Captain James Wilkinson Burns for a Fight

Posted on July 10, 2026

Captain James Wilkinson Burns for a Fight

General James Wilkinson lived a life full of power and scandal, serving as the senior officer of the US Army, governor of Louisiana Territory, and envoy to Mexico. He was also a paid spy for the Spanish Crown, although proof of his double dealings was not discovered until decades after his death. In 1776, though, long before his deal with Spain and his ascent to the top of the army, he was only Captain James Wilkinson, an aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold and a veteran of the Canadian campaign. On July 10, 1776—250 years ago today—Wilkinson had news to report.  

Wilkinson penned this letter to Richard Varick, who served as aide-de-camp to Northern Department commander Philip Schuyler in Albany. Wilkinson was then at Crown Point with the rest of the ex-Canadian army, but he had news from the north, obtained from a scouting party. “We learn that the Enemy had three Sloops and two Schooners on the Stocks at St. Johns”, Wilkinson shared. Both the British and American armies understood that naval control of Lake Champlain was vital, and the British quest to outbuild the Americans was underway. Evidence of their work could be seen in the forests: “A considerable number of Hanoverians are employed in procuring Timber in the Woods…” 

Wilkinson had less alarming news too, sharing that “Genl Carlton had strictly prohibited the Indians passing the Lake, agreeable Intelligence to the timorous Fair of your City [Albany].” The overall picture that he painted was ominous, but Wilkinson was not intimidated. In fact, he seemed to long for the opportunity for glory that a battle would bring. “The Enemy are very Numerous,” he wrote. “I hope their Activity will give me an Opportunity of reaping Laurels or embracing Death. O how I [love?], burn, & smart.” Wilkinson’s 1776 service did not lead to either laurels or a glorious death; instead, a severe case of typhoid fever, contracted at Ticonderoga, took him out of action for several months. He would have to wait for the 1777 Saratoga Campaign for another chance at a fight. 

Learn more about this letter (object ID 2003.0074.020) on the Ticonderoga Online Collections database: https://fortticonderoga.catalogaccess.com/archives/29469