Wells Sponable to Benjamin J. Sweet, January 15, 1865

Chicago, Ill., January 15, 1865.

Col. BENJAMIN J. SWEET, Commanding Post of Chicago, TU.:

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 14, 1865:

Conduct—good. Cleanliness—good. Clothing—all that is necessary, except for a portion of those taken from Hood. Bedding—all that is necessary, except for a portion of those taken from Hood. State of quarters—very good. State of kitchen—very neat. Food, quality of— good; same as used by Federal troops of garrison. Food, quantity of—as much as is necessary. Water—a great plenty; same as used in city of Chicago. Sinks—clean; washed each morning. Police of grounds—good; swept each day. Drainage—good. Police of hospital—good. Attendance of sick—all that is necessary. Hospital diet—good; kind and quality given to meet the wants of prisoners. General health of prisoners—good. Vigilance of guard—thorough.

Remarks and suggestions.—It will be seen that the health of the prisoners is improving, notwithstanding the prostrate condition of those received from Hood’s command. The following will show the changes to include the 1st and 14th of January, 1865:

Whole number ot prisoners Januari 1800 5-5 sero taa eee eee 11,699 Whole numberof deaths Jamal eae eee 125 Wholenumber released, January damd 14). as 34 Total decrease sisi. ete ks: dr cea

There haye been but twelve new cases of smallpox within the last two weeks and but four cases of varioloid. There have been but twelve deaths by smallpox within the last two weeks, showing a great decrease of smallpox since December. y

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Captain, Fifteenth Regt. Vet. Reserve Corps, and Insp. Officer.