He was buried at sea in the Gulf of Honduras. An “engrossing and exciting” account of legendary New Orleans privateers Pierre and Jean Laffite and their adventures along the Gulf Coast (Booklist, starred review). In February 1823, Lafitte was cruising off the town of Omoa, Honduras, on his schooner General Santander. On April 18, he sailed for New Orleans to report his activities. 129-135 (Chicago: Field Enterprises, Inc., 1947), Mexican outpost further south along the Gulf Coast, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Jean Lafitte National Park and Barataria Preserve, Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, List of people pardoned or granted clemency by the president of the United States, "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: GENERAL QUESTIONS", http://www.historiaobscura.com/jean-laffite-as-a-father/, "Owner of Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours says feeding gators is 'not necessary' as JP council considers lifting ban", "The Legend of Jean LaFoote – Advertising Week 360 • AW360", "Cinnamon Crunch (Cap'n Crunch) Cereal | MrBreakfast.com", "Then and Now: Lafitte's Anchor at Disneyland Park", "20 Things You May Not Know About Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean Ride", "History and a Behind the Scenes Look at the Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction in Disneyland", History of the second war between the United States of America and Great Britain: declared by act of Congress, the 18th of June, 1812, and concluded by peace, the 15th of February, 1815, Jean Lafitte: Gentleman Pirate of New Orleans, "Jean LaFitte's piratical topsail schooner", History, photos and movies about Jean Lafitte, Paris Declaration Respecting Maritime Law, Jim Hawkins and the Curse of Treasure Island, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jean_Lafitte&oldid=1010383799, Recipients of American presidential pardons, Pages which use embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from May 2013, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from July 2018, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with multiple identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, pirate, privateer, spy, naval artillery officer. Lafitte was granted a commission and given a new ship, a 43-ton schooner named General Santander in honor to vicepresident general Francisco de Paula Santander. The story of the French pirate Jean Lafitte.Music : Otis Taylor - "Nasty Letter" and "Ten million slaves" from "Public Enemies" OST. [68] Two weeks into his stay, the two leaders of the revolutionaries left the island. Jean Lafitte–also spelled Laffite–was a man of many contradictions. and an infant son[who?]. [16] Barataria was far from the U.S. naval base, and ships could easily smuggle in goods without being noticed by customs officials. They may … Pirates Laffite : The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf Hardcover. Victor had disobeyed his parents and had gotten himself into a predicament from which Lafitte rescued him. The pirates had no buried treasure because they spent wealth as quickly as they acquired it. Lafitte tried to convince the Americans that they had nothing to fear from him. The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf by William C. Davis c. 2005 Yes, there was a Jean Laffite and yes, there was a Pierre Laffite and no, they weren’t the same man. An attorney representing Lafitte argued that the captured ships had flown the flag of Cartagena, an area at peace with the United States. The couple had six children, including at least three daughters. He suggested that the line be extended to a nearby swamp, and Jackson ordered it done. A hurricane in September resulted in flooding of most of the island, in which several people died. Including the "Pirates Laffite" in the title attracted me to this book, but it is really more of a description of the world in which the Lafitte brothers (Pierre and Jean) lived during the early 19th century. [36] The proclamation was printed in the nationally read Niles' Weekly Register. These men were pardoned after testifying that they had deserted from Lafitte's ship in Galveston when they discovered it did not have a valid privateering commission. The smugglers often held letters of marque from multiple countries, authorizing them to capture booty from differing nations. The desperate pirate seeing this, raised himself with difficulty and pain, dagger in hand, to slay the unconscious man. Omoa was the site of the largest Spanish fort in Central America, built to guard the Spanish silver shipments from the mines of Tegucigalpa to overseas destinations. They established themselves on the small and sparsely populated island of Barataria, in Barataria Bay. By 1805 he was thought[by whom?] Robertson was incensed by Lafitte's operation, calling his men "brigands who infest our coast and overrun our country". [74], In less than a year, Lafitte's colony grew to 100–200 men and several women. $4.95. 