 The embargo was deeply unpopular in New England and had severe economic effects there; the embargo was repealed in March 1809, but the situation with Britain ultimately led to the War of 1812.It was felt that these forts were built as much to enforce the embargo as to defend the country, and they were derisively known as "embargo forts".The battery is mentioned in the Secretary of War's reports on fortifications for December 1808 and December 1811.