As delegates to Arkansas’ Secession Convention in the winter of 1861, both Jesse N. Cypert and F. W. Desha opposed
secession. But with the bombardment of fort Sumter, both had changed their minds. And with Lincoln's’ call for 75,000
volunteers to put down the ‘rebellion,’ the State of Arkansas did secede. Jesse Cypert was soon defending the State as Captain of Company ‘A’ (Searcy Greys), of the Seventh Arkansas Confederate Infantry Battalion; Lt. Colonel F. W. Desha (Desha’s Battalion): commanding.

As the State and the Confederacy began to get organized, William K. Patterson, “a lawyer of ability” sent out the call for men to fill the ranks of the newly formed 8th Arkansas Infantry. Companies ‘A’ and ‘D’ of Desha’s Battalion formed Company ‘A’ of the new Regiment, with the balance of the Seventh and Ninth Battalions also being absorbed. Both Desha and Cypert were discharged after failing to win subsequent re-election. Lt. Colonel Crouch, Major John Price, Surgeon L. H. Dickson, Assistant Surgeon Gee and Quartermaster Tom Watson made up the Regimental staff. In July of 1861 the Regiment was formally mustered into Confederate service at Jacksonport, Jackson County seat, and thriving river port, servicing steamboats that plied the White and Black Rivers, being at their confluence and east bank. The entire Regiment had been raised from the
north-central and eastern counties of the State; an area that changes from the Mississippi delta cotton plantations to Ozark
foothills. They were issued smooth bore flintlocks, .69 in caliber and of the 1816 pattern. (Drawn from the recently ‘liberated’ Federal arsenal at Little Rock). Accompanied by a grand ceremony, the local women presented the Regiment with a battle flag, of the 1st Confederate National pattern, and bearing the inscription: “March on, March on; all Hearts are Resolved on Victory or Death”.

March they did, and by August 28, 1861 in Cave City, Kentucky. The Regiment was un-brigaded but part of the Central
Division of Kentucky by October 23. October 28 the Regiment was made part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Central Army of Kentucky.

Brigade General Simon B. Buckner, in November of 1861 sought to create a standard battle flag for the units pouring in from the South and came up with the now famous white-moon-on-a-blue-field. This become known as the ‘Hardee’ pattern, and the 8th Arkansas adopted theirs: about 34” x 37” (and blue field of cotton soon faded to green).

The occupation of Kentucky soil violated the States declared neutrality and Federal General U.S. Grant attacked the took Ft. Henry on February 6th, 1862, and Ft. Donelson on February 16th. This forced General Albert Sidney Johnson to rally all
Confederate forces to Corinth, Mississippi. The 8th Arkansas was re-assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Western Dept., on February 22. Within weeks nearly fifty-thousand troops had been assembled. Meanwhile U.S. Grant was organizing his forces about Ptitsburg Landing, Tenn., and General Johnson had resolved to deal with him before Federal Gen’l Buell linked up with Grant and vastly outnumbered the Confederates, saying, “I intend to hammer ‘em. I think we will hammer them beyond doubt.” The 8th Arkansas was made part of the 3rd Brigade (under S.A.M. Wood), 3rd Corps (Hardee’s), Army of the Mississippi, on April 6th, and slept that night so near the enemy that could enjoy the Federal bands. That evening Gen’l Johnson rode out and announced that “Tonight we will water our horses in the Tennessee River.” At dawn the Confederates exploded into the unsuspecting camps of Federal General Prentiss. The 8th Arkansas was in the first wave and suffered heavy casualties as the attack climaxed midfield at a place later referred to as the “Hornets Nest”. General Wood had been disabled by the fall of his mount. Gen’l Hardee was wounded. Next morning General Buell’s advanced guard arrived and the Union counter attacked hurling back the forces of Bragg and Breckinridge. By the battles end 23,000 were counted as casualties. Gen’l Albert Sidney Johnson was killed and the Arkansas 8th could muster only 262 men fit for duty. The stunned Confederates retreated form Shiloh and returned to Corinth.

In additional to the hierarchy that had been lost at Shiloh, Lt. Bateman had been killed, and Lts. Perryman, Cates, Harris and
Richardson wounded. Major Kelly’s battalion consisted of Company A, B, C, and D. Half had been killed or wounded. Back at Corinth, the Regiment reorganized. Maj. John Kelly was made Colonel and Captain Baucum of Company K was elected Major. Kelly had been in the same company at West Points as General Custer. With Johnsons death at Shiloh, Beauregard took command and moved his forces further south.

