Richard Johnson American Battle of Moraviantown

Richard Johnson was one of the War Hawks who persistently pushed the American Congress to declare war on Great Britain. During the war, he commanded two Kentucky militia regiments, one of infantry, the other of mounted rifles, which totaled 1200 men. Later these two regiments fought bravely under Johnson at the battle at Moraviantown where Tecumseh was killed and Johnson wounded four times. In later years, while seeking nomination as a presidential candidate, Johnson allowed himself to be touted as the man who killed Tecumseh, giving rise to the popular, if mordant, slogan, “Rumpsey Dumpsey, Colonel Johnson killed Tecumseh.” His claim, while having some credibility has never been proven or disproved. He would eventually serve as vice-president under Martin Van Buren.