"The borderers universally took an active part in the war, and were
eminently useful in repelling the incursions of the Indians. Not even
the most lawless but was found ready to pour out his life-blood for the
republic.
A curious instance of the strange mixture of magnanimity and ferocity
often found among the demi-savages of the borders was afforded by the
Louisianian Lafitte. This desperado had placed himself at the head of a
band of outlaws from all nations under heaven, and fixed his abode upon
the top of an impregnable rock, to the south-west of the mouth of the
Mississippi. Under the colours of the South American patriots, they
pirated at pleasure every vessel that came in their way, and smuggled
their booty up the secret creeks of the Mississippi, with a dexterity
that baffled all the efforts of justice. The depredations of these
outlaws, or, as they styled themselves, _Barritarians_, (from Barrita,
their island,) becoming at length intolerable, the United States'
government despatched an armed force against their little Tripoli. The
establishment was broken up, and the pirates dispersed. But Lafitte
again collected his outlaws, and took possession of his rock. The
attention of the congress being now diverted by the war, he scoured the
gulf at his pleasure, and so tormented the coasting traders, that
Governor Claiborne of Louisiana set a price on his head.
This daring outlaw, thus confronted with the American government,
appeared likely to promote the designs of its enemies. He was known to
possess the clue to all the secret windings and entrances of the
many-mouthed Mississippi; and in the projected attack upon New-Orleans
it was deemed expedient to secure his assistance.
The British officer then heading the forces landed at Pensacola for the
invasion of Louisiana, opened a treaty with the Barritarian, to whom he
offered such rewards as were best calculated to tempt his cupidity and
flatter his ambition. The outlaw affected to relish the proposal; but
having artfully drawn from Colonel N---- the plan of his intended
attack, he spurned his offers with the most contemptuous disdain, and
instantly despatched one of his most trusty corsairs to the governor who
had set a price for his life, advising him of the intentions of the
enemy, and volunteering the aid of his little band, on the single
condition that an amnesty should be granted for their past offences.
Governor Claiborne, though touched by this proof of magnanimity,
hesitated to close with the offer. The corsair kept himself in readiness
for the expected summons, and continued to spy and report the motions of
the enemy. As danger became more urgent, and the steady generosity of
the outlaw more assured, Governor Claiborne granted to him and his
followers life and pardon, and called them to the defence of the city.
They obeyed with alacrity, and served with a valour, fidelity, and good
conduct, not surpassed by the best volunteers of the republic."
--_Flint's Miss. Valley._