H. M. Lazelle to J. H. Taytor, July 21, 1864

CoLONEL: I have the honor to report the return to camp of a portion of a party of ten men sent out under charge of Soonacl Lieutenant Gray, Thirteenth New York Cavalry, on Monday evening last. The party on its return to camp, about 4 a. m. to-day, and while between Sangster’s and Fairfax Stations was ambuscaded by a party of from fifty to sixty rebels, resulting, so far as known, in a loss of here to Bristoe Station, thence to Warrenton, thence to Culpeper, thence to Waterloo, via Little Washington, toward Manassas. From Manassas Gap to Upperville, thence to Salem, thence down the road toward New Baltimore and thence back to Warrenton. Mr. Gray reports that the enemy have a small force of cavalry at Culpeper, and that he saw many wagons laden with supplies in the country passed through making in direction of the gaps. Lieutenant Gray narrowly escaped capture at Sangster’s Station, and only succeeded in doing so by getting into the thick woods out of sight, and picking his way cautiously to camp. The country about Bull Run Mr. Gray reports as infested with numerous bands of guerrillas, probably on the lookout for our parties. No other than small bands were seen by him in the country through which he traveled.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,