Description
Book SynopsisA fresh examination of the life and crimes of the highest-ranking federal official ever tried for treason and espionage American 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.
Trade ReviewWilkinson’s story is expertly woven into the significant military, international, and political events during and immediately after the founding of the United States. American Traitor is rich with historical details from the Revolutionary War through the War of 1812... * The Cipher Brief *
A fascinating, detailed, and well documented biography, American Traitor: General James Wilkinson's Betrayal of the Republic and Escape from Justice by Howard W. Cox is a solid and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library collections. * Midwest Book Review *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations AcknowledgmentsIntroduction 1. Young Doctor Wilkinson Goes to War (1757-1776) 2. The “Military Genius” of the Northern Army (1777) 3. Wilkinson and the Conway Cabal (1778-1782) 4. Agent 13 and the Spanish Conspiracy (1783-1791) 5. Return to the Frontier Army (1792-1796) 6. Last Man Standing (1797-1804) 7. Governor-General Wilkinson and the Burr Conspiracy (1805-1808) 8. Death of an Army on the Mississippi (1808-1809) 9. The Rising Storm (1810-1811) 10. Court-Martial in Frederick Town (1811-1812) 11. Death of an Army on the St. Lawrence (1812-1814) 12. Court-martialed Again, Acquitted Again, Dismissed at Last (1815) 13. Who Tells Your Story? (1816-1825) Conclusion Notes Bibliography IndexAbout the Author
