Dominique You facts for kids
Dominique You (born Frederic You, around 1775 – November 15, 1830) was an interesting person who wore many hats! He was a privateer, which means he was like a sea captain who attacked enemy ships with permission from his government. He was also a brave soldier and later even a politician.
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Dominique You's Life Story
Dominique You was born in a town called Cette (now Sète) in France, around 1775. He was an artilleryman in the French army during the French Revolution. In 1802, he went with a French general to try and stop the Haitian Revolution, where people in Haiti were fighting for their freedom.
From France to Louisiana
After the French efforts in Haiti failed, Dominique You made his way to Louisiana. Here, he joined forces with the famous brothers, Jean Lafitte and Pierre Lafitte. Dominique You became the captain of a ship called Le Pandoure. People called him "Captain Dominique" or "Johnness." He quickly became known for being very brave and daring.
For several years, Dominique You and the Lafitte brothers were successful smugglers in the Louisiana bayous. They often targeted Spanish ships in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a lot of trouble for Spanish trade. Once, a big hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico badly damaged Le Pandoure and almost cost Captain You his life.
A Change of Course: The War of 1812
By 1804, the governor of the new American territory of Louisiana, William C. C. Claiborne, was trying to stop privateering. In July 1814, Dominique You was officially identified as a privateer. That September, he was captured by American forces at a privateer camp in Barataria Bay.
However, a big war was happening at the time: the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain. Jean Lafitte saw a chance to help. He offered to assist General Andrew Jackson in defending New Orleans from a British invasion. In return, Lafitte asked for a pardon for himself and his crews.
Hero of New Orleans
General Jackson accepted Lafitte's offer. Dominique You was then put in charge of a group of artillery fighters, made up of the best gunners from the privateers. In the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815, these former privateers fought incredibly well. They were even mentioned by General Jackson for their "uncommon gallantry and skill."
Because of their bravery and success, all the charges against Dominique You and the other privateers were dropped.
Life After the War
After the war, Dominique You settled in New Orleans. He became involved in politics and was a strong supporter of Andrew Jackson. Dominique You passed away in New Orleans on November 15, 1830. He received a military funeral, paid for by the public. His grave has a symbol from the Freemasons.
