Adams remained in command until at least December 27, 1864. He likely formally remained on duty until the end of the war. Adams briefly returned to Helena, Arkansas after the war. He attempted to practice law but the local federal military authorities would not permit him to do so because he refused to take the Ironclad oath. Later in 1865, Adams moved to Memphis, Tennessee. There he opened a law practice with former Confederate brigadier general and prominent Freemason, Albert Pike. Charles William Adams died on September 9, 1878 of yellow fever at Memphis, Tennessee. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, in Memphis. Charles W. Adams was the maternal grandfather of the author, political activist, disabilities advocate and lecturer Helen Adams Keller, who overcame deafblindness to achieve her many accomplishments.