June 24, 1863
On June 24, 1863 the U.S. War Department issued General Orders No. 186 creating the Department of West Virginia.
General Orders, No. 186.
War Dep't, Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, June 24, 1863.
I.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; — By direction of the President, that part of the Middle Department west of Hancock, including the adjacent counties of Ohio, will constitute the Department of West Virginia. Brigadier General B. F. Kelley is placed in command of the Department of West Virginia.
II.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; — Major General W. S. Hancock, United States Volunteers, is, by direction of the President, assigned to the command of the of the Second Army Corps, in place of Major General D.N. Couch, transferred to another command.
By Order of the Secretary of War:
E.D. TOWNSEND: Assistant Adjutant General