151–2. They submitted booty from captured British ships to the American authorities at New Orleans, while booty from all other ships was often channeled for sale on the markets through Lafitte's operation. New Orleans issued six such letters, primarily to smugglers who worked with Lafitte at Barataria. In the Journal de Jean Lafitte, the authenticity of which is contested, he claims to have been born in Bordeaux, France, in 1780 from Sephardic Jewish parents whose Conversos grandmother and mother fled Spain for France in 1765, after his maternal grandfather was put to death by the Inquisition for "Judaizing". Anonymous - Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas. [40], Claiborne appealed to the new state legislature, citing the lost revenues due to the smuggling. [86][Note 2], Lafitte and his men continued to take Spanish ships in the Gulf of Mexico, often returning to Galveston or the barrier islands near New Orleans to unload cargo or take on supplies arranged by Pierre. Although it is true that this book can be difficult to get through with so much detail given, I thank Mr. Davis for all of his thorough research. The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf William C. Davis. Lafitte possibly took an assumed name, John Lafflin, possibly giving that surname to his younger two sons. [69] With Spanish permission, Lafitte returned to Galveston, promising to make weekly reports of his activities.[70]. Jackson agreed to do so. Susan Goldman Rubin reveals the life of Jean Laffite, the little-known Jewish Caribbean pirate who became an American patriot during the War of 1812. You might also enjoy: Nicolas Girod and the History of Napoleon House in New Orleans. Lafitte worked with several smugglers, including Jim Bowie, to profit from the poorly written law. [51], On September 23, Patterson and his fleet, including the eight captured ships, began the return trip to New Orleans. Jean Lafitte was likely born in 1782, although he was not baptized until 1786. Their patrols and interventions reduced the number of active pirates in the region. In Suzanne Johnson's urban fantasy series, In the 1960s and 70s a barefoot cartoon pirate named, Lafitte: the pirate of the Gulf – a book from 1836, This page was last edited on 5 March 2021, at 05:15. At the Pier 21 Theater in downtown Galveston, a short film called The Pirate Island of Jean Lafitte shows daily and explores the contradictions of a man who plundered ships but is beloved as a daring buccaneer. [60] Lafitte realized that the American line of defense was so short as to potentially allow the British to encircle the American troops. ), Nicolas, p. 277. states that he held a local (acting) rank of Captain of Royal Marines, Ruby Lorraine Radford, “Victor and the Pirate: A Story of New Orleans During the War of 1812,” Childcraft (Vol. [52] Lafitte was described as, a man who, for about two years past, has been famous for crimes that the civilized world wars against. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. Within two days of Lafitte's notes, Pierre "escaped" from jail. The Pirates Laffite The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf William C. Davis * * * HARCOURT, INC. Orlando Austin New York San Diego Toronto London * * * [41] The legislature appointed a committee to study the matter but, as most of their constituents benefitted by the smuggling, they never authorized the militia. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf. At large during the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812, privateers Jean and Pierre Laffite made life … HMH, May 1, 2006 - History - 720 pages. Find all the books, read about the author and more. Lafitte's biographer Jack C. Ramsay says, "this was a convenient time to be a native of France, a claim that provided protection from the enforcement of American law". In November 1822, he made news in the American press after escorting an American schooner through the pirate-strewn area and providing them with extra cannonballs and food.[96]. Lafitte continued attacking merchant ships as a pirate around Central American ports until he died in 1823. AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE GET WEEKLY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Email Address Subscribe Tweet. [35] Lafitte soon acquired a letter of marque from Cartagena, but never sent any booty there. That night his remaining men reboarded the General Victoria and destroyed its masts and spars, crippling the ship, but they left the crew unharmed. Uniek aanbod (tweedehands) boeken. [32] Because the US Navy did not have enough ships to act against the Baratarian smugglers, the government turned to the courts. One of Lafitte's men testified that the Baratarians had never intended to fight the US but had prepared their vessels to flee. [10] Davis places