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Francois OlonnaisFrench filibuster who traded in the Caribbean in the mid-17th century
Country:
 France |
Content:
Biography of François l'Ollonais
François l'Ollonais was a French buccaneer who operated in the Caribbean Sea in the mid-17th century. He was known for leading the first successful land assault on a fortress undertaken by the "brethren of the coast". Born in Le Chablis-d'Olonne, France, around 1630, l'Ollonais joined the West India Company as a soldier at the age of twenty. After his service, he lived among French buccaneers on Hispaniola for some time before becoming a buccaneer himself in Santo Domingo. In 1662, he arrived in Tortuga, where he received a privateering commission and a ship from the French governor Jérémie du Rossy to attack Spanish vessels.
The Maracaibo Raid
One of l'Ollonais' most famous exploits was the capture of the Spanish colony of Maracaibo. In April 1666, l'Ollonais and his fleet of five or eight ships, carrying 400 or 1,660 men, left Tortuga. After capturing a Spanish trade ship with cocoa and precious goods, they sailed to Maracaibo. They successfully stormed the fortress and seized the city, accumulating a significant amount of loot, including silver and fabrics. The total haul from the raid was estimated to be around 250,000 pieces of eight in cash, along with additional valuables.
The Attack on San Pedro
Following the Maracaibo raid, l'Ollonais assembled a fleet of six ships with approximately 700 men and set sail along the coast of Central America. They raided indigenous villages and small Spanish settlements for several months, surviving off the captured provisions. They eventually learned of a larger city, San Pedro, and decided to attack it. Despite encountering several Spanish ambushes, l'Ollonais and his men managed to capture the city. However, the loot they obtained consisted mainly of indigo, which was valuable but difficult to transport. Disheartened by their lack of success, many of the crew members decided to return to Tortuga.
Final Years and Death
L'Ollonais continued his journey along the coast but faced numerous setbacks. His ship ran aground near the San Juan River mouth, and the surviving crew members, including l'Ollonais, were attacked by indigenous tribes. Only a few managed to escape and later reported that those who were not killed were torn apart and eaten by the natives.
François l'Ollonais was known for his fierce and brutal tactics, which earned him the nickname "Bane of the Spaniards". His daring exploits and reputation as a successful buccaneer made him a legendary figure in pirate history.
