I would have no idea of why he would have been assigned to a Pioneer company. Perhaps he was a skilled artisan.

I've checked all the known sites re the 8th Arkansas and see nothing of a John Price diary. Perhaps one of the two men listed below from the CWUnits file may be of help.

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See also:

http://www.factasy.com/civil_war/2008/11/03/history_8_arkansas_infantry

http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/

Below are two men listed in the CWUnits file who may be of assistance.

The CWUNITS file lists people who have (at least some) information on a unit and are willing to help others research it. Some are experts, most are not. This is _not_ a file of re-enactment units. Directions: If you're looking for info on a unit, see if someone is listed; if so, contact them.

8th AR Infantry pearceww@rmii.com
8th Ark. Inf. Regt. 1861-5 dewittyingling@msn.com (Dewitt Yingling)