Samuel J. Watson
American Traitor provides the most comprehensive and detailed examination of the espionage and treachery practiced by the first peacetime commanding general of the US Army. Howard Cox explores how Wilkinson forged ties with a series of presidents who protected him and shielded their administrations, demonstrating the power of inertia and government fears of public criticism common even in American democracy.
David Buckley
Howard Cox delves deeply into one of the Republic’s early and highest ranking spies, and finds an unfortunately familiar account of ego, greed, and an insatiable quest for power. Slippery as teflon, Agent 13 evades attempts at accountability by Congress and the Courts and appears too much of an embarrassment to the several presidents who put him (and kept him) in power to act.
Margaret R. Pasquarelli
Howard’s love of US history, combined with his impressive body of service as an attorney in the US Army and his career as a senior Intelligence Community official, make this a must read for anyone who has served in those fields. This is not a dry historical document. Howard brings to life one of the most notorious spies in US history that no one has ever heard of.
Edward G. Allan
Howard W. Cox presents us with a well-researched account of treason during the early years of the Republic. It is not only perceptive and insightful, but engrossing and exciting. It is a must read for any serious student of American History and the Government of America during the forty years following our independence from England.
Steven Siry
Backed by impressive research, American Traitor provides a well-written and riveting history of General James Wilkinson’s long and treasonous career in the early American republic.
Ken Daigler
Mr. Cox has written a fascinating biography of perhaps the least known spy, often even overlooked by historians, in the early years of our republic. While General Benedict Arnold is readily identified as a traitor, James Wilkinson is seldom noted even though his connection to the Spanish foreign intelligence service is much longer. Cox’s interesting narrative demonstrates that Wilkinson had but one loyalty—to himself and the care of his well-bred wife. Wilkinson’s career is connected to several important figures in American history and demonstrates how pragmatic political concerns kept him in positions of authority. Cox’s work fits well into any history of American espionage.
