Summary
October 3, 1864: Instructions sent for the buildings of new barracks for prisoners. Work to be done by those Confederates who have taken the new oath of allegiance.
October 15, 1864: Instructions sent for the buildings of new barracks for prisoners. Work to be done by those Confederates who have taken the new oath of allegiance.
October 16, 1864: Weekly inspection report for camp. Includes two indorsements that call for a full inspection to the sickness in the camp and the high death rate.

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Washington, DC, October 3, 1864
Col. B.F. Tracey

Commanding Depot Prisoners of War, Elmira, NY

Colonel: By authority of the Secretary of War you will order the erection of shed barracks for the prisoners of war at the Elmira depot. The lumber will be purchased with the prison fund, and as far as practicable the work will be done by the prisoners, selecting in preference, when they have the capacity, those who have desired to take the oath of allegiance. You will require your quartermaster to make the purchases, direct the work, and pay the workmen, as if it were done under the direction of his department, but rendering the accounts as for other expenditures of the prison fund. A building 100 feet long and 22 feet broad will accommodate 120 men and give a room at the end of 20 by 22 feet for a kitchen. The elevation from the floor should be nine feet, and the floor should be high enough from the ground to prevent burrowing, with a view to escape, without detection. The roof should be covered with the patent felt roofing, which is much warmer than the single roof. Place the bunks on three tiers. I include a ground plan, which will explain how I wish the building arranged. Build it balloon fashion, no timber larger than 3 by 4 inches, except the joists for the floor, 3 by 8. Set the post in the ground and board it in vertically with battens over the intervals on the outside, and fill them with clay plaster on the inside. Sawed lathing will do for battens. The floors must be made of rough boards, but they may be made close for winter by covering the intervals on the under side with sawed lathing. It will probably by necessary to employ an experienced carpenter to supervise the work, and if you can find carpenters in your command they can be detailed and paid at the proscribed rates. Report the progress of the work weekly. Have you received any instructions to relate to barracks for the guards?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. Hoffman
Col. 3rd Infantry and Commissary-General of Prisoners

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Washington, DC, October 15 1864
Col. B.F. Tracey

Commanding Depot Prisoners of War, Elmira, NY

Colonel: You will take immediate measures to erect barracks for the depot guard, say two regiments with the complement of officers. A building of the style directed for the prisoners, 100 feet long, will furnish quarters for two companies of eighty four men each, giving each a room of 60 feet, and a kitchen of 20 feet long, breadth 22 or 24 feet, according to length of lumber. Barracks for officers should be built in blocks for the officers of three or four companies together, located near the companies, rooms not to exceed 13 at 15 feet, two to a company, and a kitchen to each block.

The lumber and other materials and the hire of workmen will, as far as practicable, be paid out of the prison fund in the same manner as for prisoners' barracks. Should the fund be insufficient for the purpose, you will direct the quartermaster to make an estimate for what may be necessary to supply the deficiencies. The barracks will be built after the style of those directed for the prisoners, and in every way the closest economy will be studied. No plastering will be done except to fill up openings on the inside with clay.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. Hoffman
Col. 3rd Infantry and Commissary-General of Prisoners

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Prison Camp, Elmira, NY, October 16, 1864
Lieut. R.J. McKee, Acting Assistant Adjutant General

Lieutenant: I have the honor to report that I have made the weekly inspection of camp, in obedience to orders, and find the police of grounds, quarters, etc., good. Drainage as perfect as the situation of camp will allow. During the past week over 1,200 invalid prisoners, 300 of whom were from hospital, were paroled and sent South for exchange. There are now in hospital 588 patients, and receiving medical treatment, 1,021 prisoners. During the four days since this removal of the sick there have been forty-four deaths. The cause of this amount of sickness and death is a matter of deep interest. That the existence of a large body of fitly, stagnant water within the camp has much to do with it can admit of no doubt. Low diet, indifferent clothing, and change of clothing doubtless have some effect. Most of these causes may e removed, and that it be done seems the plainest duty of humanity.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. Munger
Capt., Forty-fourth New York State Vols., Inspector of Prison Camp

