[4] After the war Wilkins became a merchant and contractor in Pennsylvania and Presque Isle, Michigan, providing supplies and equipment to the United States Army in the Northwest Territory.

[5] In 1793 Governor Thomas Mifflin appointed Wilkins as Brigadier General of the Allegheny County Militia as part of Pennsylvania's response to the Whiskey Rebellion.

[6] President George Washington appointed Wilkins as Quartermaster General of the United States Army in June 1796.

His resignation was not accepted and he continued to serve, overseeing the supplying and equipping of an expanded Army in anticipation of war with France.

[7] The dispute with France was resolved without fighting, and Wilkins served until his position was abolished in March 1802 as part of a downsizing of the Army through the Military Peace Establishment Act.