There is dilemma whether Jean Laffite was hero or brutal criminal. He fought for American independence and people admired well-educated and intelligent man who used clever ways to solve problems. He was saying that he is a privateer, but in fact, many of his actions were more pirate-like. However, the truth is that he was a lot more than ordinary pirate. He was diplomat, merchant, smuggler, naval solider, slave trader... something like universal sailor.