Jean Laffite, thought to have been born in France, was more of a businessman than seafarer.
                                      Along with his brother, Laffite practiced pirating and privateering out of Barataria Bay, south
                                      of New Orleans.  With over 10 vessels, he and his crew raided mainly, British,
                                      American, and Spanish vessels. Due to his frequent trips to various worldwide coastal ports,
                                      many in New Orleans traded with his band of pirates.

                                       Laffite was renown for working his way out of trouble.  When arrested by a certain governor,
                                      he failed to show up at the trial. The governor set a bounty for him at $750, in return, Laffite
                                      offered double that price for the capture of the governor.  General Andrew Jackson even accepted
                                      Laffite's aid in combat with the British at one time. In return for his help, he and his crew were pardoned
                                      for their maritime crimes, but lost their pirate privileges in Barataria Bay.

                                       During an increase in naval activity, Laffite and his crew sailed towards the Spanish occupied
                                      territory of Texas. He took over Galveston, from where he established his pirating activities.
                                      Later, after being run out of Galveston, he left with his brother, and continued pirating around
                                      Central American ports until he died around 1821.