Cavalry engagement near Spotsylvania C. H.
Quite a spirited fight took place on Saturday last four miles above Spotsylvania C. H., on the road leading to Todd's Tavern, in which Wickham's cavalry brigade was principally engaged. Both sides engaged were dismounted cavalry. The enemy fought very obstinately for several hours. Wickham's men finally forced back his left about one mile and held their position. When the enemy fell back a large number of their dead were left on the field. Our loss in the fight was about 150 killed and wounded. Fifty-one prisoners were captured during the engagement, among whom were two Captains and two Lieutenants, who were brought down by the Fredericksburg cars yesterday evening. Among the officers killed was Lieut. Isaac Wingfield, company G. Hanover Troop, and Lieut. Puryear, company A, 3d Virginia cavalry, was shot through the left lung, and reached this city yesterday evening. Col. Collins, of the 15th Virginia cavalry, is also reported killed. The loss in Gen. Fitz Lee's division since the fighting began last Thursday is estimated at 250 killed and wounded. Most of the casualties occurred in Saturday's fight, Wickham's brigade having lost more heavily than any other.
The Daily Dispatch: July 7, 1864.
Thomas Allen, Old Dominion Dragoons, 3d Va cavalry, fell mortally wounded in a very severe cavalry engagement at Todd's Tavern, May 8th, 1864, in his 19th year.
JR