He was known for commanding the 1st Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment and oversaw its training before the war concluded.

Chandler then took command of Fort Griffin and oversaw the activities of the Tonkawa until November 10, 1884, when he returned to San Antonio until March 10, 1885.

During this time, he was sent to Pine Ridge, South Dakota in January 1891 to participate in the Ghost Dance War.

He then served at Fort William Henry Harrison and Assinniboine, Montana from June 15, 1904, to December 24, 1905.

He then returned on October 6, 1906, and served at recruiting duty at Chattanooga, Tennessee from January 13, 1907, but died on September 14, 1909, at Fort Oglethorpe.