After the Union army occupation of Atlanta in September 1864, Wagner was sent with a division into Tennessee with John Schofield's Corps. When General John Bell Hood's Confederate forces made their initial attack at Franklin, Tennessee, in November, Wagner had placed two brigades in a precarious forward position. (There is some controversy whether Wagner was following orders or disobeyed orders.) When Hood advanced, Wagner's men were overrun and stampeded into the main Union lines. With the Confederates in close pursuit, many of Wagner's men were killed, wounded, and captured; and the Confederates penetrated the Union breastworks. Wagner was immediately relieved of duty and two weeks later he asked for a furlough to care for his sick wife. This was thought to be only an excuse, and Wagner never again was assigned to field duty. (His wife died on April 22, 1865 at the age of 34). Wagner mustered out in August 1865 and moved to Williamsport, Indiana where he took up the practice of law. He assumed leadership roles in the Free Masons and the Indiana State Agriculture Society. He was appointed Minister to Germany but died suddenly, in the Old Bates House in Indianapolis on February 13, 1869. The cause of death was an overdose of drugs, prescribed by his doctor to control a nervous condition. George Day Wagner was buried in Armstrong (Church) near Green Hill, Indiana.