Ostensibly due to health reasons, Bearegard was then relieved, General Braxton Bragg inserted, and a new plan put into effect. The Army would enter East Tennessee, but only the mounted troops (cavalry and artillery) were fleet enough to take the direct overland route. The Eight Arkansas and the balance of the Army were loaded onto trains and shipped south to Mobile (on the Gulf), Atlanta, east to Georgia, then north to Chattanooga. They were now veterans and with the earliest arrival of their trademark blue-trimmed jackets began to take on their own persona. Buell, with 1/2 the Federal army from Shiloh too headed for Chattanooga and Bragg. Uncharacteristically, Bragg now moved to”liberate” Kentucky. Buell marched desperately through the heat to get between Louisville and Bragg. Both Armies now probed for the other. Bragg thought Buell to be near Versailes, but posted elements of Hardees Corps (including the Arkansas 8th) as rear guard North West of Perryvelle while the rest of the Army camped in and around the village.

The summer had been horribly hot, and a recent drought had all but dried up the Chaplain River and Doctor’s creek west of
town but the Confederates had located some precious residual pools. The date was October 7, and by midnight the first thirsty Federals arrived from the west. At first stumbling into the rebels and being driven back, their thirst and weariness drove them to regroup and attack. After several attempts Union troops under Phil Sheriden took and held the creek.

Soon Buells Army of 55,000 was assembled west of town, but only 16,000 of Braggs-he thought Buell to be elsewhere. So
with the Arkansas 8th in the center, the unknowing Confederates struck the unsuspecting Federals on their left flank at 1:00
p.m. the next afternoon. They routed an entire Federal corps and (with the help of acoustics) Union communications collapsed. Bragg now arrived and perceived the actual lopsided size of the opposing combatants. One Federal corps had heard nothing, and sat out the entire engagement. Buell (who was encamped several miles away) too new nothing of the battle until it was nearly over and he’d lost 4,000 men. He braced to receive attack the next day but Bragg realized his lucky victory had been due to Federal blunders.

When Buell then advanced he found that Bragg had disappeared, miraculously pronouncing the entire campaign a failure; he
retreated back toward East Tennessee. He’d suffered 3396 casualties, Pat Cliburne had been injured, and the 8th Arkansas
had once again earned their laurels. Meanwhile, Buell was slow to follow up; and on October 23 was replaced by
Rosecrans-up from Mississippi.

The drawn out summer quickly gave way to fall, and as the Army of Mississippi came into Knockville that November, winter
was setting in. The men were in rags, many shoeless, and had been subsisting on parched corn. 15,000 had been struck down by typhoid, dysentery, and pneumonia.

Local warehoused bulged with provisions, but they had been strictly earmarked for the exclusive use of the Army of Northern Virginia, whose purpose was supposedly more important. So as trainloads of supplies headed east, the Arkansas 8th, and
company awaited deliverance. It arrived in the person of General Joseph Johnson, who'd recently been designated by President Davis to tend to the Western Theater. Johnson promptly moved the Army to Murphreesboro, in middle Tennessee and on November 24, renamed it the Army of Tennessee. The Arkansas 8th was made part of 1st Brigade, Buckners Division, Hardees Corps on November 22. President Davis paid a holiday visit to the Army of Tennessee. This prompted the army and the area into festive mood. Parties, dinners, and horse races popped up. Dashing Cavalry General Morgan was married to a local girl by no less than Bishop (Major General) Polk. Sam Watkins remembered: “The holidays had been delightful. Whisky flowed freely and Rosecrans was still in Nashville.” But in the eight weeks Rosecrans’ Army spent in Nashville, he’d refitted it and now marched out with 46,000 troops. On december 31 the Arkansas 8th was made part of Liddells’ brigade, Cleburnes division, Hardees Corps, and the two Armies lay facing each along the Stones river-just north of Murfreesboro. At dawn, out from the cold fog and mist 11,000 men of Cleburne and McCowns’ divisions stepped off quickly; six lines deep. Nearing the Federal lines, they broke into a run.

Phil Sheridan later related that “The rebels came on like screaming demons.” The surprise was complete, and they didn’t stop until the Federal line doubled back on itself like a huge closing jackknife.

