During the year 1779 the emigration to Kentucky was much greater than any previous one.  The settlers do not seem to have been so much annoyed by the Indians as formerly.  Yet this year is distinguished in the annals of Kentucky for the most bloody battle ever fought between the whites and Indians within her borders, with the single exception of that of the Blue Licks.

It took place opposite to Cincinnati.  Colonel Rogers had been down to New Orleans to procure supplies for the posts on the Upper Mississippi and Ohio.  Having obtained them, he ascended these rivers until he reached the place mentioned above.  Here he found the Indians in their canoes coming out of the mouth of the Little Miami, and crossing to the Kentucky side of the Ohio.  He conceived the plan of surprising them as they landed.  The Ohio was very low on the Kentucky side, so that a large sand-bar was laid bare, extending along the shore.  Upon this Rogers landed his men, but, before they could reach the spot where they expected to attack the enemy, they were themselves attacked by such superior numbers that the issue of the contest was not doubtful for a single moment.  Rogers and the greater part of his men were instantly killed.  The few who were left fled toward the boats.  But one of them was already in the possession of the Indians, whose flanks were extended in advance of the fugitives, and the few men remaining in the other pushed off from shore without waiting to take their comrades on board.  These last now turned around upon their pursuers, and, furiously charging them, a small number broke through their ranks and escaped to Harrodsburg.  The loss in this most lamentable affair was about sixty men, very nearly equal to that at Blue Licks.

The Kentuckians resolved to invade the Indian country, and Chillicothe was selected as the point to feel the weight of their vengeance.  Colonel Bowman issued a call, inviting all those who were willing to accompany him in the expedition to rendezvous at Harrodsburg.  This was the manner of organizing such expeditions in Kentucky.  An officer would invite volunteers to participate with him in an incursion into the Indian country.  All who joined were expected to submit to his direction.

On this occasion there was no want of zeal among the people.  Bowman’s reputation as a soldier was good, and three hundred men were soon collected, among whom were Logan and Harrod; both holding the rank of captain.  It does not appear that either Boone or Kenton engaged in this enterprise.  Indeed, the first is said to have been absent in North Carolina his family having returned there after his capture in the preceding year, supposing him to be dead.