"This book examines the career of the notorious Gen. James Wilkinson, the highest ranking US official ever tried for treason and espionage. Wilkinson's military career began during the Revolutionary War, and he served with nearly every president and major military figure during the first forty years of US history. As he rose to the rank of commanding general of the US Army, Wilkinson betrayed virtually everyone he worked for or with to advance his career and finances. He was a handsomely paid spy for Spain, plotted to have western territories split from the United States, and accepted kickbacks from government contractors. His negligence and greed also caused the largest peacetime disaster in the history of the US Army. This book focuses on Wilkinson as a spy and makes unique contributions with its in depth analysis of how Wilkinson survived his 1811 court-martial trial. Cox concludes that the prosecution deliberately lost the case to ensure Wilkinson's acquittal in order to cover up presidential failures"--
Read More
A fresh examination of the life and crimes of the highest-ranking federal official ever tried for treason and espionageAmerican Traitor examines the career of the notorious Gen. James Wilkinson, whose corruption and espionage exposed the United States to grave dangers during the early years of the republic. Wilkinson is largely forgotten today, which is unfortunate because his sordid story is a cautionary tale about unscrupulous actors who would take advantage of gaps in the law, oversight, and accountability for self-dealing. Wilkinson’s military career began during the Revolutionary War and continued through the War of 1812. As he rose to the rank of commanding general of the US Army, Wilkinson betrayed virtually everyone he worked with to advance his career and finances. He was a spy for Spain, plotted to have western territories split from the United States, and accepted kickbacks from contractors. His negligence and greed also caused the largest peacetime disaster in the history of the US Army. Howard W. Cox picks apart Wilkinson’s misdeeds with the eye of an experienced investigator. American Traitor offers the most in-depth analysis of Wilkinson’s court-martial trials and how he evaded efforts to hold him accountable. This astounding history of villainy in the early republic will fascinate anyone with an interest in the period as well as readers of espionage history.
Read Less