Scope and Contents note
                    
To Mother. Sturgis writes about his work, the dealings he has with other officers, and the levee of ordinance officers from all over came to the department. Orders from General Banks for the 18th N.Y. Batt. to leave for Baton Rouge, along with two others. Sturgis does not think the Union will be able to hold Baton Rouge, the rebels having captured two of the union's best gunboats: 
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                        . The rebels have four or five ironclads which could drive out the fleet at Port Hudson. Sturgis discusses battle scenarios, soldiers, and describes the contents of a package received, comparing what those items would cost in New Orleans.