Letter

Bas Sooy Itel to 128th Ohio Vol. Infantry and Inspecting Officer, January 1, 1865

Johnsows Island, Ohio, January 1, 1865.

Col. CHARLES W. HILL, 128th Regt. Ohio Vol. Infty., Comdg. U. S. Forces, Johnson’s Island :

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following inspection report of the condition of the prisoners of war at this station for the week ending January 1, 1865:

Conduct—good. Cleanliness—good. Clothing—good. Bedding— no straw issued to prison since June, 1864, except three blocks and hospital; bunks and blankets wanted. State of quarters—nine blocks clean, two fair, and Block 10 dirty. State of mess-houses—fair. State of kitchen—fair. Food, quality of—good. Food, quantity of—prisoners’ ration, except potatoes. Water—lake water and good. Sinks— fair. Police of grounds—good. Drainage—good. Police of hospital— very good. Attendance of sick—good. Hospital diet—good and abundant. General health of prisoners—very good; one case of smallpox. Vigilance of guard—good.

Remarks and suggestions.—Whole number of prisoners, 3,209; number in hospital, 44; deaths since last report, 3.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[Indorsement.]

The deficieney of blankets it is expected will soon be obviated. The

order to erect barracks for the Sixth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps

came at so’ late a day in the season as to render it very difficult to get

the lumber, and the unexpectedly large increase of prisoners overrun

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION AND CONFEDERATE.

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Indian Territory, 1861–62. Location: Johnsows Island, Ohio. Summary: Lieutenant Colonel Bas Sooy Itel reports to Colonel Charles W. Hill on January 1, 1865, detailing the good condition, health, and management of 3,209 prisoners at Johnson's Island prison camp.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 8 View original source ↗