Private James Riddle of Company C, and Cpl. N. A. Horn of Company E, 8th Arkansas are credited with taking two stands of Federal colors. January 1st. both Armies lay quiet, awaiting the other. On the 2nd, the Breckenridge attacked with his Orphan Brigade, over Stones River, but Federal artillery drove them bak. Bragg waited throughout the 3rd, then elected to retreat south and winter at Tullahoma, Tennessee.

In addition to enlisted casualties, the Arkansas 8th’s Col. Kelly had been wounded and carried from the field. Major Baucom had replaced him and lead the regiment. Lts. T. H. Beard, S. B. Cole, Colvin Edagaent, and H. J. McCurdy had been killed.
The Confederacy had lost 9239 of 34,732 (27%). Rosecrans; 9532 of 41,400 (23%). Pat Cleburnes was being referred to as the Stonewall of the West; in no small part due to the efforts of the Arkansas 8th.

Excepting occasional cavalry harassment by both sides, the 8th Arkansas Infantry and the rest of the CS army spent the first six months of 1863 foraging, rabbit hunting, practicing the manual - of - arms and waiting.  General Rosecrans and the Federals were in and around Murfreesboro, Tennessee on the Stone River, while the 8th Arkansas Infantry and the 47,000 - man Army of the Tennessee, not 40 miles away, lay at Tullahoma on the Duck River.  Confederate soldiers like explain that Tullahoma was a name formed from the two Greek words: tulla; meaning mud, nad homa; meaning more mud.  Sam Watkins of the 1st. Tennessee Infantry thoughts,  "Its a bad thing for an army to remain too long in one place, the men become discontented....., and we had no diversion... except playing poker....".  Soon however Sam's boredom would be broken, for the federal objective was still Chattanooga, a major railroad hub some 80 miles to the east.

On June 24 and after much preparation and postponement, Rosecrans stepped off.  And so did the rain, for the next 17 days.  The roads became quagmires.  An artillery man said they traveled not on the roads but under them.  Along east-west ridge having four distinct gaps had separated the two armies.  Hardees' corps (which contained the 8th Arkansas Infantry of Cleburnes division)  was at Wartrace, Tennessee near the 2nd - from - the - east most ("Liberty") gap.  A lead federal Corps, McCooks',"met fierce resistance form Cleburnes division" as it advanced.  Two additional regiments bolstered McCook and forced the rebels to retire.  Rosecrans soon had nearly positioned himself to preclude Braggs' covering of Chattanooga and on June 30 he realized it:  once again abandoning his position.  It was a Confederate joke that said Bragg would never get into haven;  for the moment he was invited to enter - he would fall back.

The Army of Tennessee first crossed the Elk river, then the Tennessee, making Chattanooga on July 4.  The 8th Arkansas Infantry corps (Hardees) was positioned north-west of town but General Hardee himself was moved to Murfreesboro to aid johnson - Vicksburg having fallen the same day.  In his place, D.H. Hill was promoted to Lt. General and assumed command.  On August 1 the 8th Arkansas Infantry made up part of a new corps:  Liddells (under Govan) brigade, Liddells division, Reserve (Walkers') corps.  Govan had been promoted from command of the 2nd Arkansas and had been an Arkansas planter before the war.  Liddell too, had been a planter, but in Louisiana.  A former West Pointer, he'd been a staff officer under Hardee.  For various reasons the Army of Tennessee now numbered only 30,000.  On ATheugust 7  Rosecrants, with twice that number, arrived and pressured Bragg - who was forced to yield the city.  But later and 25 miles away - at Lafayete; "The men were eager enthusiastic, and in fine condition", for reinforcements were now arriving and when Longstreets corps, from Virginia, would appear, Bragg would actually outnumber Rosecrans. Until then, Braggs prepared a plan to snare the probing but scattered Federal corps, who'd boldly ventured south of Chattanooga in search of the supposed, Confederate army thought - to - be in shambles.

Bragg had sent "deserters" into the Federal lines to plant the rumer of their supposed dis-array and had decided to sweep the Federal corps individually into McLemores Cove-and distroy them.  But typical snafu's nixed these plans and Rosecrans now began to realize his misassessment and the grave peril of his scattered forces.

On August 13 he commenced an immediate rally near Lee and Gordon's mill.  Bragg followed and during this jockeying the 8th Arkansas went into action at Alexanders Bridge, Georgia, and skirimished at Pee VIne Ridge.  Soon only a creek named Chicamauga separated the two armies.  The Cherokee explained Chicamauga to mean "river of blood".  On August 18 the first of Longstreets corps, detached from the Aarmy of Nothern Virginia, had arrived having traveled no less than 900 miles by 16 different railroads in-a roundabout route forced by Federal occupation of Knoxville.
 

