Despite persistent rumors that Blunt had a financial arrangement with McDonald, and that army wagons were used to facilitate a private enterprise, the army dropped the matter, and Blunt served to the end of the war.

Schofield, however, only lasted another month as commander of the Department of the Missouri.

Schofield appears to have been an honorable man and a good field commander, but he wasn't up to the task of playing politics--a virtual requirement for a Union department commander.

He went on to command the Army of the Ohio. He conducted a brilliant withdrawal right under Hood's nose, avoiding the trap Hood hoped to spring on him, and got his army safely to Franklin, where he beat Hood to a bloody pulp. After the war he continued in the army, and served as general-in-chief of the army before he retired. He was a Medal of Honor recipient.