Massachusetts Bay The Raid on Saint John took place on 27 August 1775 during the American Revolutionary War.

This raid was the first hostile act committed against Nova Scotia and it resulted in raising the militia across the colony.

A month later, 55 American militia men, led by Jeremiah O'Brien took control of two merchant vessels and on June 12, using them, captured the armed coastal patrol sloop (sometimes called a schooner, sometimes a frigate), the HMS MARGARETTA and her crew of 40 at the Battle of Machias, actually happening 12 miles down the bay off Machiasport.

[12] In August, the Machias Committee of Safety sent Captain Stephen Smith to capture the brig LOYAL BRITON at St. John, which was loading cattle and other supplies intended for the British Army at Boston.

[17] In retaliation for the raid on St. John, the British executed the Burning of Falmouth, modern day Portland, Maine.