Robert M. Patton remained the nominal governor during this period but as the local army commander, Swayne controlled the State government.

During the Reconstruction era, Swayne oversaw the Freedmen's Bureau in Alabama and helped establish schools for African Americans in the state.

Later, on April 10, 1867, President Johnson appointed Swayne to the grade of brevet major general in the Regular Army to rank from March 2, 1867.

[3] From March 2, 1867, to July 14, 1868, as local army commander, Swayne effectively controlled the State government although Robert M. Patton remained the nominal governor during this period.

[2] In 1893, he was awarded a Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry in restoring order at a critical moment and leading his regiment in a charge" at Corinth.

[2][3] Rank and Organization: Citation: Conspicuous gallantry in restoring order at a critical moment and leading his regiment in a charge.