The convoy was engaged by ships of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in the Battle of Albemarle Sound, but both the ram and Cotton Plant with several launches in tow escaped into the Roanoke River.

In May 1865, Cotton Plant was surrendered to Union officials near Halifax, North Carolina by parties claiming that she had been appropriated by Confederate authorities.

Ownership was adjudicated at Plymouth and she was turned over to the U.S. Treasury purchasing agent to transport cotton and provisions.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

This article about a specific ship related to the American Civil War is a stub.