as not long before a United States cruiser was
at anchor off the port to watch his movements. He was now Governor of
Galveston, and considered himself to be a personage of great moment.
Five vessels were generally cruising under his orders, while three
hundred men obeyed his word. Texas was then a Republic.

"Sir"--wrote Lafitte to the Commander of the American
cruiser off the port of Galveston--"I am convinced that
you are a cruiser of the navy, ordered here by your
Government. I have, therefore, deemed it proper to
inquire into the cause of your lying before this port
without communicating your intention. I wish to inform
you that the port of Galveston belongs to and is in the
possession of the Republic of Texas, and was made a port
of entry the 9th day of October, last. And, whereas the
Supreme Congress of the said Republic have thought
proper to appoint me as Governor of this place, in
consequence of which, if you have any demands on said
Government, you will please to send an officer with such
demands, who will be treated with the greatest
politeness. But, if you are ordered, or should attempt,
to enter this port in a hostile manner, my oath and duty
to the Government compel me to rebut your intentions at
the expense of my life.

"Yours very respectfully,

"J. LAFITTE."

But to this the American officer paid no attention. Instead, he
attacked a band of Lafitte's followers, who had stationed themselves
on an island near Barrataria with several cannon, swearing that they
would perish rather than surrender to any man. As they had committed
piracy, they were open to assault. Twenty were taken, tried at New
Orleans, and hung,--the rest escaped into the cypress swamps, where
it was impossible to arrest them.

When Lafitte heard of this, he said with much feeling:

"A war of extermination is to be waged against me. I, who have fought
and bled for the United States. I who helped them to win the battle of
New Orleans. My cruisers are to be swept from the sea. I must turn
from Governor of Galveston, and privateer to pirate. Then--away--and
let them catch me if they can."

Now comes the last phase of his career. Too bad that he could not have
died honestly!

Procuring a large and fast-sailing brigantine, mounting sixteen guns,
and having selected a crew of one hundred and sixty men, the desperate
and dangerous Governor of