Originally, the Louisiana Purchase was much smaller, but it ended up this vast area. The Spanish didn't recognize the purchase. Louisiana had bounced back and forth between Spain and France. The French weren't supposed to transfer it to an English-speaking nation, and they weren't supposed to transfer it without notifying Spain.

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).

Pike was a very dedicated soldier on a mission for his young country and filled with patriotism.

There are so many questions. People feel strongly he was a spy or he was not a spy.

You have to remember he wasn't trained. He does make some mistakes.

Alice: I didn't know that cheshire cats grinned. In fact, I didn't know that cats could grin.

Duchess: They can, and most of 'em do.