Fort Johnson was a U.S. Army post built on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in modern-day Warsaw, Illinois, during the War of 1812.
Troops retreating from the Battle of Credit Island constructed the fort after effectively surrendering control of the upper Mississippi to the British and allied Indian tribes, including the Sauk.
Because of the chaotic situation along the Mississippi River frontier, the fort was abandoned in late October 1814 after provisions ran out.
We crawled cautiously on our hands and knees until we got to the bottom land, then through the grass and weeds until we reached the bank of the creek.
I looked towards the fort, and saw the whites were in great confusion, running wildly in every direction, some down the steep bank toward a boat.
My comrade joined me, we returned to the rest of the party and all hurried back to Rock River, where we arrived in safety at our village.
I hung up my medicine bag, put away my rifle and spear, feeling as if I should want them no more, as I had no desire to raise other war parties against the whites unless they gave me provocation.
Troops stationed at Cantonment Davis helped to construct Fort Edwards, an important military and trading post occupied until 1824 by the U.S. Army and by traders until about 1832.