Two American buccaneers, born in France about 1780. The brothers went to New Orleans and set up a blacksmith shop, but left this occupation to engage in privateering expeditions against the Spanish mercantile traffic in the Gulf under commissions from the French, and later from the Republic of Colombia. They made their headquarters on the island of Grande Terre, about 35 miles west of the mouth of the Mississippi, selling their booty by auction to the merchants of New Orleans. It was very probable that they did not confine depredations to the commerce of the enemies of the governments which employed them, but in fact were mere pirates. In 1814 Jean Lafitte was offered a commission and a pardon for past offenses if he would enter the service of the British in the siege of New Orleans, Pierre Lafitte being in prison in that city on the charge of piracy. He, however, rejected the offer, and tendered his services to the United States on the same terms. The offer was rejected by Governor Claiborne, of New Orleans, and an expedition fitted out against him and his brother who had escaped from jail, which destroyed their stronghold and carried off the greater part of their booty. Upon his arrival in New Orleans, General Jackson received another offer from the brothers, procured their pardon, and took them into his service. After the war they removed to Central America, where it was believed that they continued their old free-booting occupation. Jean Lafitte died about 1826, on the coast of Yucatan. A Historical Sketch of Pierre and Jean Lafitte was contributed to the American Magazine of History (Oct. and Nov. 1883), by Charles Gayarré.
