I have been researching the 8th Arkansas for over five years now and there are several problems involving the 8th Arkansas. The first problem is the confusing nature of the 8th Arkansas muster rosters. Brian once told me, the 8th's rosters were the most difficult he ever had ever dealt with. The 8th was reorganized following Shiloh with the original 8th companies being combined and the companies of the 7th and 9th Arkansas battalions being consolidated and transfered into the 8th. In addition, at least one company's records were lost during the retreat from Corinth and an attempt was then made to reconstruct the original roster. The major problem, however, is gaps in the history of the regiment. The first gap occurs between the arrival of the regiment at Pocahontas and the battle of Shiloh. There is actually quite a bit of material from that time period, unfortunately I have been unable to answer one major question: what happened to approximately 550 men? From an original strength of around 800, the 8th only mustered 250 muskets at Shiloh. The second gap begins following Chickamauga. Due to the constant combat, heavy losses, and the slaughter at Franklin, very little material exists on the 8th. New material has been coming to light recently however. I, myself, have discovered in Franklin Desha's papers, copies of which are located at Lyon College, muster rolls, equipment lists, court martial records and other primary documents which basically presents the entire history of the 7th Battalion from its inception to its consolidation with the 8th. It is also my understanding, the Spring issue of the Independence County Chronicle will publish some sort of primary document recounting the 8th's retreat from Bowling Green until its arrival at Corinth. My own personal research has been hampered by the illness of my wife the past three years. Hopefully I can soon pick up the pace and get back to my research, because what I have learned has proved fascinating.

Right now I have these major questions concerning the 8th besides most of its history following Chickamauga (there is some material concerning the defense of Atlanta).

1) What happened to the missing 550? I know the measles hit the 8th hard, but surely not that hard.
2) What exactly was the relationship between the 8th Arkansas and the 9th Arkansas Battalion prior to the reorganization? My personal belief is the the two were acting in conjunction with Major Kelly operating under Colonel Patterson even prior to Hardee crossing the Mississippi.
3) What was the reason for quick exchange of Govan's Brigade following its capture at Jonesboro?