 | Lafitte |  |
APPENDIX.
Proclamation of pardon to Lafitte and his adherents, by President
Madison.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
A PROCLAMATION.
Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little
intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages
into other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty
years, the dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants
of different countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the
least injurious to human happiness, nor the least severe in the
trial of human virtue.
“It had been long ascertained that many foreigners, flying from
the dangers of their own home, and that some citizens, forgetful
of their duty, had co-operated in forming an establishment on the
island of Barataria, near the mouth of the river Mississippi, for
the purpose of a clandestine and lawless trade. The government
of the United States caused the establishment to be broken up and
destroyed; and, having obtained the means of designating the
offenders of every description, it only remained to answer the demands
of justice by inflicting an exemplary punishment.
“But it has since been represented that the offenders have manifested
a sincere penitence; that they have abandoned the prosecution
of the worst cause for the support of the best, and, particularly,
that they have exhibited, in the defence of New Orleans,
unequivocal traits of courage and fidelity. Offenders, who have
refused to become the associates of the enemy in the war, upon
the most seducing terms of invitation; and who have aided to repel
no longer be considered as objects of punishment, but as objects
of a generous forgiveness.
“It has therefore been seen, with great satisfaction, that the
General Assembly of the State of Louisiana earnestly recommend
those offenders to the benefit of a full pardon: And in compliance
with that recommendation, as well as in consideration of all
the other extraordinary circumstances of the case, I James Madison,
President of the United States of America, do issue this proclamation,
hereby granting, publishing and declaring, a free and
full pardon of all offences committed in violation of any act or acts
of the Congress of the said United States, touching the revenue,
trade and navigation thereof, or touching the intercourse and commerce
of the United States with foreign nations, at any time before
the eighth day of January, in the present year one thousand
eight hundred and fifteen, by any person or persons whatsoever,
being inhabitants of New Orleans and the adjacent country, or
being inhabitants of the said island of Barataria, and the places
adjacent: Provided, that every person, claiming the benefit of
this full pardon, in order to entitle himself thereto, shall produce a
certificate in writing from the governor of the State of Louisiana,
stating that such person has aided in the defence of New Orleans
and the adjacent country, during the invasion thereof as aforesaid.
“And I do hereby further authorize and direct all suits, indictments,
and prosecutions, for fines, penalties, and forfeitures,
against any person or persons, who shall be entitled to the benefit
of this full pardon, forthwith to be stayed, discontinued and released:
All civil officers are hereby required, according to the
duties of their respective stations, to carry this proclamation into
immediate and faithful execution.
“Done at the City of Washington, the sixth day of February,
in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, and
of the independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.
Acting Secretary of State.”
A PROCLAMATION.
The annexed historical sketch of Lafitte suggested the present work.
“A curious instance of the strange mixture of magnanimity and
ferocity, often found among the demi-savages of the borders, was
afforded by the Louisianian Lafitte. This desperado had placed
himself at the head of a band of outlaws from all nations under
heaven, and fixed his abode upon the top of an impregnable rock,
to the south-west of the mouth of the Mississippi. Under the
colours of the South American patriots, they pirated at pleasure
every vessel that came in their way, and smuggled their booty up
the secret creeks of the Mississippi, with a dexterity that baffled
all the efforts of justice. The depredations of these outlaws, or,
as they styled themselves, Baratarians, (from Barata, their island,)
becoming at length intolerable, the United States' government
despatched an armed force against their little Tripoli. The establishment
was broken up, and the pirates dispersed. But Lafitte
again collected his outlaws, and took possession of his rock. The
attention of the congress being now diverted by the war, he
scoured the gulf at his pleasure, and so tormented the coasting
traders, that Governor Claiborne, of Louisiana, set a price on his
head.
“This daring outlaw, thus confronted with the American government,
appeared likely to promote the designs of its enemies.
He was known to possess the clue to all the secret windings and
entrances of the many-mouthed Mississippi; and in the projected
attack upon New Orleans it was deemed expedient to secure his
assistance.
“The British officer then heading the forces landed at Pensocola
for the invasion of Louisiana, opened a treaty with the Baratarian,
to whom he offered such rewards as were best calculated
to tempt his cupidity and flatter his ambition. The outlaw affected
to relish the proposal; but having artfully drawn from
Colonel N— the plan of his intended attack, he spurned his
offers with the most contemptuous disdain, and instantly despatched
one of his most trusty corsairs to the governor who had
set a price for his life, advising him of the intentions of the enemy,
and volunteering the aid of his little band, on the single condition
Governor Claiborne, though touched by this proof of magnanimity,
hesitated to close with the offer. The corsair kept himself in
readiness for the expected summons, and contined to spy and report
the motions of the enemy. As danger became more urgent,
and the steady generosity of the outlaw more assured, Governor
Claiborne granted to him and his followers life and pardon, and
called them to the defence of the city They obeyed with alacrity,
and served with a valour, fidelity, and good conduct, not surpassed
by the best volunteers of the republic.”—Flint's Miss. Valley.
| Lafitte | |