Lafitte's brother Pierre in Saint-Domingue in the late 1790s and the early 19th century. In January 1808, the government began to enforce the Embargo Act of 1807, which barred American ships from docking at any foreign port and imposed an embargo on goods imported into the US. L'auteur réalise un excellent ouvrage avec beaucoup de référence, un appareil critique des sources, soit un bon travail d'historien. The Pirates Laffite The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf (Book) : Davis, William C. : HoughtonJean and Pierre Laffite's lives were intertwined with the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, the era from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812. [17], Based in New Orleans, Pierre Lafitte served as a silent partner, looking after their interests in the city. [48] Lafitte had copies of the letters sent to Jean Blanque, a member of the state legislature who had invested in the Barataria operation. Jean and Pierre Laffite's lives were intertwined with the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, the era from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812. Ce sont des personnages assez troubles menant une politique en fonction de leurs intérêts: négrier, pirates et n'hésitant pas à trahir leur associés ou collaborateurs. [90] In late April 1822, Lafitte was captured again after taking his first American ship. Jean Laffite, (born 1780 France—died 1825), was a privateer and smuggler who fought heroically for the United States during the War of 1812 in defense of the city of New Orleans. The bay was located beyond a narrow passage between the barrier islands of Grand Terre and Grande Isle. [79], In 1818, the colony suffered hardships. Voici un livre qui tente et qui y réussit avec succès avouons le, à demysthifier les frères Laffite et à raconter leur véritable histoire. An “engrossing and exciting” account of legendary New Orleans privateers Pierre and Jean Laffite and their adventures along the Gulf Coast (Booklist, starred review).At large during the most colorful period in New Orleans’ history, from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812, privateers Jean and Pierre Laffite made life hell for Spanish merchants on the Gulf. [125] He is also referred to in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in which the boat dock is labeled LaFitte's Landing. ... [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. Oct 10, 2020 - Explore Ranae Lee's board "Laffite, the pirate" on Pinterest. Wounded in the battle, Lafitte is believed to have died just after dawn on February 5. [73] Aury returned to Galveston several months later, but he left in July when he realized that the men were unwilling to revolt. [97][Note 3] The Gaceta de Cartagena and the Gaceta de Colombia carried obituaries that noted, "the loss of this brave naval officer is moving. [64] He formally requested clemency for the Lafittes and the men who had served under them. [4][5] In the late 18th century, adult children of the French planters in Saint-Domingue often resettled along the Mississippi River in La Louisiane, especially in its largest city of New Orleans. Ce ne sont pas de gentils pirates comme ont peu le voir dans certains livres (cf Georges Blond) ou films (un film sur l'attaque de la Nouvelle Orléans en 1814 avec Charlton Heston). by William C. Davis. [57], 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. [101] Lafitte is rumored to have buried treasure at many locations, including Galveston and sites along coastal Louisiana, such as Contraband Bayou in Lake Charles. Brands, Lafitte “was French, Spanish or Jewish depending on who was asking.” Little is known about Lafitte’s early life, though he did have at [100] Given his legendary reputation, there was much speculation about whether, or how, Lafitte had died. Laffitte is incredibly pale, and tap dances while he walks because of his shoes (though his black tap dancing shoes do not seem to affect his stealthiness). [95], Lafitte continued to patrol the shipping lanes around Cuba. Jean Laffite is also a character in the historical fiction novels, Lafitte's legend and treasure serve as the launching point for the novel. 3 and 4. [59] With Lafitte's encouragement, many of his men joined the New Orleans militia or as sailors to man the ships. The corsairs aimed the artillery at the Karankawa, killing most of the men in the tribe. $7.95 + $3.99 shipping. In 1821, the schooner USS Enterprise was sent to Galveston to remove Lafitte from the Gulf. [105][106], Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour, located in the eponymous Jean Lafitte National Park and Barataria Preserve, is also named after the Pirate and Privateer. [6] According to Ramsay, Lafitte, his elder brother Pierre, and his widowed mother migrated from Saint-Domingue to New Orleans in the 1780s. As they talked, Victor encouraged Lafitte and his fellow pirates in Barataria Bay to help Louisiana defend herself. Van de flap: Jean en Pierre Laffites leven waren verweven met de meest kleurrijke periode in de Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. One Laffite family, and apparently only one of that spelling, lived in the village. With Jason Curtis, Todd Jensen, Daniel Riordan, Sue Ulu. "[98] No American newspaper published an obituary of him. [71] Texas itself had little population at this time, and the base had no significant populations nearby, so it (at least initially) was relatively free of scrutiny from any of the governments in the region. