s of this state, I
should not have employed the illicit means that have caused me to be
proscribed. I decline saying more on the subject, until I have the honor
of your excellency's answer, which I am persuaded can be dictated only
by wisdom. Should your answer not be favorable to my ardent desires, 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's, &c.

J. LAFITTE.

The contents of these letters do honor to Lafitte's judgment, and
evince his sincere attachment to the American cause. On the receipt of
this packet from Lafitte, Mr. Blanque immediately laid its contents
before the governor, who convened the committee of defence lately formed
of which he was president; and Mr. Rancher the bearer of Lafitte's
packet, was sent back with a verbal answer to desire Lafitte to take no
steps until it should be determined what was expedient to be done; the
message also contained an assurance that, in the meantime no steps
should be taken against him for his past offences against the laws of
the United States.

At the expiration of the time agreed on with Captain Lockyer, his ship
appeared again on the coast with two others, and continued standing off
and on before the pass for several days. But he pretended not to
perceive the return of the sloop of war, who tired of waiting to no
purpose put out to sea and disappeared.

Lafitte having received a guarantee from General Jackson for his safe
passage from Barrataria to New Orleans and back, he proceeded forthwith
to the city where he had an interview with Gov. Claiborne and the
General. After the usual formalities and courtesies had taken place
between these gentlemen, Lafitte addressed the Governor of Louisiana
nearly as follows. I have offered to defend for you that part of
Louisiana I now hold. But not as an outlaw, would I be its defender. In
that confidence, with which you have inspired me, I offer to restore to
the state many citizens, now under my command. As I have remarked
before, the point I occupy is of great importance in the present crisis.
I tender not only my own services to defend it, but those of all I
command; 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 h