James Wilkinson: Military Hero or Traitor?

From the September 21, 2021, We  Are the Mighty "4 American traitors more destructive than Benedict Arnold" by Team Mighty.

James Wilkinson was one of the most trusted soldiers in American history, serving in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812.  He took on the role of governor of the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and became  one of the Army's most senior officers.

There were many problems with Wilkinson's service, but the foremost among them was that he had been spying for the Spanish most of the time.

When his role in Aaron Burr's own treason was discovered, he placed New Orleans under martial law and imprisoned anyone who might be able to prove Wilkinson was complicit in the plot.

Wilkinson was never caught in his own lifetime, but his papers were discovered in 1854, leading  Theodore Roosevelt to say, "In all our history,  there is no more despicable character."

--Brock-Perry

Other U.S. Navy Ships Named Chesapeake-- Part 1: The USS Patapsco

From Wikipedia.

USS CHESAPEAKE--  This sloop was renamed the USS Patapsco in 1799, while still under construction.  Most likely to free up the name for the frigate USS Chesapeake.  Launched in 1799 and sold in 1801.  Twenty guns and 87 feet long.

It was either changed to Patapsco while under construction or after launching on June 20, 1799.  Commanded by Captain Henry Geddes.  It escorted the brig Acteon to New Orleans, carrying General James Wilkinson and his staff there.  (he became the first Louisiana Territorial Governor in 1805).  He later commanded two very unsuccessful campaigns during the War or 1812 along the St. Lawrence River.

The Patapsco cruised in the West Indies during the Quasi-War with France to protect American shipping.

More to Come.  --Brock-Perry

Ceremony of the Three Flags-- Part 4

On November 30, 1803, Spain formally transferred the Louisiana Territory to France in New Orleans...On December 20, 1803, New Orleans and the rest of the Louisiana Territory was transferred to the United States.  The new governor of the territory was William C.C. Claiburne.

But navigation of the Mississippi River was closed for the winter by then and word did not reach St. Louis.

On March 9, 1804, Adam Stoddard, the lt.-governor of Upper Louisiana and Meriwether Lewis arrived in St. Louis by boat.  The Spanish flag was lowered that day and the French flag hoisted to fly for 24 hours..  The next morning, March 10, 1804, the U.S. flag was raised and the ceremony was complete.

The events of these two days are referred to as the Three Flags ceremony or the Ceremony of the Three Flags, which Charles Gratiot witnessed.

This is why the Lewis and Clark Expedition did not begin in 1803.

--Brock-Perry

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Ceremony of the Three Flags-- Part 2: France Had It, Spain Got It, France Got It Back

France had controlled the Louisiana Territory from its founding to the Treaty of Paris ending the Seven Years War (called the French and Indian War in North America).  As a result, Spain received French land west of the Mississippi River.  Spain officially took over control of it in 1769 after they suppressed the Rebellion of 1768 by residents who did not want to become part of the Spanish empire

The United States extended its borders to the east bank of the Mississippi River as a result of the Revolutionary War.

On October 1, 1800, Napoleon and France re-acquired the Louisiana Territory from Spain, but this was done in secrecy and Spain continued administrative control of the area.

You Got It, They Got It, Who Got It?  --Brock-Perry