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. He wears an off-white collared long-sleeve shirt patterned with yellow crosses and navy jumper pants. [7], According to Ramsay, as a young man, Lafitte likely spent much time exploring the wetlands and bayou country south of New Orleans. He ruled a pirate island. [22] The Lafittes gained a reputation for treating captive crew members well, and often returned captured ships to their original crew. If they refused the offer, the letters informed him that the British had orders to capture Barataria to put an end to their smuggling. Download one of the Free Kindle apps to start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, and computer. He brought all captured goods to Barataria. Like Barataria, Galveston was a seaward island that protected a large inland bay. At large during the most colorful period in New Orleans’ history, from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812, privateers Jean and Pierre Laffite made life hell for Spanish merchants on the Gulf. [77], At its peak the colony had more than two thousand inhabitants and 120 separate structures. This book is meticulously researched and occasional dips into the notes reveal the challenges of … Britain maintained a powerful navy, while the United States had little naval power. [76] Lafitte forged letters of marque from an imaginary nation to fraudulently authorize all the ships sailing from Galveston as privateers. Something went wrong. Despite Lafitte warning the other Baratarians of a possible military attack on their base of operations, a United States naval force successfully invaded in September 1814 and captured most of his fleet. [56] It had approximately 1,000 unseasoned troops and two ships for its use. Waargebeurd verhaal van de gebroeders Lafitte! Constructed in the 1770s, the structure stands today as possibly the oldest building in the United States housing a bar (Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar). [83] 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. The fleet anchored off Grande Terre and the gunboats attacked. [94] For the first time, Lafitte was legally authorized to take Spanish ships. Lafitte wanted to avoid a Spanish invasion. [99], Davis writes that Lafitte's death prevented his becoming obsolete; by 1825 piracy had been essentially eradicated in the Gulf of Mexico, and "the new world of the Gulf simply had no room for [his] kind". [87] The congressional delegation in Louisiana began to demand that the federal government do something to halt the smuggling, and more U.S. Navy ships were sent to the Gulf. He discusses several of my ancestors, who were descended from Pierre Lafitte and his mistress, Marie Villard, which was a wonderful thing to add to my genealogy collection. Please try your request again later. The Untold Truth Of Jean Lafitte, The Pirate Of New Orleans The many births of Jean Lafitte. 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. At large during the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812, privateers Jean and Pierre Laffite made life hell for Spanish merchants on the Gulf. On February 13, he escaped, likely with outside help. Interview with Nikolay Nikolov aka Jacques Laffite from the Pirates Show Mallorca 2010 Le tout écrit dans un anglais accessible aux francophones. Buy The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf First edition by William C. Davis (ISBN: 9780151004034) from Amazon's Book Store. Slaves captured in such actions who were turned over to the customs office would be sold within the United States, with half the profits going to the people who turned them in. Lafitte agreed to leave the island without a fight, and on May 7, 1821, departed on The Pride. The headquarters consisted of a two-storey building facing the inland harbor, where landings were made. This is a review of the Kindle edition. Unable to add item to Wish List. The ship would sail to the mouth of Bayou Lafourche, load the contraband goods, and sail "legally" back to New Orleans, with goods listed on a certified manifest. Pierre Lafitte (1770–1821) was a pirate in the Gulf of Mexico and smuggler in the early 19th century. By 1810, their new port had become very successful; the Lafittes had a profitable smuggling operation and also started to engage in piracy. Workers