James Wilkerson - Traitor for the Spanish Crown

James Wilkerson roused fellow Kentuckians against Congress in 1787 and headed for New Orleans.  He met with the Spanish governor Esteban Miro in charge of New Orleans.  Miro granted Wilkerson trading privileges at the port in exchange for Wilkerson's oath of allegiance and his vow to sew dissent among his frontiersmen.

A change in Spanish policy abruptly opened New Orleans, allowing American traders entry with payment of a 15% duty on goods.  Washington's answer to maintaining allegiance in the West was to purchase the loyalty of the area's chief troublemakers rather than risk their continued plotting against the United States.

Wilkerson suddenly became a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army.  He eventually became a general (it was much easier to become a general back then) and as a general continued to sell his loyalties to the highest bidder.  He served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, but he was twice compelled to resign. He was twice the Senior Officer of the US Army, appointed to be the first Governor of the Louisiana Territory in 1805, and commanded two unsuccessful campaigns along the St. Lawrence River  during the War of 1812.  After his death, he was discovered to have been a paid agent for the Spanish crown.  In other words - a traitor along with Benedict Arnold.  It just took a lot longer to discover that fact!
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On this Day in Pioneer History: "On November 19, 1863, at the dedication of a military cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln delivers one of the most memorable speeches in American history. In just 272 words, Lincoln brilliantly and movingly reminded a war-weary public why the Union had to fight, and win, the Civil War."

Spain Has Designs on the United States

Spain viewed America's western ambition with determination to obstruct settlement in Kentucky and Tennessee.  Their best weapon was New Orleans which France had turned over to Spain in 1762.  By closing the port Spain could threaten farmers with ruin.  New Orleans was the only outlet to European and American markets.

On June 20, 1784, Spain closed New Orleans and opened talks with the US Secretary of Foreign Affairs, John Jay.  Tempting trading privileges to eastern merchants were offered.  Spain knew they wouldn't care about the frontier people if it meant money in their pockets. Spain demanded America agree to the closing of New Orleans for 25 years.  In Congress seven states voted to accept but it wasn't the nine states needed to pass.

Spain was also busy rousing the Creek, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indian tribes against American settlers in the South.  Not only did the settlers have Indians to deal with, but also the attitude of the East against them.  One man who saw profit and power in the situation was a man of wealth and influence from Kentucky - James Wilkerson.  Although eastern bred, Wilkerson (who became quite notorious in his lifetime) imagined himself as the president of a new republic of the west.  He believed Spain would be happy to sponsor such a buffer against the United States. More about him later...

Next time - More on James Wilkerson
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On this Day in Pioneer History: "On November 16, 1821, Missouri Indian trader William Becknell arrives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, sells his goods at an enormous profit, and makes plans to return the next year over the route that will become known as the Santa Fe Trail.