As Dragging Canoe approached Eaton's Station (in the vicinity of Long Island of the Holston), the fort's garrison, led by Captain John Thompson, feared the Cherokees would bypass the fort and destroy their farms, and thus marched out to engage them at Island Flats.
Near Long Island of the Holston, as Dragging Canoe approached Eaton's Station, Captain John Thompson led the garrison in apprehension that the Cherokees might avoid the fort and harm their fields. Consequently, they went out to confront the Cherokees at Island Flats.