The British objective was to capture supplies and equipment from the U.S. military store depot at Black Rock, New York.

[5] This force crossed the Niagara River, landed below Black Rock and moved "with great rapidity to the attack of that post".

[2] One hundred and fifty New York Militia under the command of Major Parmenio Adams, who had been stationed at Fort Gibson to defend Black Rock, fled[6] and Bisshopp's men set to work.

They spiked two 12-pounder and two 6-pounder guns at the batteries and made off with another 12-pounder, two 9-pounders, 177 muskets, several kegs of ammunition, quantities of round shot and canister shot, a large amount of army clothing and seven large bateaux and a scow which were loaded with 180 barrels of provisions.

[7] Meanwhile, Brigadier General Peter B. Porter of the New York Militia, whose own house was nearby, had gathered a force to oppose the invaders.