Returning to the question of why JHM did not cross the Ohio sooner (Great Raid), none of you have mentioned the rain storms (up river)that caused the normally shallow fording points to become to deep and swift to move a cannon or wagon across. If you might allow me to quote from primary sources and experts in the field:

“On July 17, The Daily Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the Ohio River was only thirty inches deep at Buffington. Even if a boat was able to make it through, it wouldn’t be able to maneuver too well.”
~Lester V. Horwitz, “The longest Raid of the Civil War,” Chap. 28, p 159

“From the 9th until the 19th through Indiana and Ohio was almost a continual skirmish day & night with Soldiers, Home Guards, & Citizens. We marched very hard and fast, breaking down our horses and procuring fresh ones. On the night of the 18th of July we reached the Ohio River at Buffington Bar and found a wide, deep and unfordable river, rapidly rising. We could not cross in the Stygian Darkness by which we were surrounded, and sinking down upon its shores, exhausted nature found repose in sleep.”

~ Captain Thomas M. Coombs

"Unknown to the Raiders, heavy rains in the West Virginia mountains had caused the Ohio River to reach almost six feet in the area of Buffington Island. At this depth it would be impossible to move wagons and artillery across the river without the aid of a ferry."

~Myron J. Smith, “Gunboats at Buffington, West Virginia History,” Vol. XLIV, No 2, p. 105

My 2nd great grandfather, James Edward Evans, rode upon the raid (1st Ky Cav reorganized to 3rd Ky Cav)thus my passionate curiousity.

Mary Beth