HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
Baton Rouge, August 14, 1862.

[To] Maj. Gen. JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, C. S. A.:

GENERAL: In reply to your communication of this date I have the honor to make the following statement:

....But I am informed that a corps of blacks fought against us in the recent battle of Baton Rouge,...

Your obedient servant, HALBERT E. PAINE,

Colonel, Commanding United States Forces.