ime to communicate the affair to the
officers of the State Government of Louisiana and to receive from them
instructions how to act, under circumstances so critical and important
to his own country: that is, the country of his adoption.

He, therefore, addressed the following epistle to the Governor of
Louisiana. Do you think that you, yourself, could write as well as did
this pirate?

"BARRATARIA, Sept. 4th, 1814.

"TO GOVERNOR CLAIBORNE:

"SIR:--In the firm persuasion that the choice made of
you to fill the office of first magistrate of this
State, was dictated by the esteem of your fellow
citizens, and was conferred on merit, I confidently
address you on an affair on which may depend the safety
of this country.

"I offer to you to restore to this State several
citizens, who perhaps, in your eyes, have lost that
sacred title. I offer you them, however, such as you
could wish to find them, ready to exert their utmost
efforts in the defence of the country.

"This point of Louisiana, which I occupy, is of great
importance in the present crisis. I tender my services
to defend it; and the only reward I ask is that a stop
be put to the proscription against me and my adherents,
by an act of oblivion, for all that has been done
heretofore.

"I am the stray sheep wishing to return to the fold.

"If you are thoroughly acquainted with the nature of my
offences, I should appear to you much less guilty, and
still worthy to discharge the duties of a good citizen.
I have never sailed under any flag but the republic of
Carthagena, and my vessels were perfectly regular in
that respect.

"If I could have brought my lawful prizes into the ports
of this State, I should not have employed illicit means
that have caused me to be proscribed (hounded by the
State authorities).

"I decline to say more upon this subject until I have
your Excellency's answer, which I am persuaded can be
dictated only by wisdom. Should your answer not be
favorable to my ardent desire, I declare to you that I
will instantly leave the country, to avoid the
imputation of having cooperated towards an invasion on
this point, which cannot fail to take place, and to rest
secure in the acquittal of my conscience.

"I have the honor to be,

"Your Excellency'