<P> a man who, for about two years past, has been famous for crimes that the civilized world wars against...(He) is supposed to have captured one hundred vessels of all nations, and certainly murdered the crews of all that he took, for no one has ever escaped him . </P> <P> Following the custom of the times, Patterson filed a legal claim for the profits from the confiscated ships and merchandise . An attorney representing Lafitte argued that the captured ships had flown the flag of Cartagena, an area at peace with the United States . One of Lafitte's men testified that the Baratarians had never intended to fight the US but had prepared their vessels to flee . The judge ruled that Patterson should get the customary share of profits from the goods that had already been sold, but he did not settle the ownership of the ships . They were held in port under custody of the United States marshal . Likely inspired by Lafitte's offer to help defend Louisiana, Governor Claiborne wrote the US Attorney General, Richard Rush requesting a pardon for the Baratarians, saying that for generations, smugglers were "esteemed honest...(and) sympathy for these offenders is certainly more or less felt by many of the Louisianans". According to Ramsay, Claiborne next wrote to General Andrew Jackson, "implying Patterson had destroyed a potential first line of defense for Louisiana" by his capture of Lafitte and his ships . Jackson responded, "I ask you, Louisianans, can we place any confidence in the honor of men who have courted an alliance with pirates and robbers?" </P> <P> When Andrew Jackson arrived in New Orleans on December 1, 1814, he discovered the city had not created any defenses . It had approximately 1,000 unseasoned troops and two ships for its use . Although the city kept control of the eight ships taken from Lafitte, it did not have enough sailors to man them for defense . Resentful of the raid on Barataria, Lafitte's men refused to serve on their former ships . </P> <P> In mid-December, Jackson met with Lafitte, who offered to serve if the US would pardon those of his men who agreed to defend the city . Jackson agreed to do so . On December 19, the state legislature passed a resolution recommending a full pardon for all of the former residents at Barataria . With Lafitte's encouragement, many of his men joined the New Orleans militia or as sailors to man the ships . Others formed three artillery companies . </P>

Who saved the french colony of louisiana from starving