Thomas at the Battle of Stones River. On the second day, he led a successful counterattack against Breckinridge. Negley's command became scattered in the fighting at Chickamauga, and he was relieved of command for disappearing during the fighting.
He was later acquitted of wrongdoing but served on administrative boards until he resigned in January 1865. He served in Congress for 18 years after the war and on the Board of Managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.
After retiring from Congress, he worked in railroading. James Negley played a pivotal role in the union victory at the Battle of Murfreesboro. Nashville's Fort Negley, built in 1862, was named for him. It was the largest inland stone fort built in the war. Battle of Stones River (Breckinridge's Attack).