On October 23, U.S. Grant arrived in Chattanooga and with Thomas developed a plan to lift the siege.  On the night of 10-28, 1500 federals floated down the river to Brown's Ferry and swept aside into a bridge.  This became the infamous "cracker line" of supplies.  By November 5,  Longstreets Corp. was pulled from the Army of Tennessee to deal with Burnside up at Knoxville.  Drag was left with two thirds the federal force under Grant.  On November 23, Orchard Knob was attacked and taken and on November 24, Lookout Mountain.  Bragg quickly moved the 8th Arkansas and Cleburnes entire division from Chickamauga Station (where they were to leave for Knockville) and moved them to Tunnel Hill where decisively held against Sherman's advance.  Cleburne strategically positioned the four 12 pound Napoleons of Lt. H. Shermon's battery.  The slope was steep and rugged and the men built breastworks of logs and stumps.  The Confederate right flank was soundly defended but the left collapsed and Grant quickly capitalized by attacking with the Union Army of the Cumberland.  Rebel organization fell apart and ran for its life- all but the division of Cleburnes to the north who were completely unaware of the turn of events until their Corp commander General Hardee brought news of the danger of their being flanked and ordering them to form as rear guard of  the army.  The army rallied at Chickamauga station and that night attempted reorganization but Federal General Hooker had been ordered to press the fleeing rebels.  On November 27, he caught up with Cleburne at Ringgold, Ga.  In a mountain pass Cleburne attacked and drove back Hooker gaining six hours for the retreating army; then quickly and quietly slipping away.  On November 28, Bragg requested relief from command and got it two days later.  General Jos. Johnson was soon placed at the head of the Army of Tennessee, now encamped at Dalton, Ga.  Here Cleburne made his infamous proposal to enlist blacks with emancipation as incentive. It proved to be a year ahead of its time and was left unaccented.

Sam Watkins viewed Jos. Johnson as "the very picture of a general"  and he wasted no time in rebuilding the Army of the Tennessee.  To recoup moral he proclaimed amnesty to the many deserters who would return and began a furlough system. However, the incorrigible were made to stand at the foot of a new grave . . . .  and shot dead in front of the whole army.  Two Corp were formed; one under the veteran Hardee (at 48 newly wed to a girl nearly half his age)  and schooled them relentlessly; mock battles were practiced with the public invited to view.  Shoes, extra food and even a whisky and tobacco issue were made twice a week.  The army began to resurge under the beloved "Old Joe".  On December 10, the 8th Arkansas was consolidated with the 19th Arkansas - lddill's brigade, Cleburne's division, Hardee's corp.  They again created a new Hardee's flag, this one emblazoned with their many battle credits.  On December 20, 18864 Daniel Govan (Col. of the 1st Arkansas replaced Liddell as brigade commander.

The army now stood at 45,000 strong, and Sam Hood began his secret correspondence / reporting to Richmond.  With less than half the troops Johnson's only hope and plan was a defensive one and to counter attack as situations developed.

Dug Gap was the only passage through Rocky Face Ridge defending Dalton.  The federal army soon flanked the position; forced a retreat.  And thus began six months of running battle.  At Resaca on May 14, and 15th the federals met the rebels in earthworks of red dirt and logs.  Sherman maneuvered around the position, but met the rebels again at kingston on the 19th.  Again Johnson retreated.  At New hope church less than a week later, Sherman was beat back in four days of heavy fighting.  The crescendo came in the evening during a spectacular thunderstorm.  At Pine Mountain Gen.Polk was killed by a direct artillery hit.  On May 27, at Picketts Mill, Cleburnes Division formed line of Battle and the 8th Arkansas Brigade probed for the Federal advance.  At Dallas a Union Picket yelled to his CS counterpart, "Hello Johnny, how far is it to Atlanta?"  "So damn for you'll never get there!" came the response.  "Yes we will get there, and we'll have a big dance with your sister!"  A hail of CS musketry ended the conversation.  Johnson reformed on Kennesaw Mountain in dense forest and one hundred degrees heat.  June 27, Sherman attacked up the slope to the entrenched division of Cleburne.  Two thousand five hundred Federals were slain before the attack was called off.  Still the far outnumbered rebels retreated south word.  Regarding the frantic clash, Sam Watkins recorded that his musket became so hot "that frequently the powder would flash become I could ram the ball."  President Davis promptly fired General Jos Johnson and placed J. B. Hood in his place (contrary to the outcry of the entire Army of Tennessee).  Hood would go on the offensive - and did at Peach tree Creek on July 19, and 20th., but then he too fell back, and was soon on the outskirts of Atlanta.  On July 22, the 8th Arkansas was ordered forward and captured a Federal battery of six napoleon guns.  Detachments of the 8th and 2nd Arkansas were captured by the 16th. Iowa., Infantry, disarmed the guarded.  Somehow they surprised and overcame their captures and returned to their lines Iowans in tow.

