During the summer of 1863, the 2nd Iowa was stationed at La Grange, Tennessee, which is located near Corinth. For a short period of time in the summer, being placed on outpost duty became more dangerous than usual because enemy personnel were firing upon the soldiers with increased frequency. The capture of a man referred to as Johnston illustrated the cause for the increased dangers for the soldiers guarding the lines. This man, a member of the Federal army for a brief time, was actually a rebel. After joining the Federal army and learning the locations of the outposts, he deserted and formed a Confederate guerilla unit, which would attack these sites. Once captured, he was court marshaled and executed by a firing squad.