Virtually at the same time the opening phases of the Siege of Petersburg changed Colonel Dearing's service branch again. On April 29, 1864, he was slated for promotion to brigadier general; and though his promotion was not approved by the Congress of the Confederate States he served with that rank as commander of a cavalry brigade.
Colonel Dearing's military position changed again during the Siege of Petersburg. On April 29, 1864, he was scheduled for promotion to brigadier general; however, his promotion was not approved by the Confederate Congress, and he served in that rank as commander of a cavalry brigade.