would reload goods into smaller batches onto pirogues or barges for transport through the bayous to New Orleans. The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf eBook: Davis, William C.: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store The item The pirates Laffite : the treacherous world of the corsairs of the Gulf, William C. Davis The pirates Laffite : the treacherous world of the corsairs of the Gulf, William C. Davis [15] The Lafitte brothers began to look for another port from which they could smuggle goods to local merchants. Jean Lafitte Biography. [43] Lafitte's ship grounded in shallow water where the larger British ship could not follow. According to his book, Lafitte was born in or near Pauillac, France, the son of Pierre Lafitte and his second wife, Marguerite Desteil. [119] Many researchers noticed a similarity between John Laflin's handwriting and the writing in the journal. The Pirates Laffite by William C. Davis, Amazon online copy. Located on Bourbon Street, it is believed Lafitte may have spent time there in his earlier years, using it to orchestrate the transfer of smuggled goods. Free shipping. [55] Jackson responded, "I ask you, Louisianans, can we place any confidence in the honor of men who have courted an alliance with pirates and robbers? [102] Ramsay believes that over time, almost "every foot of Grande Isle has been spaded for pirate gold". Several of Lafitte's men were arrested and convicted of piracy. Jean Lafitte is a character in the (2014) science-fiction, mystery novel Atlantic Pyramid, where is one of the many victims taken in by the Bermuda Triangle. [85] Almost half of the combined crew refused to sail as pirates; Lafitte allowed them to leave aboard his largest ship, the brig General Victoria. Pirates Laffite : The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf Hardcover. A number of details about Jean Lafitte's early life remain obscure – often they contradict each other. During his lifetime he gathered significant and colorful fame, with many people thinking of him to be either hero (who fought for the independence of United States economy) or the notorious pirate. Jean Lafitte, sometimes spelled Laffite, was born in approximately 1780 in either France or Saint Domingue (modern day Haiti) and according historian H.W. 1-Click ordering is not available for this item. [53] Likely inspired by Lafitte's offer to help defend Louisiana, Governor Claiborne wrote the US Attorney General, Richard Rush requesting a pardon for the Baratarians, saying that for generations, smugglers were "esteemed honest ... [and] sympathy for these offenders is certainly more or less felt by many of the Louisianans". The boys were given a basic Catholic education. [13] He was educated with his brother at a military academy on Saint Kitts. On November 10, 1812, the United States District Attorney John R. Grymes charged Lafitte with "violation of the revenue law". The brothers stripped down their original ship and used its guns to outfit the new one. When they had disembarked and were surrounded by his men, Lafitte identified himself to them. Due to its location in the National Park, alligator feeding is not allowed on the Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour.[107][108]. They were held in port under custody of the United States marshal. Within weeks, Dorada captured a schooner loaded with over $9,000 in goods. The United States made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. While Davis deals with the legends when necessary, his work focuses on the stories that can be verified. [99], Ramsay compares the numerous legends related to the life and death of Lafitte to those about King Arthur and Robin Hood. A thoroughly-researched, very involved read, Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2019. Davis ends with a fascinating discussion of Pierre Laffite's and the mulatto Marie Villard's progeny, whose light-colored skin led them to attempt to pass for white. Read "The Pirates Laffite The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf" by William C. Davis available from Rakuten Kobo. Oct 10, 2020 - Explore Ranae Lee's board "Laffite, the pirate" on Pinterest. [18] Seamen flocked to the island, working on the docks or at the warehouses until they were chosen as crew for one of the privateers. Lafitte for a time lived a lavish lifestyle complete with servants and the finest housewares and other accoutrements. An “engrossing and exciting” account of legendary New Orleans privateers Pierre and Jean Laffite and their adventures along the Gulf Coast (Booklist, starred review). The captured schooner was not considered useful for piracy so, after unloading its cargo, the Lafittes returned the ship to its former captain and crew. The following day, Lafitte took command of the island and appointed his own officers. "[64] Jackson named Jean and Pierre Lafitte for having "exhibited the same courage and fidelity". Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. After his three children were grown, Lafitte fell sick in his 50's, and was nursed back to health by Emma Hortense Mortimer. The Pirates Laffite is especially valuable to readers interested in the gulf pirates of the early-1800s because so many of the works in that field have been based upon legend. As part of Mexico, it was outside the authority of the United States, and was largely uninhabited, except by Native American Karankawa. Particularly in the early years of their lives, there is so much that can only … [33] Three days later, 40 soldiers were sent to ambush the Baratarians; they captured Lafitte, his brother Pierre, and 25 unarmed smugglers on November 16, and confiscated several thousand dollars of contraband. The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf A Harvest book: Author: William C. Davis: Edition: illustrated, reprint, annotated: Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006: ISBN: 0156032597, 9780156032599: Length: 706 pages: Subjects He refused to allow anyone else to see the original documents until 1969, when he sold them to a professional document dealer. William C. Davis, 1e ed. 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. Most of Jean Lafitte’s life remains shrouded in mystery, including his name. The smugglers wounded one of the officers and safely escaped with the contraband. For the town named after him, see. It destroyed four ships and most buildings. [50], Lafitte committed himself and his men for any defensive measures needed by New Orleans. The Spanish ships appeared to be fleeing but, at 10:00 pm, turned back for a frontal counterattack against Lafitte's ship. Pierre was the historically less-well-known older brother of Jean Lafitte. After securing victory, Jackson paid tribute to the Lafitte brothers' efforts, as well as those of their fellow privateers, in despatches. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is named after him. Download The Pirates Laffite Study Guide Subscribe Now The careers of the Laffite brothers are a microcosm of a phenomenon in American history that rose and fell within a period of half a century. [72] Ships operating from Galveston flew the flag of Mexico, but they did not participate in the revolution. to be running a warehouse in New Orleans and possibly a store on Royal Street. The Pirates Laffite The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf (Book) : Davis, William C. : HoughtonJean and Pierre Laffite's lives were intertwined with the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, the era from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812. His most distinguishing accessories are his classic black top hat and red wooden cane, with which he also wears a pair of gold hoop earrings. By midmorning, 10 armed pirate ships formed a battle line in the bay. Lafitte essentially developed Galveston Island as another smuggling base. [99] 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. [21] In January 1813 they took their first prize, a Spanish hermaphrodite brig loaded with 77 slaves. An archivist for Bexar County, Texas, declared the papers to be authentic. Jean and Pierre Laffite's lives were intertwined with the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, the era from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812. Charles Gayarre wrote the first serious biography of Lafitte, The young Lafitte is a minor character in. After beco… [33], Although under indictment, in March 1813 Lafitte registered as captain of Le Brig Goelette la Diligente for a supposed journey to New York. He is also very tall, as much so as the majority of his crewmates, and slim. He is also chief consultant for the A&E television series. [117][118] When the historical society could not authenticate the claim, Laflin approached the Louisiana author Stanley Arthur, who wrote Jean Laffitte: Gentleman Rover based on the journal. The Pirates Laffite, The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf. : William C. Davis. Most of his men had believed that Lafitte had a valid privateering commission, although there was confusion on which country had issued it. He was accompanied by six gunboats and a tender. [60], On December 23, advance units of the British fleet reached the Mississippi River. The Pirates Laffite The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf (Book) : Davis, William C. : HoughtonJean and Pierre Laffite's lives were intertwined with the most colorful period in New Orleans' history, the era from just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812. Pirates to the U.S. Navy officers who chased them, heroes to the private citizens who shopped for contraband at their well-publicized auctions, the brothers became important members of a filibustering syndicate that included lawyers, bankers, merchants, and corrupt U.S. officials.