Early in 1864, his regiment was sent back to Alabama to recruit its depleted ranks but was quickly ordered to Dalton, Georgia, where O'Neal took command of Brig. Gen. James Cantey's brigade in the Army of Tennessee.
I begyndelsen af 1864 blev hans regiment sendt tilbage til Alabama for at få fyldt sine rækker, men blev snart beordret til Dalton, Georgia, hvor O'Neal overtog kommandoen over James Cantey's brigade.