James Wilkinson (March 24, 1757 – December 28, 1825) is an American soldier and diplomat who is associated with several scandals and controversies.

He serves in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, but is twice compelled to resign.

He is twice the Commanding General of the United States Army, appointed first Governor of the Louisiana Territory in 1805, and commands two unsuccessful campaigns in the St. Lawrence theater during the War of 1812.

After his death, he is discovered to have been a paid agent of the Spanish Crown