CAMP CHASE, OHIO, October 20, 1864

Col. W. P. RICHARDSON, Commanding Post:

COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of an inspection of prisons at this post, made pursuant to Special Orders, No. 169, issued from post headquarters, Camp Chase, Ohio, dated August 22, 1864, in relation to personal cleanliness, clothing, bedding, quarters, kitchens, messing, sinks, policing of grounds, &c.:

I have only to say that from frequent tours of inspection through the prisons I find the most perfect system of policing is organized possible under the existing circumstances. The facilities for cooking being such as to render it necessary for the prisoners to cook almost all hours of the day prevents a more thorough system of policing, which difficulty, however, is being rapidly obviated by the construction of ranges. The prison hospitals are situated in Prison No. 2. They are well conducted. They present a neat and healthy appearance, the bedding being frequently changed. The clothing of the inmates is frequently changed and kept clean. Some complaint has been made by the prisoners in regard to rations, both as to the quality and quantity, and upon a thorough investigation of the matter I find they receive daily the full amount of rations as allowed by the Commissary-General of Prisoners, and as to quality, they are of the same quality as the rations issued to U.S. troops at this post and could be no better. The prisoners present a healthy appearance, being much improved since their arrival at this post.
I am, colonel, most respectfully, your most obedient servant,

F. S. PARKER,
Captain and Inspector of -Prisons

[Indorsement]
HEADQUARTERS, Camp Chase, Ohio, October 24, 1864

Respectfully forwarded to Colonel Hoffman, Commissary-General. The cooking ranges are being erected as far as possible.

W. P. RICHARDSON,
Colonel Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Post