An Artist in Treason

An Artist in Treason

The Extraordinary Double Life of General James Wilkinson

By

Andro Linklater

Having what I believed to be a little better than average knowledge of American History, I was surprised at my total ignorance of the colorful (or sordid) true story of General James Wilkinson. He was a man who served in the senior levels of The U.S. Army (a number of years he was the senior General) under Presidents Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison. What is amazing is that it is documented that for most of that time, he was also a paid spy for Spain with the nom de guerre “Agent 13”.

James Wilkinson was born into a family of Maryland Planters (from England) that had enjoyed some wealth, but not at the time James was born. James was bred as an aristocrat, but did not have the funds to support that sort of lifestyle. This would dictate a lifestyle of living beyond his means and a constant shortage of money for all of his life. Combine that with possessing traits of great charm, being very intuitive in politics, a great orator and an ability to “play both sides of the fence”; he pursued his own self-interests with great vigor. He enjoyed relationships with Washington, Adams and Jefferson as mentioned, while Madison tried to court martial him but failed. Along the way he served with Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr (2 well known rogues in history), was their friend, and then turned against them when their interests conflicted with his.

Wilkinson played an important role in the development of Kentucky (then a tenuous part of Virginia). He got very involved with Kentucky politics and that probably is when he established his ties with Spain. Spain controlled New Orleans and the Mississippi River Valley. Because of his influence with the U.S. Government, he was able to establish Spanish relationships and open up trade for Kentuckians on The Mississippi River (and get paid for it). It should be noted that Kentuckians weren’t sure at this time whether they would be better off under the U.S. Government, British Government, Spanish Government or being independent. There was what has been termed “secessionist sentiment” during this period of their history.

His closest relationship was with President Jefferson, who I suspect had some knowledge of Wilkinson’s nefarious activities, but considered him a necessary evil. It was under Jefferson’s Presidency that Aaron Burr attempted to capture New Orleans and part of Mexico in an attempt to set up a separate nation with him as the ruler. An integral part of that plan was the use of the U.S. Army (under Wilkinson’s control) to take control of New Orleans. At the last moment, Wilkinson reneged which caused the collapse of Burr’s Conspiracy. It is even said that this action of Wilkinson’s saved the fledgling U.S. Nation. The problem was he was playing both sides of the fence again and decided it was in his best interests to “stay loyal” at the last minute. As I mentioned, to Jefferson, a “necessary evil”.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Wilkinson also informed Spain about the Lewis and Clark expedition. The purpose was so Spain could interfere and stop the expedition to prevent U.S. expansion. Spain sent troops to stop the expedition, but they could not find them. Wilkinson was paid for this information.

If I read this review without reading the book, I would be a little suspect of what sound like wild allegations. However, I have had the advantage of reading the book, and it is a non-fiction. Andro Linklater has done an excellent job of telling a fascinating and almost unbelievable true story of our history. If you have any interest in history and enjoy a good story, you need to read this book.