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Notes - Russell Guerin
Blake
Unidentified document from HCHS states Pirate House was called Blake House by local residents. Because of the similarity of names, I wondered whether Blake was indeed Blanque. Not so, as history of ownership of Pirate House does include Blake, but not until latter part of 19th century.
Who built Pirate House?
It was said that it was once “the plantation home of a famous pirate - or an associate of pirates - who gave signal aid to Gen Jackson during War of 1812,” and that house was built by man suspected of being an “over-lord” of all pirates that plied the Gulf waters in early 1800’s; house built 1804. Owner was said to be man who organized pirates for battle of NO, including Lafitte brothers, “whipping them into an army of loyal Americans.”
Blanque
Numerous passages in Davis’ new Lafitte book regarding how Blanque was important merchant who dealt with pirates and that he was intercession between Jean Lafitte and Claiborne. “NO merchants such as Jean Blanque engaged sailors who plied both sides of the law... An immigrant to NO in 1803, the same year Pierre arrived, Blanque was a merchant, onetime slave dealer, and banker who had held successful offices in the territorial government, and at the moment sat in the legislature... was also an investor in more than one privateer, which likely led to an acquaintance with the Lafittes... is regarded as one of the persons financially interested in the pirates of Barataria, which he openly protects... .also recently been admitted to practice before the federal district court.”
“Blanque appeared at Claiborne’s quarters asking for an audience. When they met, Blanque handed the governor the packet of correspondence he had received from Lafitte, and immediately tried to disassociate himself from the Baratarians by protesting curiosity as to why Lafitte had sent it to him when he had ‘no acquaintance with Lafitte.’ ... likely thinking he might need it later to establish that he was only an intermediary.
Remini - Jackson bio: Blanque owned number of ships used by pirates
Internet: Latour archives - Blanque was “senator from state of Louisiana”