In the fall of 1863 the 2nd Iowa marched for approximately ten days to Pulaski, Tennessee. The regiment remained a part of General Dodge's division of the Department of Tennessee. In Pulaski the 2nd Iowa was assigned to railroad guard duty. The 2nd Iowa traveled on no expeditions and were not involved in any skirmishes. Something of importance that did occur during this time, however, was the re-enlistment of a large amount of the regiment just before the end of the year. The 2nd Iowa Infantry was allowed home on furlough, returning to Pulaski in February 1864. In April 1864, the regiment left Pulaski to join the Atlanta campaign as a member of the 2nd Division of the Sixteenth Corps of the District of Tennessee. The 2nd Iowa was placed in a brigade under the command of General James McPherson.