H. M. Lazelle to Sixteenth New York Vol. Cav, July 7, 1864

CoLoNngEL: I have the honor to report that Lieutenant Kuhls, of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, one of the officers with Major Forbes’ party, reached here this afternoon about 4 o’clock, being the only officer that has as yet returned. He reports our detachment badly beaten by the enemy in an engagement with a party of Mosby’s men, estimated by him to number about 200, about half a mile this side of Mount Zion Church (near Aldie).

Of the party of 150 sent-out there have to-day returned to camp as follows: One officer and 26 men, Second Massachusetts Cavalry ; tenant Kuhls thinks a few of them are either killed or wounded, but the majority taken prisoners. The particulars of the fight will be delayed until the return of Colonel Lowell, who will probably be able to give you more satisfactory accounts than I can.

The following ofticers were with the party and have not been heard from: First Lieut. R. 8. Schuyler, Thirteenth New York Cavalry; Second Lieut. Michael Burns, Thirteenth New York Cavalry; Second Lieut. C. W. An ory, Second Massachusetts Cavalry ; Chaplain C. A. Humphreys, Second Massachusetts Cavalry. Major Forbes, when last seen by Licutenant Kuhls, was completely surrounded by the enemy and fighting bravely. He is without doubt a prisoner, if not killed or wounded. Capt. G. A. Stone, Second Massachusetts Cavalry, who was also with the party, is reported badly wounded, in the house of Mr. Thomas Taylor, near Centreville, and a party has been sent to bring him into camp. Colonel Lowell has not been heard from since he started, but is expected in to-night. Nothing has been heard of any party of rebels from the direction of either Thoroughfare Gap or Manassas, though scouting parties have been sent out continually, who would be likely to obtain information of an advance from those directions.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,