Wheeler's claims notwithstanding, neither raid accomplished much for the Confederate cause. Both times he was fortunate to have reached safety south of the Tennessee River with any organized command. Should either these raids be the subject of a study at West Point, it would be as an example of how not to conduct a strike against enemy communications.

During the first raid Wheeler's cavalry was surprised and overrun at Middleton TN, Oct. 7, 1863. In the second he was obliged to move northeast of Knoxville in order to cross the Tennessee. By the time Wheeler reached middle Tennessee, his men were scattered and horses too exhausted to attempt to strike Sherman's communications, the main purpose of the raid.

Williams with his Kentucky cavalry was cut off during movements above Knoxville. In early September of 1864, many of Biffle's Tennessee Brigade decided to remain near their homes in the central part of the state. These men later served with Forrest during Hood's Tennessee Campaign. The rest required weeks of rest and refit to resume active service.