Wilkinson had a lot of high-powered influence in the United...

Wilkinson had a lot of high-powered influence in the United States, Spain and France. Wilkinson commissioned Pike, but what were his motives? He had already sent men into New Orleans and Texas (still under Spanish control) on filibusters or spying missions. He was making contact with Spanish viceroys and selling information to Spain (U.S. military arrangements for $12,000).