Newly appointed Governor, William Claiborne confronts the Pirate Jean Lafittte, Voodoo Queen Marie LaVeau and serial killer Dauphine Lalaurie. Suspicious creoles, slavery, treason, corruption and international intrigue. Fires, hurricanes and the death of his wife and child. From 1804 until 1816 he will guide the transformation of the most prized real estate in America: New Orleans.

SYNOPSIS:

At the beginning of the 19th century, New Orleans was considered the most valuable city and port in the new world. Whoever controlled New Orleans, controlled the Gulf of Mexico and access to the Mississippi River. All trade and commerce to the Louisana territory could only be had from New Orleans. On December 20th, 1803, William Claiborne, (in the name of the United States) took possession of the Louisiana territory, and with it, New Orleans.

The city itself, was little more than a frontier town. A few hundred buildings on dirt streets. Glass windows were a luxury of the extremely wealthy. Every day saw ships form all nations in it’s ports. Hundreds of slaves loaded and unload the ships for travel either to the old world, or up the Mississippi to the new.

New Orleans was also a wild and lawless place. The most common of men owned at least one slave, so with little work to do, spent much of their time drinking, gambling and dancing. Dance clubs (brothels) operated in all corners of the town. A good time was always going on somewhere. It was also extremely dangerous. Duels were fought over the smallest of reasons. Murder and bloodshed were commonplace.

The city was also a frequent victim of hurricanes and floods. Hundreds died every year from yellow fever, malaria or other tropical maladies. Fires were frequent, most of the city had already burned down twice.

Spain which had possessed the city for more than 60 years, was blindsided by Napoleon Bonaparte, when he sold not only New Orleans, but all of the vast Louisiana territory to America. Since they possessed the lands to the east and the west of New Orleans, they were not about to lose this prize city without some kind of fight. England also sought to gain control of the port and city. If England could secure New Orleans and the territories along the Mississippi, they could squeeze their former colonies, and attempt to gain back this part of the Empire. Even the majority of the French, both in France and in New Orleans had dreams of regaining this valuable piece of real estate. President Thomas Jefferson, fully aware of the value of America’s new purchase, needed a man that he could trust to take and mold New Orleans.

Claiborne was appointed as an “Interim” Governor. At 28 years old, Claiborne had already served as the youngest member of Congress, and as Governor of the Mississippi Territory. Governing New Orleans was a different situation. He was a complete outsider. He was from Virginia, had never even visited New Orleans. He did not speak or understand the French language or culture. He was a Protestant, in a city of Catholics. Most of the citizens of New Orleans viewed him with suspicion and hostility. Local inhabitants saw it for what it was, a military occupation, which they resented. They were no more than conquered subjects who had not been consulted.

Helping to fire up these resentments was Daniel Clark. Clark a rich and powerful Irish native, had his own agenda. Having arrived in New Orleans at the age of 17, Clark had spent more than 20 years building his power and wealth. He owned large parcels of land in and around the city, including the Carondelet Canal, which paid him handsomely every time a boat went up or down from the Bayou St. John. He had tried vainly to get the appointment as Governor, to firmly cement his power and prestige. When the appointment went to Claiborne, he felt anger and resentment towards Jefferson and more so towards Claiborne. He defamed, demeaned and undermined Claiborne every chance he got

Another man who was distrustful of Claiborne was Bernard Marigny. Marigny was from one of the oldest, wealthiest families in New Orleans. He could trace his ancestors back to the founding of the city. With the death of his father the year before, Marigny was left in charge of a huge fortune and heritage. His love of France and the traditions of New Orleans made him angry and suspect when Napoleon decided to sell it to America. Marigny was young and loved his passions. Women, gambling, drinking and dancing, he sought out all the pleasures his position afforded him. But he loved New Orleans as well. He was not prepared to have his city become a domino in America’s plans. Marigny also loved a good fight, he fought and won over 20 duels in his life time, and he was equally ready to fight for his home.

Not everyone in New Orleans saw this change of possession as a bad thing. Among them was Jean Lafitte. Young, ruthless and ambitious, Lafitte, along with his brother Pierre Lafitte viewed this change as an opportunity to advance their own status. Operating a blackmarket operation from the back of a blacksmithing shop, they trafficked in unreported food, rum, anything that they could avoid paying tariffs on including slaves. The Lafitte brothers welcomed this chance to expand their money making schemes. Jean had the bigger dreams. Already beloved by those who could not afford to pay inflated prices for everyday goods, he saw himself as a Robin Hood, helping the little people while also filling his own pockets.

Charles Leveau also believed that the change was a good thing. Educated in Virginia and a witness to liberty awoken there, Leveau saw America as the future, and France as the past. When he was invited to witness the transfer and attend the gala that night to honor the new Governor, he was both proud and excited. He decided to bring along his 9 year old daughter, Marie Leveau, so that she could witness the historical day as well. Little Marie didn’t really understand what it was all about, she was just happy to spend the day in the city with her Papa.

LA NOUVELLE ORLEANS