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Jean Lafitte

JEAN LAFITTE: PIRATE, GENTLEMAN, OR PRIVATEER?
The dictionary defines a gentleman as "a man who combines gentle birth or rank with chivalrous qualities (2): a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior d (1): a man of independent means who does not engage in any occupation or profession for gain."4 Nowhere in the historical references does it support a birth of nobility for the "gentleman". The Merriams-Webster dictionary defines a pirate as "an act of robbery on the high seas; also: an act resembling such robber; robbery on the high seas."4 The dictionary describes a privateer as "an armed private ship licensed to attack enemy shipping; also: a sailor on such a ship." The name Jean Lafitte carries mixed emotions and mixed reactions from people. Some people have gone as far to describe him as "The Terror of The Gulf", others now him as "The Hero of New Orleans". He was an entrepreneur and an astute diplomat, but also known as a pirate. On several occasions, U.S. presidents have condemned, exonerated, and again condemned his actions. He is known for his piracy in the Gulf of Mexico, and applauded for his heroism in the Battle of New Orleans. Lafitte reportedly did not like being called a pirate. He preferred to be called a privateer serving an economic purpose. Where and when Jean (and Pierre) Lafitte was born, as well as many other personal facts, continue to remain a mystery almost 200 years later. The Lafitte society claims he was born "Jean Lafitte of Bordeaux, France on August 15, 1782."3 Others say he was born in Boyonne, France, most likely around 1780 or in St. Maloes, France. Even that piece of information is debatable. He had one and maybe two brothers depending on which history book you choose to read. The one documented is Pierre Lafitte who was about four years older than Jean. Pierre and Jean had many similarities in lifestyle and taste as they both pursued rather piratical methods. They held...

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