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In 1781 Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, taking advantage of the Fourth Anglo-Dutch war, demanded the final dismantling of the Barrier system, and in 1784, he demanded the return of territory in the Overmaas and States Flanders, as well as Dutch evacuation of Maastricht and the reopening of the Scheldt. This happened shortly after the Treaty of Paris. The Holy Roman Empire was supported by Britain, the Republic's enemy in the recent war. France supported the Dutch. Although the Belgian Army was not equipped very well, with a lack on artillery and supply, the emperor decided to threaten war. Convinced that the Netherlands would not dare react, Joseph II had three ships (including the merchant ship "Le Louis" with the emperor's flag) sail from Antwerp for the Scheldt.
On 9 October 1784, as a letter to Benjamin Franklin asserts, the war seemed inevitable. That day the Dutch ship the "Dolfijn" was sent out to intercept the Imperial ships. After only one shot, which hit a kettle, "Le Louis" surrendered. On 30 October the emperor declared war. On 18 November, the States of Holland reacted: the Count of Salm was asked to form a small army. The patriots used the incident for political propaganda and organized the Exercitiegenootschappen militia all over the country. The Admiralty of Friesland offered two new warships, but they were unable to leave the port of Harlingen and dismantled.
According to the Annual Register for years 1784-85, Dolfijn would have needed a full broadside of seven guns to stop Le Louis. Austrian forces invaded Dutch territory, razed a custom station and strongly occupied the old fort at Lillo, at the time used as vegetable garden. The garrison of Lillo broke the dikes, inundating a large area and drowning many people.
On 13 February 1785, the Dutch ambassador Van Berckel wrote an extended letter to John Jay, in which he explained the situation.
Read more about this topic: Kettle War