On August 25, 1862, Major General William "Bull" Nelson assumed command of the forces stationed around Richmond, Kentucky.
Merely five days after its creation, the army of mostly green soldiers went into action at the Battle of Richmond and was soundly defeated.
Because of the large number of prisoners (including Manson) and the wounding of Nelson, the Army of Kentucky virtually ceased to exist.
It was originally composed of three divisions commanded respectively by generals Andrew J. Smith, Quincy A. Gilmore, and Absalom Baird.
In April 1863, the army was composed of two divisions of infantry under Gilbert and Baird with a brigade of cavalry under Brigadier General Green Clay Smith.