A new history of Texas for schools : also for general reading and for teachers preparing themselves for examination Page: 62 of 412

48

LAFITTE THE PIRATE.

[1814.

head. The Frenchman was not to be outdone, for he at
once offered $15,000 for the Governor's head. An armed
force was sent out against him, but Lafitte surrounded the
men, and, after showing them
that they were entirely at his
mercy, gave them not only their
freedom but many rich gifts. His
establishment was at last so nearly
destroyed by ships from the United
States navy, that he and his men
were forced to keep very quiet.
In 1814, British officers went to
Barataria (ba ral'tare a)-as the
settlement on Grand Terre was
called-to offer Lafitte 30,000,
JEAN LAFITTE. the rank of post captain, and the
command of a frigate, if he would assist them in the war
they were then waging against the United States. While
Lafitte's crimes were not few, he did not commit that
unpardonable sin--treachery to the country to which he
had sworn allegiance. He requested several days to con-
cargo, including a large amount of specie. Having set sail for Europe with his
wife on board, he was captured, when a week at sea, by a Spanish man-of-war, and
robbed of everything he possessed. The Spanish captain had the inhumanity to
set him and the crew ashore on a barren sand-key, with provisions for a few days.
They were taken off by an American schooner and landed at New Orleans, where
his wife died in a few days from fever, contracted from hardship and exposure.
Lafitte, in desperation, joined some daring fellows, and having purchased a
schooner, declared eternal vengeance against Spain. 'For fifteen years,' he said,
'I have carried on war against Spain. So long as I live I am at war with Spain,
but no other nation. I am at peace with all the world except Spain. Although
they call me a pirate, I am not guilty of attacking any vessel of the English or
French.' '