[First Indorsement]

Headquarters Depot Prisoners of War
Elmira, N.Y., October 20, 1864

Respectfully submitted to Col. William Hoffman, Commissary General of Prisoners, Washington, DC.
I desire to call the attention of the Commissary General of Prisoners to the large number of sick in this camp. A little over a week since over 1,200 sick prisoners were sent South from this camp. This I suppose would so relieve our hospitals that our accommodations would be ample, bit OI find they are still insufficient. The mortality in this camp is so great as to justify, as it seems to me, the most rigid investigation as to its cause. If the rate of mortality for the last two months should continue for a year you can easily calculate the number of prisoners there would be left here for exchange. I have, therefore, the honor to request that a thorough investigation be made into all the probable causes of disease in this camp, including the sufficiency of the present diet and clothing to maintain the standard of health in this climate, the effects of the pool of stagnant water in the center of the camp, and the competency and efficiency of the medical officers on duty here. It seems to me that such an investigation, conducted by competent men would do much to discover the cause and remedy the evil.

B.F. Tracy,
Colonel 127th U.S. Colored Troops, Commanding Depot

[Second Indorsement]

Office Commissary General of Prisoners,
Washington, DC, October 26, 1864

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, with the recommendation that a medical inspector be ordered to investigate the causes of the unusual sickness among the prisoners of war at Elmira.

W. Hoffman
Colonel, Third Infantry and Commissary General of Prisoners

HEADQUARTERS DEPOT FOR PRISONER OF WAR
Elmira, N.Y., October 17, 1864

Col. William Hoffman,

Commissary General of Prisoners, Washington, D.C.

COLONEL: The continued prevalence of disease I this camp impels me to call the attention of the authorities to what is apparently the cause, to wit, the existence of a stagnant pond of water within the structure. Nothing else that I can see produces the large mortality among the prisoners. The camp is clean, water pure and abundant, and rations wholesome. The medical officers attribute the larger proportion of the sickness prevailing to the effects of this body of impure and malarial matter. The remedy for this evil, for such I conceive it to be, is attainable. A stream of water can be introduced from the river by digging a trench and laying pipe about 6,000 feet. The cost of wooden pipe of six-inch diameter would be, as I learn upon inquiry, about 75 cents per foot. The digging and laying could be done principally with prison labor and at a small expense. I am informed that the estimated cost of laying pipe of this description is about $6,000 per mile. Your attention was first called to this almost intolerable nuisance in a letter from these headquarters, dated August 17, 1864, recommending that a ditch be dug from the river and allowing a stream of fresh water to play through it. A telegram from you of the date of August 20, 1864, requesting a report on the matter of introducing water into the camp from the city water works, was answered August 21, 1864m there then being made a full report in the matter, that it would be inexpedient to admit water from the city through the summer and fall months. A survey had been made, a copy of which was forwarded to you in letter of that date, of a ditch to be dug from the river. It seems to me that a due regard for the lives of the prisoners confined here requires that some method of introducing a running stream of water through this camp should be adopted, and in view of this I respectively request authority to have the ditch constructed. The owners of the land do not object to the blind ditch, but did to the open ditch, as proposed by Lieutenant-Colonel Eastman in letter of August 17, 1864.

I am, very respectively, your obedient servant,
B.F. Tracy,
Colonel, 127th U.S., Colored Troops, Commanding Depot

[First Endorsement]

OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS
Washington, D.C., October 19, 1864

Respectfully submitted to Major General Halleck, chief of staff, with the previous report of Lieutenant-Colonel Eastman on the same subject.

