James Wilkinson

Overview

At a Glance

• Engaged in espionage on behalf of Spain where he initiated negotiations with Spanish authorities to incorporate the trans-Appalachian territories into the Spanish Empire, attempted to instigate a revolution, and informed Spain about various American exploratory expeditions into the newly acquired West.

Personal History

James Wilkinson, born in Charles County, Maryland. As the Revolutionary War began, Wilkinson shifted his focus from studying medicine at the University of Pennsylvania to enlist in the military, eventually rising to the rank of captain. Wilkinson demonstrated military skill while serving under prominent leaders such as Nathaniel Greene, Benedict Arnold, and Horatio Gates, gaining experience that would shape his complex career in the years that followed.

James Wilkinson transformed a report on the victory at the Battle of Saratoga into a promotion to brevet brigadier general and secured a position as secretary to the Board of War, all before turning 21. He became embroiled in the “Conway Cabal,” a faction of officers aiming to oust George Washington from command in favor of Horatio Gates, which culminated in Wilkinson’s first resignation from the Army in 1778. In 1779, Congress appointed him “clothier-general,” where he was responsible for overseeing Army supplies and managing financial accounts, though he resigned this position in 1781.

After the Revolutionary War, Wilkinson relocated to Kentucky, where he played a significant role in the movement for Kentucky’s separation from Virginia. While publicly advocating for statehood, he secretly engaged in negotiations with Spanish authorities to incorporate the trans-Appalachian territories into the Spanish Empire. Although he successfully secured trade access along the vital Mississippi River, which benefitted Kentucky’s development, his attempts to instigate a revolution were unsuccessful. This marked the beginning of a lengthy career in espionage for Spain, during which he was known as “Agent 13” in contemporary communications.

In 1791, Wilkinson sought reappointment to the Army and, during the Northwest Indian War, served under Gen. Anthony Wayne, eventually being promoted to brigadier general. Despite his rank, Wilkinson engaged in efforts to undermine Wayne’s authority until the latter’s death. From 1796 to 1798, he held the position of Commanding General of the Army, even amid growing suspicions regarding his ties to Spanish authorities. During the Quasi-War with France, he served as the third-ranking officer behind George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Wilkinson’s military career continued as he embarked on a second tenure as Commanding General from June 1800 to January 1812.

James Wilkinson was present at the ceremonies marking the transfer of the Louisiana Purchase to the United States in 1803, a significant event in American history. However, during this period, he continued to engage in covert communications with Spanish authorities, informing them about various American exploratory expeditions, notably those led by Lewis and Clark and Zebulon Pike.

Despite facing court martial in 1811 for his previous actions, Wilkinson remained the Senior Officer of the Army, though he was eventually removed from this position in 1812. During the War of 1812, he was promoted to Major General to command the Army, but his failures on the battlefield led to his removal in 1814. He faced another court martial in 1815, which resulted in his acquittal for the second time. Ultimately, Wilkinson’s military career concluded with his discharge from the Army in June 1815.

After his discharge, James Wilkinson sought to rehabilitate his tarnished reputation by writing his memoirs and attempting to secure an appointment as the U.S. Envoy to Mexico. However, he passed away in Mexico City on December 28, 1825, while awaiting approval for a land grant in Texas. He was buried at Iglesia de San Miguel Arcangel (St. Michael’s Basilica) in Mexico City.

Political History

In March 1805, following the separation of the Louisiana Territory from the Indiana Territory, President Thomas Jefferson appointed James Wilkinson as governor. During this time Wilkinson colluded with Aaron Burr to establish an independent nation in the western territories. However, in 1806, Wilkinson reported Burr’s treason to avoid indictment. Though Wilkinson was never charged or tried, his actions cast a shadow over his character, resulting in his removal from the governorship in 1807. Thus, drawing Wilkinson’s non-military political career to a close.

During his Governorship, Wilkinson became embroiled in Aaron Burr’s conspiracy to establish an independent nation in the western territories, a scheme whose exact objectives remain speculative but involved significant collusion between Burr and Wilkinson. Fearing exposure in 1806, Wilkinson reported Burr’s activities to Jefferson while downplaying his own involvement, leading to Burr’s arrest and subsequent treason trial, from which he was ultimately acquitted. Through Wilkinson avoided indictment, his questionable actions cast a shadow over his character, resulting in his removal from the governorship in 1807.

Historical Significance

Known as Agent 13 in contemporary writing on Wilkinson's espionage on behalf of Spain.