D. H. Hill, Jr., Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 4, North Carolina
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

On the 2d of February, General Martin made the attack successfully and captured the barracks, several guns, 70 or 80 prisoners, and many stores. This whole affair was well managed and well fought. Martin lost 7 men killed and 14 wounded.

Gen. M. W. Ransom, on the 9th of March, at the head of his brigade and a cavalry force, drove the Federals from Suffolk, capturing a piece of artillery and quartermaster stores of much value. Judge Roulhac says in his Regimental History: ‘This was a most exciting little affair, in which our troops met negro soldiers for the first time. Quick work was made of their line of battle, and their retreat was soon converted into a runaway.... The firing of our artillery was excellent, every shot taking effect upon the fleeing ebony horsemen. At a swift run by sections, Branch's artillery kept shot and shell in their midst as long as the fleeing cavalry could be reached.’

The next important event in North Carolina was Gen. R. F. Hoke's capture of the town of Plymouth. This town had been very strongly fortified, especially on the land side. Forts Williams, Gray, Amory, Battery Worth and other defenses made an attack quite a formidable matter. It was held by Gen. H. W. Wessells, commanding a garrison of 2,834 men. General Hoke, who had been selected to lead this important expedition because the President knew ‘his energy and activity,’ designed attacking Plymouth, and wished naval assistance. He rode up the river to inquire of Commander Cooke, who was building an ironclad at Edward's ferry on the Roanoke, when he could get the co-operation of the boat. At the first interview, Cooke said that it would be impossible for him to have the boat ready by the time suggested by General Hoke. But when General Hoke explained that he wanted to attack Plymouth, and that it was necessary