William C. Davis, the director of programs at the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies, has just published a new work on the mythic Laffite brothers of New Orleans infamy. "From just after the Louisiana Purchase through the War of 1812, the brothers ran a privateering cooperative that provided contraband goods to a hungry market and made life hell for Spanish merchants on the Gulf. Later they became important members of a syndicate in New Orleans that included lawyers, bankers, merchants, and corrupt U.S. officials. But this allegiance didn't stop them from becoming paid Spanish spies, handing over information about the syndicate's plans and selling out their own associates." Harcourt Publishers excerpt.
Amazon also provides additional materials and reviews.
I haven't read the book yet myself, but its on the pile.
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