The Pirate Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans

U.S. Landmark Books #19

by Robert Tallant

The swamps of Barataria below New Orleans bore many strange legends and tales. Some said that the men of the swamps were pirates and smugglers. Others argued that it could not be true because their leader was none other than the ever-reputable, true gentleman Jean Lafitte. He lived a secret life behind the facade of his blacksmith's shop in the Vieux Carre, and he remained the bitter enemy of Governor Claiborne until the famous Battle of New Orleans, in which the pirate-turned-hero joined Gen. Andrew Jackson to protect the city from the invading British. Combining tales of pirates, mystery, battle, true events, and real people, this story is a thrilling chapter from American history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Pirates, War, Childrens, American History

186 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 1951

About the author

Robert Tallant was one of Louisiana’s best-known authors. Born in New Orleans in 1909, he attended the city’s local public schools. Before “drifting” into writing, Tallant worked as an advertising copywriter, a bank teller, and a clerk. It was his friendship with Lyle Saxon that led Tallant to his position as editor on the Louisiana WPA Writers Project during the 1930s and 1940s. In that position, he coauthored Gumbo Ya-Ya: Folk Tales of Louisiana (pb) with Lyle Saxon and Edward Dreyer.

By 1948, Tallant’s career had launched, and over the next eleven years, he produced eight novels, six full-length works of nonfiction, and numerous short stories and articles on subjects of local interest. He is also known to have corresponded with, as well as applied to, the Julius Rosenwald Fund for a fellowship in creative writing. During the last years of his life, he was a lecturer in English at Newcomb College as well as a reporter for the New Orleans Item. Robert Tallant died in 1957.


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Reviews

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve noticed from reading his other works that Tallant writes best about his own period (mid-20th Century), and becomes progressively more embarrassing the further back in history he goes. As a result, The Pirate Lafitte (early 19th Century) is entertaining but less serious history than a mix of documented facts and popular stories and legends.. In places, it reads like a kid’s book, in others Tallant’s prose gets excessively purple. Some of the history appears to have been obtained by interviewing a dozen carriage drivers and ghost tour guides selected at random in the Quarter. If you’re looking for a more serious account, I’d recommend William C. Davis’ The Pirates Lafitte. The author also has a tendency to either gloss over or minimize Jean Lafitte's slave trading activities - while I'm all for putting things in their historical context, Tallant's 'everybody was doing it' attitude seemed simultaneously flippant and defensive.

[Patrick Doyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most interesting thing that happened in this book was when the Baratarians fought with America in the battle of New Orleans. The Pirate Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans, by Robert Tallant, is a historical nonfiction work describing the bloody and incredible battle of New Orleans lead by Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte. This story is very suspenseful by keeping the readers on edge. At one point in the story General Claiborne wanted Lafitte dead, but by the end of the story General Claiborne and Jean Lafitte were good friends. The conflict in the story was that New Orleans was being fought over by many countries and America had little troops. America had received New Orleans from France, but the British wanted to give it back to France. Therefore, New Orleans was fought over by the U.S. and Great Britain. While there was some dialogue in the book, most of the book involved describing what was actually happening. These events and descriptions were very suspenseful. One point that was really suspenseful was when the women and children were hiding and heard an incoming horse and they didn't know if the person on the horse was coming to kill them or free them. This story is mostly geared towards teens, but anyone wanting to learn about this historical battle will enjoy this book.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

A kids book. Interesting facts about LaFitte during the War of 1812

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book with lots of good information.

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interlibrary loan is so helpful. Finally got this in and enjoyed the read. Better set for younger readers to start them on these people and places but a fun time.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

07/11: Read this too quickly and too late into the night, trying to finish in time to return to the library before we leave on vacation. Note to self, re-read so you can actually learn and remember something.

I was struck first by the pro-slavery tone at the start of the book. The author doesn't profess those sentiments, but painfully-clearly conveys that those were the sentiments of the time. Many of the "best" citizens got their slaves from Lafitte.

He is a multi-faceted character. He was dashing, charming, ruthless, honorable, maligned, conflicted... It was frustrating to read how Claiborne feared Lafitte would fight for the British while also having the benefit of hindsight and knowing that Lafitte would never, ever, ever fight for the British. Would that those two would have sat down, talked, and spared each other much grief.

The story of Lafitte meeting Mrs. Claiborne under the alias of "Mr. Clement" cracked me up, as did the one of Lafitte's wanted signs for Claiborne to counter Claiborne's for him. Poor Mr. Claiborne!

Ah, but the Battle of New Orleans makes my heart sing! It is such a quintessentially "Louisiana American" story! God brought Claiborne, Jackson, and Lafitte together exactly when and where such a disparate trio of men should come together. He brought together pirates, corsairs, privateers, gentlemen, boys, old men, slaves, Creoles, marsh men, Kentuckians, and even a few trained soldiers, all united to save New Orleans and make her American in the only way she could truly become American. Poo Yai, Mey but it makes me crave a beignet and the smell of Magnolia.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying the content of this book! I do not know anything about Pierre and Jean Lafitte.

I do have concern about how slaves are referred to besides using the terms slaves, black servants, and Negroes. Other term used are - "creatures" and "half-insane runaway slaves". I know the book was written in the 50s, however, I hope that if this book was reprinted, those terms were corrected.

Now that I am finished with the book, I can honestly say I learned a lot about the Battle of New Orleans. I never knew much about the battle, the struggle of power between three men who were all on the same side!

The Lafittes were very interesting, to say the least. I am curious to know what an adult version of history would say about these brothers!

Another great Landmark book!

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this with my 6 year old, who picked it up at the national historical area visitor center herein our visit...after a great pirate dinner (pastover...looong story), he iwas intrigued by this man called Jean LaFitte who may or may not have been a pirate. The book Is definitely a history book, but with some narrative to provide the perspective of a boy...not klunky, but also not the typical "DK" style non fiction. Very surprised to see my son reading it to himself.

Finished...he was riveted, and remembered places we visited that are mentioned in the text, the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral and Andrew Jackson.
Next he wants to read about Robert E. Lee...hmmm...

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating biography of man about whom I am still doubting whether he is an honest man or a pirate. Evidence against him:
1. The US government didn't like him.
2. He helped the slave trade.
3. He sank and captured ships from other nations.
4. It seems he dodged tariffs for years.
5. Everyone always called him a pirate except his friends and employees.

Evidence for:
1. Privatering was still allowed.
2. Slavery was still legal, while the slave trade was not. Which he was engaging in is hard to tell?
3. Tariffs are usually unjust.
4. He patriotically helped the US out, and Jackson seemed to think positively of him.

[Stephen Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a super book to read. Very easy to read, very easy to understand, very well research, and paints a very detailed picture of both Jean Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans. If you wish to know more about the War of 1812, this is a great place to start. This book is definitely a gem.

Thank you for the loan Franklin Public Library.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very readable, fun way to be introduced to an obscure figure in American history. I bought this book at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage in Tennessee. It was a retro-looking thing, hidden away and with no price sticker, so I naturally had to buy it.

[Gary Brownfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended reading while visiting the French Quarter

I read this book while visiting the French Quarter. Walking the streets and seeing the buildings mentioned brought the book to reality.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

really Cool Book :)

[Kelsey Roper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book