They overcame a six-man caretaker detachment and seized the garrison's powder, which was distributed through several towns in the colony for potential use in the looming struggle against Great Britain.

On December 15, 1774, patriots led by John Sullivan again raided the fort, this time seizing numerous cannons, later used in the pivotal Battle of Bunker Hill.

[2] As tensions increased before the American Revolutionary War, British Prime Minister Lord North's government became concerned that the profusion of arms in New England would lead to bloodshed.

Langdon's volunteers not only broke open the powder house and absconded with about 100 barrels of gunpowder but, to three cheers, hauled down the fort's huge British flag and stomped upon it.

Led by John Sullivan, who was accompanied by Major Alexander Scammell, the rebels returned to the fort late on the night of December 15.

Britain finally gave up on the colony of New Hampshire in order to focus attention on the military situation in Massachusetts and abandoned the fort, removing its remaining equipment to Boston along with Governor Wentworth.

The supplies captured by Patriots in December 1774 were later used by New Hampshire's forces against the British military, including in the Siege of Boston and at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

[10][11] Conversely, supplies (including numerous cannon) left in the fort by Patriots following the raids were subsequently put to use by the British forces.