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It may be difficult to reconcile how respected, financially successful men of high places could double in endeavors of ill repute, giving the lie to their supposed patriotism. Examples, however, abound. About the same time, there was General Wilkinson, who worked both for the United States and Spain. Vice-president Aaron Burr came through Louisiana attempting to form a filibuster group and was tried for treason. Barthelemy Lafon had been a successful New Orleans architect, engineer, surveyor, cartographer, and scholar before he lost his wealth and took to pirating, and his venture did take him into waters just off our coast.
Perhaps obligations to country were not yet engrained in the young republic. In the case of Blanque, such an assumption can be understood in light of his having just come to Louisiana in 1803. In addition, there are indications that he was less committed than many to the causes which he expressed outwardly. One example is in the 1812 proceedings of a committee to form a state constitution and government. Blanque was appointed to this group, and voted against the annexation of West Florida; while there were other “nay” votes, his was suspicious if in fact he owned property and pursued an illegal trade there, namely at the Pirate House.
Another incident occurred in September 1814, when he was appointed to a committee of nine formed to cooperate with the military in defending New Orleans against the impending British invasion. Considering that he was one of the legislature’s most vocal members, it is curious that he did not sign the findings of the committee.
Later, on December 31, 1814 - a mere fortnight before the battle, Blanque was accused of being part of a plan “among several members of the legislature to surrender the country to the enemy.” It was said that their belief was that the British would respect their property. Although the accuser retracted his charge of treason, there remains the question of what was the real character of the man Jean Blanque.
Returning to the legend, the owner of the Pirate House was believed to have organized pirates to defend against the British. Perhaps he did not do the organizing, but was the enabling force.
Although the legend credits the overlord of the pirates with organizing them to help in the defense of New Orleans, the record of events shows that few if any citizens or military welcomed them initially. Indeed, Jackson had called them “hellish banditti.” Governor W. C. C. Claiborne had put out a reward for Lafitte’s capture.
Historical fact in which we can feel secure tells of the brothers Lafitte turning down and reporting an offer to serve the British, and then being determined to help the cause of New Orleans. The determination to join the fight came from the Lafittes, both Jean and Pierre. It was they - incidentally, after Blanque had been instrumental in getting Pierre out of prison - who were intent on petitioning Governor Claiborne to allow the Baratarians to join the fight. But they did not have direct access to Claiborne, and