He spent much of his career on the Indian frontier and performed well in his duties, which has been somewhat overshadowed by his part in the Lincoln County War.

He was convicted at two Courts-Martial of offenses that could have ended his career, and Colonel Hatch of the Ninth Cavalry tried to get Dudley retired as being unfit for service due to alcohol.

(Citation needed) Dudley's part in the Lincoln County War of 1877–1879 in New Mexico Territory is at best controversial and at worst despicable and incompetent.

[citation needed] Dudley was removed by General Hatch as commander on March 7, 1879, and a court of inquiry into his actions was commissioned.

Promoted in 1904, during his retirement, to regular army brigadier general, Dudley died in 1910, aged 84, and was interred in Arlington National Cemetery under an ornate tombstone of his own design.