This is the second of six (6) actions that took place in the Union "Expedition from New Berne to Tarborough and Rocky Mount, NC" — also known as "Potter's Raid" — from July 18-24, 1863.

A Union Cavalry raid, led by Brig. Gen. Edward E. Potter, on the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad bridge at Rocky Mount was completely successful. The bridge was over 350 feet long with trestle work of 400 feet more. A full cotton mill, a flouring mill containing 1,000 barrels of flour, a large depot and offices, an engine and train of cars, a wagon train of 25 wagons filled with stores and munitions, an armory and machine shop with machinery and materials, and 800 bales of cotton, were all destroyed.

"At 3.a.m., July 20, Major Jacobs (who volunteered for the duty), was detached with his battalion to proceed to Rocky Mount, and destroy the railroad bridge and Government property... Maj. Jacobs captured and burned a locomotive and train; he also destroyed the railroad bridge (350 feet long), with trestle-work attached (400 feet in length), the county bridge (350 feet); a large cotton-mill, built of stone, six stories high; a Government flour-mill, four stores, containing 1,000 barrels of flour; a machine-shop, filled with ordnance stores; two trains of Government wagons; numbering 25 in all, filled with supplies of various descriptions, and 800 bales of cotton."

"Companies A and E, under Captain [James R.] Chamberlin...captured a train of cars, although in motion, upon which were 5 officers, viz, 1 captain, 2 second lieutenants, 2 first lieutenants, and 10 privates. This train of cars, together with the depot, railroad, and telegraph offices; county bridge, 350 feet long; cotton-mills, employing 150 white girls, built of stone and six stories high; one Government flouring mill (four stories); 1,000 barrels of flour, and immense quantities of hard-tack (already manufactured staple cotton and manufactured goods filled the store-rooms of the cotton factory); a machine-shop filled with war munitions; several separate storehouses; three trains of Government wagons (one, 14 wagons; one, 11 wagons; and another, 12 wagons), loaded with all manner of stores and supplies, these latter being collected for burning [fell into our hands]. Several Confederate soldiers emerged, and became prisoners of war. The destruction of property was large and complete.

"At 11 a.m. I marched leisurely back towards Tarborough, burning large quantities of cotton and a train of 5 wagons on the way. Cotton destroyed exceeded 800 bales....

"Private [Gideon F.] Blackman, of Company E, was blown up and badly burned at Rocky Mount, while extinguishing fire in the train of cars...

"I cannot refrain from warmly commending the conduct of Private [George A.] White, Company A, who, at Rocky Mount, sprang from his horse, and, jumping upon a passenger train in motion, 8 miles from town, placed his revolver at the head of the engineer, reversed the engine, and brought back the train. He should be promptly rewarded by promotion."

Maj. Jacobs identified the companies with him at this engagement, but named only one of the officers leading these companies.

"Sir: The Yankees have burned bridge at Rocky Mount and large cotton factory. Let me take an engine, and go to Weldon, and send down another regiment to-night.

"M.W. Ransom,
"Brigadier-General"

The next day, July 21st, Brig. Gen. Matthew W. Ransom sent a second report to A&IG Cooper, this one while at Rocky Mount, NC:

"Sir: The enemy left here yesterday, after burning the bridge, &c. The damage to the railroad, Colonel Fremont, superintendent of the road, who is here, says he can repair in a week. He will report from Tarborough..."

"Early this morning, I received information which I deemed worthy of attention, that a force of enemy's cavalry, numbering 300 or 400 men and four mountain howitzers, were moving in the direction of Greenville, evidently with the intention of striking this road. I immediately thought Tarborough, 15 miles east of our main line, was their first point of attack, or rather destruction, for there was nothing worth to attack but women and children.

"At 7:30 a.m. I received a dispatch from Rocky Mount, from the conductor of the Tarborough branch train, that he had left Tarborough at 3 a.m., and at daylight the cavalry (Third New York) had occupied the town.

"At 8:45 a.m. the line suddenly parted, stopping all telegraphic communications north of Wilson.

"About 1 p.m. I received a dispatch from Wilson that the bridge over the Tar River, near Rocky Mount, was burned; also Battle cotton factory, at the same place; and the cavalry reported moving in the direction of Wilson. I trust this last move in the direction of Wilson and Contentnea Creek Bridge will be repelled by Colonel [Stephen D.] Pool, reported to be at Wilson."

Maj. Clement Wright — Commanding Officer

13th NC Battalion-Infantry:
Company A — Capt. Joseph W. Latta,
Company B — Capt. Possum Nichols (POW),
Company C — Capt. Guilford W. Cox,
Company D — Capt. William H. Freeman.

-

Maj. Ferris Jacobs, Jr. — Commanding Officer,

3rd NY Cavalry Detachment — Maj. Ferris Jacobs, Jr.,
Company A —
Company D —
Company E —
Company G —
Company I —
Company L —

Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume XXVII, Part II, PP.963-977. 

North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster, Volume V, P.253.

https://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist/civil/rosters/cavalry/3rdCavCW_Roster.pdf