Robert Surcouf; after a contempory drawing. Robert Surcouf (12 December 1773 - 8 July 1827) was a famous French privateer and slave trader who operated in the Indian Ocean between 1789 and 1801; and again from 1807 to 1808.In France; Navy Minister Truguet attempted to enrol Surcouf in the Navy as an auxiliary officer; which he declined. Hennequin states that Bonaparte himself offered him the rank of Captain and the command of two frigates; which Surcouf declined for fear of losing his freedom of action; and awarded him a Sabre of honour. Surcouf was awarded the Legion of Honour at the founding of the Order; on 19 May 1802.Paris; 1925.From: Robert Surcouf; Un Capitaine corsaire Robert Surcouf. Nouvelle e磀itien; etc. [With a portrait.].010662. bb. 34 frontispieceLondon; British Library.