Sir: In conformity with instructions from Division headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Second Michigan Volunteers in the action of Monday, the 5th instant, in front of Williamsburg:

After an excessively fatiguing march, the last three miles of which we made with our knapsacks, the regiment reached the scene of action about 2 o’clock p.m. I had previously received instructions from the General commanding the division as to the disposition I was to make of the regiment, which without halting went into action, two companies to the right and two companies to the left of the road, six companies being held in reserve. At about 3.30 to 4 p.m. one more company was thrown from the reserve to the right of the road and another to the left. It was at this time, and while giving Captain Morse his instructions, that he fell severely wounded. At about 5 p.m. the companies which had been actively engaged from the first, grew short of ammunition, when I threw forward the four companies of the reserve which had not been engaged. These four companies did not leave their ground until ordered to do so.

When the conduct of all was so good it is perhaps invidious to attempt to distinguish any, yet I feel compelled to speak of the cool and daring conduct of Lieutenant Dobson (wounded) and Wallace (killed). The latter refused to leave the ground after being once wounded, and remained, doing excellent service until a ball through his head killed him. There are plenty of others who deserve the same commendation, but I only speak of what came under my own notice.

I ought perhaps to speak of Private Allen, who was a new recruit, never having had a musket until the day before; he was found dead beside a dead foe, each transfixed by the others bayonet.

The regiment took into action three hundred. The loss is as follows: Killed, 17; wounded, 38; missing, 5; supposed to be prisoners; total, 60. During the action Lieutenant Colonel Williams commanded upon the right of the road, Major Dillman upon the left, while I exercised in person general supervision over the whole line.

Very respectfully O.M. POE
Colonel Second Michigan Volunteers"