although atkins was not appointed as a full, substantive grade general, on january 23, 1865, president abraham lincoln nominated atkins to the grade of brevet brigadier general of volunteers, to rank from january 12, 1865, and the u.s. senate confirmed the award on february 14, 1865. atkins was mustered out of the volunteer service on june 21, 1865 and he returned to his civilian life in illinois. on march 21, 1866, president andrew johnson nominated atkins for the award of the grade of brevet major general of volunteers, to rank from march 13, 1865, and the u.s. senate confirmed the award on april 26, 1866.