Following Missionary Ridge, the 79th Indiana moved toward Knoxville and participated in the east Tennessee winter campaign until transferred to join General Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. During this campaign, because of General Beatty's illness, Knefler was given command of the entire brigade, although remaining a colonel. Knefler's brigade participated in the entire campaign, playing a major role in the battles of Pickett’s Mill, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy’s Station, and marching into Atlanta.