Author Description

Theodosia Burr Alston boarded The Patriot on December 31, 1812 and was never seen again. Was she drowned at sea or captured by pirates? There has been much speculation on this topic for the past 200 years. In this historical romance, Theodosia allies herself with the intrepid privateer, Jean Laffite, and together they do battle with the British and with the corrupt Federal and state officials in Louisiana. While the Battle of New Orleans and the war against the British are won largely due to Laffite's contributions, the same corrupt government forces that first robbed Theodosia's father, Aaron Burr, of his ships and provisions in an expedition against Spain also confiscates Jean Laffite's vessels and goods. The Revenue Service, created by Alexander Hamilton, is more intent on taxing citizens than on doing battle with the enemy. The Navy sends ships to attack the independent privateers, leaving the country defenseless against invaders. When despite all this, Laffite provides gunpowder, flints and a special force of trained artillerymen and helps General Andrew Jackson defeat the British, President Madison offers nothing but an empty pardon. Will Aaron Burr be able to change the president's mind? Or will Jean Laffite and Theodosia be forced to take money from Spain to finance their further adventures? What is love between a man and a woman? Is passion and lust more important than respect and affection? What is patriotism? How should war be financed? Can we love a country that spurns us while despising another that woos us? Read Theodosia and the Pirates to find out.