French Major General

Abstract

Spain refused Clark’s offer because they already had a Kentucky liaison, and in working with General James Wilkinson, they got a spy in the bargain. Wilkinson (Agent 13 to the Spanish), rose in military ranks through the Washington, Adams, and Jefferson administrations, although each president knew of his treason. After arriving in Kentucky with gubernatorial aspirations, Wilkinson provided Spain with suggested names of prominent Kentuckians who might accept bribes in exchange for supporting a Spanish affiliation over that of the United States. Clark’s name was not among them. With the help of his radical brother-in-law, Clark instead became a French general in command of a western army recruited to overthrow Spanish claims to Louisiana in favor of France. His French affiliation led in part to the declaration of the Neutrality Act and eventually to John Adams’s call for his arrest in Philadelphia. Clark concluded 1798 in St. Louis, estranged from the nation he helped create.