Johnson returned to Congress in late fall 1812, after his unit was disbanded. With his military experience fresh in his mind, he proposed a plan to defeat the British Indian allies with mounted riflemen. They could move quickly, carry their own supplies and live off the land and woods.
He submitted these plans to President Madison and Secretary of War John Armstrong. They approved the plan and referred it to General William Henry Harrison.
He left Washington, D.C., just before Congress adjourned, went to Kentucky and raised 1,000 men for his mounted force. These men and Johnson were officially under control of Kentucky Governor Isaac Shelby, but essentially operated independently.
Johnson put his force through much training, drill and discipline.
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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