The excavation required can be done by the work of the prisoners at a trifling cost, and a pipe to be made of one-inch boards, with an opening six by six inches, would probably cost less than $500, and of two-inch planks not over $1,000; and respectfully recommend that a pipe of two-inch plank by laid, the expense to be paid out of the prison fund.

W. Hoffman
Colonel, 3rd Infantry and Commissary-General of Prisoners

[Enclosure to First Endorsement]

HEADQUARTERS DEPOT FOR PRISONERS OF WAR

Elmira, N.Y., August 21, 1864

Col. William Hoffman,
Commissary-General of Prisoners, Washington, D.C.

COLONEL: Pursuant to your telegraphic order I have the honor to forward you a copy of the survey made for the purpose of digging a ditch to let in water from the Chemung River to the pond inside the prisoners' camp. The only survey necessary to be made was to ascertain the elevation of the river above the pond and the depth that the ditch should be dug. The length of the ditch will be 5,960 feet, the average depth about 6 feet. Though for a short distance it will be 7 feet. The soil is very light and easily dug. It will run through four farms, and two of the owners will not consent to have the work done for the reason, they say, that the next freshet will ruin all their land laying between the ditch and river. Probably it would change the course of the river and make islands of these lands, which are very valuable. Should heavy rains come on shortly this work would not be required, for the springs would then be full, as well as the river, and sufficient water would flow through the pond to keep it pure and sweet. The effusive smell of the pond has been occasioned more from the stinks than the drought. These sinks have all been removed and large, deep vaults have been dug which do not communicate with the pond excepting the little that sinks through the soil. This pond can be drained, or nearly so, by digging a small ditch to the river below it, but the surgeon is of the opinion that this would not answer. To let water into this camp from the city water works would be expensive and of no use at this season, for, owing to the want of rain, these water works cannot supply the inhabitants with water. The length of the pipe to be laid to bring the water to the prisoners' camp will be about one mile and the cost about $5,000. The camp is now well supplied with excellent well water for cooking and drinking and the river supplies for washing and bathing. There are seven wells completed and a pump in each. Two more are to be made. These wells require to be dug only from 15 to 22 feet in depth.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. Eastman,
Lieutenant-Colonel, U.S. Army, Commanding Depot

[Second Endorsement]

General Halleck approves verbally of the plan above suggested if it can be carried out. See letter to Commissary-General of Prisoners, October 23, 1864.

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Washington, D.C., October 23, 1864

Col. B.F. Tracy,
Commanding Depot Prisoners of war, Elmira, N.Y.

COLONEL: Your letter of the 17th instant reporting the prevalence of disease among the prisoners, owing to the existence in the camp of a stagnant pool of water, is received. The suggestion made by you that a pipe be laid to conduct the water from the river above into the pond within the inclosure, with a view to remove the material exhalations from the stagnant water, is approved, and will be carried into immediate effect if the soil through which the ditch is to be dug is of a character to be readily excavated and there are no other obstacles. All the labor must be performed by the prisoners, and the cost must be paid out of the prison fund. The pipe will be constructed of two-inch plank, the opening to be six inches square, the joints to be well pitched to prevent leaking. To unite the several lengths of pipe let the end of one be beveled off five or six inches, while the other is made flaring, so that one may be forced into the other to make a close joint. Constructed in this way, the whole work should not cost over $120. Make inquiries in relation to the work to all its particulars and report to me before it is commenced. What time will it require to complete it; how many prisoners can you safely employ on it as a time; where will you obtain the necessary tools, etc.? The fall rains may be expected to come on very soon, which for this winter will do away with the necessity for the work.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
William Hoffman,
Colonel Third Infantry and Commissary General of Prisoners

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Prison camp, Elmira, N.Y., October 23, 1864
Lieut. R.J. McKee, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,

Lieutenant: In obedience to orders I have made weekly inspections of camp and have the honor to report its police as good as the condition of the grounds (muddy) will allow. There us nothing special to report except perhaps a want of conveniences for doing the washing for the hospitals. The work is done by a detail of nine men. The number of pieces washed daily is about 600 this work is all done in one kettle in the open air and with only a shed of eight by twelve feet for the men. At least three kettles are needed and a building that will protect them from storms.

