HEADQUARTERS CAMP CHASE,
Near Columbus, Ohio, December 17, 1864.

Col. W. P. RICHARDSON, Commanding Post:

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 December 17, 1864:

Conduct--fair. Cleanliness--moderate. Clothing--generally in good condition. State of quarters--comfortable and tolerably well policed. State of mess-houses--fair. State of kitchen--wanting in furniture, but is being supplied. Food, quality of--good. Food, quantity of sufficient. Water--fair supply. Sinks--in good condition. Police of grounds--fair. Drainage--tolerable, undergoing improvement. Police of hospital--good. Attendance of sick--all that is necessary. Hospital diet--very good. General health of prisoners--improving. Vigilance of guard--unexceptionable.

Remarks and suggestions.--The present state of weather renders it difficult to progress as rapidly with the improvements that are being made in the prison and other parts of the garrison as would be desirable, yet under the efficient and well selected operatives at the different posts of duty we hope soon to be enabled to report our winter quarters complete. The bunks in Prison 2 have been furnished with straw, and in Prison 3 the bunks are being arranged so as to be supplied with straw in a very short time. There are five ranges yet to be built in the kitchens in Prison 3, but the material is being furnished and the work will be speedily completed. The wash-rooms will soon be improved so as to afford every facility for cleanliness.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. K. ALLEN,
Captain, Eighty-eighth Regt. Ohio Vol. Infty.,
Inspecting Officer.

[ Indorsement]
The remarks of the inspecting officer are so full as to render it unnecessary for me to add much. Notwithstanding the efforts that have been made to remove it, smallpox still prevails to some extent. The surgeon in charge reports that he will soon have it exterminated. The means employed is vaccination of all the prisoners.
Respectfully referred to the Commissary-General of Prisoners.
W. P. RICHARDSON,
Colonel Twenty-.fifth Ohio Volunteers, Commanding Post.