PIRATE PUNCH

Rum punch reminds me of the Caribbean which reminds me of pirates… which reminds me of Jean Lafitte, the most famous patriot pirate in Louisiana.  The story of Jean Lafitte is fascinating.  According to Wikipedia Jean Lafitte (c. 1780 – c. 1823) was a French pirate and privateer who operated in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 19th century.  He and his brother Pierre operated a successful smuggling business that brought them great riches.  On the wrong side of the law, the pirates endeared themselves to New Orleanians who enjoyed the influx of luxury goods.  In 1814, Lafitte helped General Andrew Jackson defend New Orleans during the Battle of New Orleans, as British forces sought access to the Mississippi River.  Lafitte, ever the mercenary, later took his operations to Galveston and spied for the Spanish during the Mexican War for Independence.  There are differing accounts of his death.  The most interesting supposition is that he befriended Napolean and that they both expired in New Orleans.  Today, you can have a drink in the French Quarter at the Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street which is reputedly the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.  (Jean’s brother Pierre was a blacksmith.)  Or take a drive and explore the town of Jean Lafitte, Louisiana.  Louisiana in the Lafittes’ day was WILD… almost as wild as it is today.