Yours, respectively,
B. Munger,
Captain and Inspector of Camp

[Endorsement]

HEADQUARTERS DEPOT OF PRISONERS OF WAR
Elmira, N.Y., October 24, 1864,

Respectfully submitted to Col. William Hoffman, Commissary General of Prisoners, Washington, D.C.

The report relative to the want of conveniences for washing at hospital is correct. A laundry is required, also an addition to the hospital kitchen, and a new mess-room to accommodate about 200 patients, who are able to walk to their meals. The hospital wards will be very cold this winter and should be ceiled, as it is too late and they are too full of patients to be plastered.

B.F. Tracy,
Colonel 127th U.S. colored Troops, Commanding Depot

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HEADQUARTERS DEPOT FOR PRISONERS OF WAR
Elmira, N.Y., October 26, 1864

Col. William Hoffman,
Commissary-General of Prisoners, Washington, D.C.

COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following facts in reference to the laying of pipe to conduct water from the rover above the prison camp into the pond within the inclosure, as required in yours of the 23d: The material to be excavated is very light soil and easily accomplished; 125-150 prisoners can be employed with safety. The quartermaster has on hand, that can be used, a large supply of tools, nearly if not wholly sufficient to perform the work. A limited number may have to be purchased. The whole work can be completed in from twelve to fifteen days from its commencement. I am making preparations and shall commence the work immediately, unless otherwise ordered by telegram.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B.F. Tracy,
Colonel 127th U.S. colored Troops, Commanding Depot

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Washington, D.C., October 27, 1864
Col. B.F. Tracy,
Commanding Depot Prisoners of War, Elmira, N.Y.

COLONEL: Your report of the 24th instant on the condition of the prison camp is received. You are authorized to erect a washhouse twenty by forty feet with as many boilers as may be necessary. The hospital wards and barracks cannot be ceiled, but the openings between the boards and the cracks must be filled up with clay, which will keep out the wind and make them much warmer. When you think it proper to recommend improvements or additions make a special report yourself and give all the particulars, with a plan and the cost.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. Hoffman,
Colonel Third Infantry and commissary-General of Prisoners

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Prison Camp, Elmira, N.Y., October 30, 1864
Lieut. R.J. McKee,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General

Lieutenant: I have the honor to state that I have made the weekly inspection of camp in obedience to orders, and report the police of quarters, hospitals, cook and mess rooms good. A severe rain storm has prevailed during the week, making the camp muddy and raising the water in the pond so that crossings to that part of the camp beyond it was prevented for one day. The number of deaths this week is but 40; sick in hospital, 637. The case of smallpox brought from Fort Morgan has nearly recovered and no new cases have occurred. Another supply of clothing is needed, as the weather is becoming cold and many are still poorly clad.

Respectfully yours,

B. Munger,
Captain and Inspector of Camp

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HEADQUARTERS DEPOT FOR PRISONERS OF WAR
Elmira, N.Y., October 26, 1864

Respectfully submitted to Col. William Hoffman, Commissary-General of Prisoners, Washington, D.C., with the following comments: In addition to making the camp muddy and raising the water in the river, from the effects of the heavy rain, it disclosed the poor conditions of the oldest barracks. I have directed the quartermaster at the post to issue sufficient lumber to repair them, the work to be performed by the prisoners. I am fearful that the heavy rains of the spring and fall will cause some considerable trouble at camp, for the grounds between the mess-house and the river is considerably lower than the remaining portion and is at almost every hard rain overflowed. The new barracks are being erected on the high ground. In relation to the ditch ordered dug and pipe laid, see my better letter dated this date.

B.F Tracy,
Colonel 127th U.S. Colored Troops, Commanding Depot