History -   A Pirate, a Marshal, and the Battle of New Orleans

Through political savvy and gutsy intelligence gathering, the fourth U.S. marshal for the Territory of Orleans, Peter LeBreton Duplessis, played an important role in the defense and development of a still young United States.

The Battle of New Orleans, pitting the Americans against the invading British forces on Jan. 8, 1815, was awash in subplots and celebrated historical figures, including the territorial governor’s feud with famed pirate Jean Lafitte. And it was Marshal Duplessis who played an important — albeit little known — role in helping General Andrew Jackson not only save the city but also save his reputation many years later.

Governor William C.C. Claiborne

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