Colonel Denby officially took command of the 80th Indiana on or before November 22, 1862. In a letter to the army dated January 12, 1863, Colonel Denby resigned his commission, stating:
Colonel Denby's appointment as commander of the 80th Indiana occurred on or before November 22, 1862. He later informed the army of his decision to depart in a letter dated January 12, 1863.