In September of 1782, Capt. Robert Raiford of the North Carolina Continental line burst into the Bladen County Court House at the head of thirty men. He attacked Archibald MacLaine with his sword for defending a Loyalist who was on trial that day.

The mob beat the court clerk for no apparent reason and then moved the riot out into the street. After electing "field officers," the mob marched around the county apprehending Loyalists without any orders from a higher commanding officer.

A warrant was issued for Raiford's arrest, but he had returned to Maj. Gen. Greene's army where he had been put in command of the light infantry. A year later, Raiford was brought to trial, but he was acquitted.