N. H. McLean to Gordon Granger, November 17, 1862

Cincinnati, Ohio, November 17, 1862.

It is represented, on reliable authority, that bands composed of deserters from the rebel army are committing depredations in Bath County, and rendering it unsafe for Union men to remain there. Send Munday’s cavalry, or some other, into that county to break up all such bands at once. Morgan County is said to De worse infected.

H. G. WRIGHT, Major-General, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS, Hp@Rs. .DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 20. + } Cincinnati, Ohio, November 17, 1862.

I. That portion of Kentucky including and lying west of the counties of La Grange, Shelby, Spencer, Washington, Marion, Taylor, Adair, Russel, and Clinton will constitute the District of Western Kentucky, under the command of Brig. Gen. J. T. Boyle, to whom all reports and returns from troops within the district will be made. Headquarters, Louisville, Ky.

II. The counties of Lewis, Greenup, Carter, Boyd, Lawrence, Johnson, Magoffin, Floyd, and Pike will constitute the District of Eastern Kentucky, under the command of Col. J. Cranor, Fortieth Ohio Volunteers, to whom all reports will be made. Headquarters in the field.

III. The remainder of the State will constitute the District of Central Kentucky, under Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, commanding Army of Kentucky. Headquarters, Lexington, Ky.

IV. The districts being formed for the convenience of command and distribution of duties, the operation of troops will not necessarily be confined to the district in which their posts are located, but will be extended wherever required, without regard to district lines.

V. Reports and returns from district commanders will be made direct to these headquarters.

By command of Major-General Wright:

é . N. H. McLEAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.