This Timeline has been prepared to assist in answering questions about the privateer's activities in a succinct, consistent manner. The material offered here represents prominent thinking of some members of the Laffite Society. Not all members agree on certain items offered here and no item should be considered the final word--just the state of our knowledge at this time. As data are gathered changes and additions will be made--so check back occasionally. We have provided few references documenting our statements as the "Timeline" is intended as a quick-easy reference. A bibliography on Laffite related materials is provided elsewhere on this website for those who want to verify and gain a deeper knowledge of the Laffite brothers. A Question and Answer document is also available on this website for those who wish more detail on some of the items covered here.
This Timeline has been drawn from the contributions of many members of the Laffite Society, but primarily from material submitted by Pam Keyes, Robert Vogel and Dale Olson. It has been reviewed also by Jean L. Epperson, Jeff Modzelewski and Don C. Marler. Not every member agrees with all that is presented here and the absolute accuracy of none of the material is guaranteed.
Suggestions for corrections, deletions or additions should be sent to:
Don C. Marler
3003 Bon Haggy Hollow
Montgomery, TX 77356
Or by email - dcmsmm@consolidated.net
April 12--Birth of Pierre Laffite in Bordeaux, France.
1774
May 6-- Birth of Alexandre Laffite in Bordeaux, France. Alexandre is believed by some members of the Laffite Society to have been aka Dominique You. This would have made Dominique a brother to Pierre and Jean.
1782
August 15--Birth of Jean Laffite in Bordeaux, France. The information contained in the three above items are not proof that these are the brothers Laffite. The Laffite surname is was a common one in the area and the records may relate to relate to like-named individuals.
1802-1804
The arrival date of the Laffite brothers in New Orleans, is uncertain. Both Jean and Pierre may have been in New Orleans when the Louisiana Territory was transferred to the Americans in late 1803 at the Cabildo. Pierre bought a property in New Orleans at the corner of Royal and Dumaine (most likely a mercantile shop).
1806
Pierre Laffite made a deposition to Pedro Pedesclaux in which he said he was a merchant from the Plaza Panzacola (Pensacola).
1811-12
Jean Laffite was invited to lead the privateer smuggling establishment at
Barataria Bay. The Baratarian Association was formed shortly afterward with Dominique You, Renato Beluche, Chigazola "Nez Coupe" and Vincent Gambie. They obtained privateering commissions from Cartagena to prey on Spanish shipping.
1812
Pierre Laffite suffered a stroke.
Captain Andrew H. Holmes and 40 dragoons went to Barataria for a raid but missed the smugglers. They returned in November, one officer was killed.
November 16--Jean and Pierre Laffite were both arrested by Captain Holmes and jailed at the Cabildo.
1813
April--John Randolph Grymes, US District Attorney, ordered Jean Laffite to forfeit the goods taken in the November raid. Neither Laffite appeared, having posted bail.
June--The British ship Sophie tried unsuccessfully to capture two of Laffite's privateers near the Isle au Chat.
October--Revenue agents under the command of Walker Gilbert, the government surveyor, seized a sailboat from Laffite's men near the auction site at the Temple, but the smugglers took it back.
November 24--Gov. William C.C. Claiborne proclaimed a reward of $500 for the person who could bring in "John Lafitte" on a charge of smuggling. Jean Laffite responded with a parody proclamation in which he offered $5,000 to anyone who delivered Gov. Claiborne to him at Isle au Chat.
The Laffite Society
Galveston Island, Texas
Established 1994
