Charles Steelhammer to Respectfully referred to the Commissary-General of Prisoners, January 8, 1865

New York Harbor, January 8, 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 8, 1865: i

Conduct—very good. Cleanliness—generally very good. Clothing— good. Bedding—iron bedsteads, husk mattresses, blankets, sheets, and

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION AND CONFEDERATE.

pillows. State of quarters—veiy good. State of mess-houses—cleanly. State of kitchen—cleanly. Food, quality of—good. Food, quantity of—circular of June 6, 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-eight 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

adhered to.

Respectfully referred to the Commissary-General of Prisoners.

Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Lafayette.