But the American nation was not yet rid of its unsuccessful generals.

James Wilkinson, who was inscrutably chosen to succeed Dearborn, was a man of bad reputation and low professional standing.

"The selection of this unprincipled imbecile," said Winfield Scott, "was not the blunder of Secretary Armstrong." Added to this, Wilkinson was a man of broken health.

He was shifted from command at New Orleans because the Southern Senators insisted that he was untrustworthy and incompetent.

The regular army regarded him with contempt.
Secretary Armstrong endeavored to mend matters by making his own headquarters at Sackett's Harbor, where the next offensive, directed against Montreal, was planned under his direction.