Bird's invasion of Kentucky

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Bird's invasion of Kentucky during the American Revolutionary War was just one phase of an extensive series of operations planned by the British in 1780, whereby the entire West, from Canada to Florida, was to be swept clear of both Spaniards and colonists.

1 Background: British western campaign of 1780
2 Campaign
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Background: British western campaign of 1780

British authorities, during the spring of 1780, were prepared to carry out a comprehensive plan for the recapture of the Illinois Country and to attack St. Louis, New Orleans and other Spanish posts on the Mississippi River. Spain, allied with France, was then the enemy of Great Britain. Four simultaneous movements were begun. Capt. Henry Bird with a force from Detroit was directed to "amuse" George Rogers Clark at the Falls of the Ohio. General John Campbell, 5th Duke of Argyll, from Pensacola, after taking New Orleans was to proceed up the Mississippi to Natchez where he was to be joined by a force which was to have captured St. Louis. Capt. Charles de Langlade was to advance down the Illinois River while another party was ordered to watch Vincennes. No part of the plan proved successful. Capt. Bird, after taking two small posts in Kentucky, retreated. General Campbell, frightened at the display of strength by Governor Bernardo de Galvez at New Orleans, remained at Pensacola. A force of British and Indians from Michilimackinac, after their first repulse at St. Louis, withdrew. Capt. Langlade retreated precipitately upon learning of the approach of Illinois cavalry.

[edit] Campaign

From Fort Detroit, Captain Henry Bird of the 8th Regiment of Foot led an American Indian army of 1000 men, accompanied by a 150 white men (Detroit Volunteers and bombadiers of the Royal Regiment of Artillery), against the settlers of Kentucky. The settlements of Ruddle's Station and Martin's Station were easily overwhelmed by Bird's cannons but lack of provisions compelled a retreat. Some settlers were killed at the fort sites, over 450 prisoners were carried back to Detroit, several killed along the way.