Letter

Charles Steelhammer to Respectfully referred to the Commissary General of Prisoners, January 1, 1865

New York Harbor, January 1, 1865.

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—very good. Cleanliness—very good. Clothing—good. Bedding—iron bedsteads, husk mattresses, blankets, sheets, and pillows. State of quarters—very good. State of mess-houses—cleanly. State of kitchen—cleanly. Food, quality of—good. Food, quantity of—cireular of June 1, 1864, complied with. Water—excellent (Croton). Sinks—cleanly. Police of grounds—excellent. Drainage—good. Police of hospital—no hospital at post; prisoners very sick are sent to Fort Hamilton. Attendance of sick—Hospital Doctor Gibson attends to sick every morning. Hospital diet—none at post. General health of prisoners—very good. Vigilance of guard—guards vigilant, prisoners verified three times during the night.

Remarks and suggestions. —There are fifty-four prisoners confined at this post, consisting of prisoners of war and state. Their treatment as regards quarters and exercise is excellent. Everything allowed by existing orders is furnished to them, and a good degree of satisfaction is expressed by them for the uniform excellence of their treatment.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

First Lieut., Seventeenth U. S. Infty., Post Adjt. and Insp. Officer.

[Indorsement.]

Treatment, &c., in accordance with instructions received, is strictly

carried out. ;

Respectfully referred to the Commissary General of Prisoners.

Lieutenant- Colonel, U. S. Army, Commanding Post.

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Indian Territory, 1861–62. Location: New York Harbor. Summary: Charles Steelhammer reports to the Commissary General of Prisoners that the 54 prisoners at Fort Lafayette in January 1865 are in very good health and condition, with clean quarters, adequate food, and vigilant guards.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 8 View original source ↗