Union forces planned to disrupt Confederate communications by destroying the railroad bridge at Weldon, North Carolina that carried the Wilmongton and Weldon Railroad over the Roanoke River. Pennsylvania and New Jersey cavalry under Colonel Samuel Spear landed at Winton but Confederate troops under Brigadier General Matt Ransom blocked them at Boon's Mill . Though the overall mission did disrupt supply lines, this engagement, also called the Battle of Jackson, ended this Federal attempt to bring down the bridge. (By John Osborne)