Complex sentence: Hawkins was assigned to command a brigade of the US Colored Troops and the District of Northeastern Louisiana; and in April 1864 assumed commanded the 1st Division of the USCT.
Split into simpler sentences: Hawkins was assigned to command a brigade of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and the District of Northeastern Louisiana. In April 1864 he assumed command of the 1st Division of the USCT.