Bouchard: California’s Only Pirate

Bouchard: California’s Only Pirate. . , An Unofficial Navy , In the early 19th century, Spanish colonies in the New World ware struggling for independence and devising ways to disrupt Spain's economic and military power. One effective means was to hire privateers (sea-going mercenary troops) to harass Spanish shipping, ports, and settlements. As captains in an unofficial navy, privateers or corsairs like Hippolyte Bouchard (1780-1837) were granted official licenses - letters of marque - which allowed them to attack and capture Spanish vessels for prize money and to carry out other depredations against the enemy. , , Bouchard, Pirate or Patriot? , Born in the French port of Saint-Tropez, Hippolyte Bouchard emigrated to South America in 1809 and was soon aiding the United Provinces of Rio de la Plata (the future Argentina) in its war of independence against Spain. The United Provinces granted Bouchard citizenship, gave him a ship, La Argentina, and authorized him to prey on Spanish vessels and territories. , In late 1818, Bouchard attacked three Spanish settlements in California and threatened a fourth before sailing back to South America. Not surprisingly, Bouchard was regarded as a prate by Californios loyal to the Spanish Crown. In his adopted country of Argentina however, Bouchard is honored as a revolutionary war hero and patriot.