Charles Steelhammer to Respectfully referred to the Commissary-General of Prisoners, January 22, 1865

New York Harbor, January 22, 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 22, 1865:

Conduct—very good. Cleanliness—generally 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—circular 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-nine prisoners confined at Fort Lafayette, consisting of prisoners of war and state. Their treatment as regards quarters aud 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, &e., in accordance with instructions received, is strictly

carried out and adhered to.

Respectfully referred to the Commissary-General of Prisoners.

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