 | Lafitte |  |
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 | |