Orleans County Louisiana Archives News.....Destruction of the Pirates at Barataria. October 19, 1814
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The Pennsylvania Gazette October 19, 1814
About the 17th September we received information, by private letters from New 
Orleans, under date of the 26th Aug. that an expedition, consisting of a brig, 
the U. S. Schr. Caroline, capt. Henley, and several gun boats, was on the point 
of sailing, destined against the Pirates of Barataria. The following agreeable 
information, which appears to relate to this expedition, is communicated in a 
Handbill from the Office of the Louisiana Gazette of the 22d September:

From the Louisiana Gazette, Extra, Sept 22.

Extract of a letter from Col. Ross at Grand Terre to Maj. Reynolds, dated 19th 
September, 1814.

I have just time to say, that in addition to taking some of the ringleaders, we 
are in possession of all the flotilla except a schr. that was burnt to the 
water's edge, that were here, say 7 fine schrs. and feluccas, armed and unarmed. 
We have this moment returned from taking a fine schooner outside of the island, 
of 150 tons, armed complete. Capt. Henley lay off the bar, and outmaneuevered 
her: she ran for us, getting between two fires--signal, a gun from the 
Commodore; another strange sail in sight. 

You will see us soon in town.

Copy of a letter from John K. Smith, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated
New Orleans, Sept 23rd, 1814.

SIR--Capt. Patterson left this place on the 11th inst. with 3 barges, and was 
joined at the Balize by 6 gun-bats and the schr. Carolina, from whence he 
proceeded against Barataria. He has been completely successful in breaking up 
the nest of pirates at that place, and has taken nine vessels, some specie, and 
a quantity of dry goods. The principal (Lafitte) escaped; but the second in 
command, Dominique, is taken. The number of prisoners taken is not known, nor 
are any of the particulars. A letter from that place states that captain 
Patterson would leave there on the 20th. He will therefore, no doubt, have the 
honour of giving you the result by the next mail.

The breaking up of this piratical establishment is of great importance to this 
country. It is ascertained that vessels clearing out from this port, with 
passengers, have been captured, and every person on board murdered; they took, 
indiscriminately, vessels of every nation, and the fact was perfectly known at 
Pensacola. The commanding British officer at that place recently made a 
communication in writing to Lafitte, requesting his aid in an attack upon New 
Orleans, which was refused. That correspondence, which is in the hands of Gov. 
Claiborne, no doubt has been communicated to the government.

In the gallant defense of Mobile Point, the only two 24 pounders were injured 
and rendered useless. General Jackson has since made a requisition upon Captain 
Patterson to replace them, which have, in his absence, been furnished.

I have the honour to be,
Sir, your obedient servant,

J. K. Smith.

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