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The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf

by William C. Davis

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330477,995 (3.23)12
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. 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. But this allegiance didn't stop the Laffites from becoming paid Spanish spies, disappearing into the fog of history after selling out their own associates. William C. Davis uncovers the truth about two men who made their names synonymous with piracy and intrigue on the Gulf.… (more)
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Showing 4 of 4
This book does a good job of detailing the lives of two of America's most famous pirates. The Laffite brothers were masters of operating near the line, and avoiding getting caught. When they did get caught they always found a way to avoid damages. This book shows how two men were resourceful, and innovative. It is an interesting book. There is more information here than I had suspected. ( )
  torrey23 | May 18, 2012 |
A very high level book about the Laffite brothers and their business dealings. Very few details. If you are looking for a book about pirates business dealings this is excellent...the actual battle reports though rarely have any detail. ( )
  dswaddell | May 8, 2011 |
I read this with interest during my trip to and from the ASJA Conference in Florida. While I found the book interesting, it was not compelling enough to hold my interest upon my return. The history was interesting, but the storytelling wasn't compelling. ( )
  jwlowery | Feb 19, 2007 |
http://fireandsword.blogspot.com/2006/08/pirates-laffite-by-william-c.html

There have been many biographies of Jean Laffite, mostly they are romanticized evocations of an era when New Orleans dripped with Spanish Moss and scoundrels. Hot-blooded Creole gentlemen met with swords under the Dueling Oaks to determine who would win the favors of languid octaroon mistresses.
  DaveHardy | Dec 27, 2006 |
Showing 4 of 4
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Perhaps it is fitting for men whose lives so lent themselves to adventure and melodrama that their name traced its origins to a word meaning something like "the song."
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For Bird, again
/ In the days of d'Arraguette, / He Ho He Ho! / You ruled the world with a switch - / He Ho He Ho! - Old French Creole song, Anonymous
Why sir, it will be very difficult to get at particulars, some of them being of a strange character! But there are some still living who had a hand in those matters. - John Lambert, circa 1840
I found in my researches, twenty years ago, romantic legends so interwoven with facts that it was extremely difficult to separate the historical truth from the traditional. I am sure that the same cause will make it impossible to arrive at the truth of his life. His only biographer at last must be the romancer. - Joseph H. Ingraham, Sept 1 1852
Moments are precious, and there is no time to lose. - Jean Laffite
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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. 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. But this allegiance didn't stop the Laffites from becoming paid Spanish spies, disappearing into the fog of history after selling out their own associates. William C. Davis uncovers the truth about two men who made their names synonymous with piracy and intrigue on the Gulf.

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