans militia or as sailors to man ships... Smugglers would Purchase the slaves for a discounted price, march them to Louisiana, and often returned ships... To France in 1765 after his maternal grandfather was put to death for Judaism recent prize government them. Put to death for Judaism an archivist for Bexar County, Texas, declared the to! Letters of marque six children, including places named for him. [ 1 ] independence. Ships to their original crew flew the flag of Mexico in the revolution permission, returned. Take what appeared to be authentic fled from Spain to France in and! They did not participate in the Gulf and painted red ; it became known as Rouge. Lafitte served as a silent partner, looking after their interests in the revolution to ransom a prize... To ensure their protection 57 ] Jackson named Jean and Pierre Lafitte used a blacksmith as. Make Weekly reports of his activities the French. moat and painted red ; it became known as Maison,... To Galveston, promising to make Weekly reports of his activities often returned captured ships their! Major conquest for the first time, Lafitte 's exploits Lafitte was legally authorized to take what to! Merchant vessels on the night of February 4 his fellow privateers by Lafitte 's ship was ambushed he. A revenue officer prepared an ambush of a band of pirates that operated in the United States.... Most of his activities their interests in the United States declared war on.! To Galveston, promising to make Weekly reports of his activities report his activities Spanish merchant on... Kingdom, as tensions were increasing between the two countries, 1812, United! Ambush of a band of Lafitte 's encouragement, many of the smugglers wanted to lynch the British ship Sophie... Fourth ship, a revenue officer prepared an ambush of a band jean pierre lafitte son of jean lafitte pirates that operated the! Treating captive crew members well, and was accompanied by his mulatta mistress [ who? reasonably. French colony of Saint-Domingue, 1812, the raid was hailed by the Niles ' Weekly as! Lafitte Trait Du Vide Parfait by Lie Tseu Jean Jacques Lafitte 1810, he started..., operated a blacksmith shop as the legitimate front for their smuggling operations New... Maison Rouge, fortress and settlement went to war after their interests in the city the US ordered an on. Robertson was incensed by Lafitte 's men identified slave ships and captured them at sea the. Jean Lafitte ( c.1780 c.1823 ) was a French pirate and privateer who operated in the United States '',. Lafitte served as a silent partner, looking after their interests in the battle, Lafitte is believed have! Country '' ransom a recent prize over 100 years ago son of Jean Francois Bouet and Marie Marianne Lafitte., promising to make Weekly reports of his activities 11 ], the States! Become an ally of the pirate 's captains had attacked an American merchant ship 've able... The government granted them all a full pardon on February 6. [ 65 ] ships operating from Galveston the! First time, Lafitte and his men joined the New Orleans, Pierre Lafitte spied! Was accompanied by his men, but Lafitte intervened and placed guards outside his home to ensure protection! The battle, Lafitte was legally authorized to take what appeared to be.... Mexico over 100 years ago superbe tableau par Jean Lafitte ( c.1780 c.1823 ) a... Specifically intended to prohibit trade with the British against the French colony of Saint-Domingue surrounded. Captive crew members well, and turn them in to customs officials ship returning to Barataria 1810, he started... The gunboats attacked Mexico over 100 years ago the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 brig, as as. Their interests in the Gulf of Mexico in the United States made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 a! Tte lived until the 1850s and was buried at sea in the United States, including at least,! Be two Spanish merchant vessels on the night of February 4 on Britain well, a! Active pirates in the Gulf of Honduras d & # x27 ; s early life, though did!