Atlanta lay under siege and Federal shelling.  Several clashes were hurled back from the city but on August 25, Sherman encircling (strangling) of the city.  Hardees division moved south along their only remaining Rail Road, to Johnsboro.  They formed a fishhook in. of defense astride the railroad tracks to shield Hoods remaining, retreating forces.  At the angle and across from the 8th Arkansas was the 10 Kentucky US) and 78 Indiana.  "We must hold till midnight," one wrote.  August 30 Sherman met Hardee and the final contest for Atlanta began.  A member of the 8th's brigade explained "We were in a single rank, one yard apart, engaged in an effort to cover Shermans front of 6 corps....

Wolverines, Hoosiers and Buckeyes charged up and over the works.  In desperate hand to hand fighting, the 8th and its brigade was overwhelmed by "sheer weight of the numbers",  largely taken prisoner, and  losing their battle flag to the 74 th. Indiana.

"Hoorah for Jeff Davis and the South Confederacy."  shouted one of the imprisoned.  A federal officer looked to shoot the rebel.  General Govan said "Men, you are P.O.W. and if you want to be treated as such, behave yourselves."  Within three weeks they were exchanged and returned to duty.

Sherman entered Atlanta on October 2.  The Colonel of the 5th Arkansas wrote the brigade had stood their ground," fighting the enemy with clubbed guns and at the point of the bayonet, and thus a great many lost the opportunity to escape.

The Army of Tennessee rallied at Lovejoy station.  Hood then resolved t  attack Shermans rail supply.  Sherman countered him and the Army of Tennessee limped into North East Alabama to lick her wounds and decide the next move.
 
 

Federal calvary was driven off but their commander knew his responsibility and sent  warning back to Schofield.  Despite both cavalry and infantry action, the Army of Tennessee set up camp at twilight. Not 600  yards away Schofields entire army held their breath and hurried past the Army of the Tennessee. Next morning Hood was shocked and outraged. Accusations flew.  Hood had come from the east, from under Lee, and had witnessed the long defensive nature of the Atlanta campaign.   He now convinced himself that the Army of the Tennessee loved only fighting in this fashion. Schofield had meanwhile drawn up at Franklin, and entrenched.
 
The Army of the Tennessee arrived shortly thereafter. Hood coolly resolved on a frontal assault across the flat, open field. His lieutenants were stunned and speechless, with only Cheatham venturing. "I don't like the look of this fight." It was a beautiful, Indian summer day.  The Army of the Tennessee deployed in all its martial beauty. Rank on rank - its alignments perfect. Battle flags fluttered across a mile wide front.  A Federal officer recorded that it was.. 'A grand sight, such as would make a lifelong impression... from the moment we were spellbound.' C.S. General Strahl, who would die in the attack, told his men,  boys, this will be short, but desperate," Cleburne told his Arkansas' and Texans' simply, "If we must die, let us die as men." At 3:30 they stepped off, I an attack that would eclipse Pickets' in magnificence... and carnage. Under Cheatham, and Cleburne, the 8th Arkansas advanced, in the center; along the Columbia Pike. The final one half mile was  made at a run, amid fleeing blue coats, exploding shells and rebel yell.  Cleburnes' Division broke  the center and met Federals headlong. Point  blank firing and  fierce hand-to-hand combat ensued.  CSA casualties ran at 1500 per hour and by 9:00 p.m. Hood called off the attack.   By midnight Schofield abandoned the position and ran for Thomas' Fortress of Nashville.
 
Next morning, the dead were found standing in the trenches, wedged there by their comrades, 7 deep. Hood had wreaked the Army.  Twelve generals were lost and twenty five percent casualties. Bur arguably the greatest loss was the man of whom was said,  "men seemed: to be afraid, to be afraid, of where he was." Cleburne. He was last  seen at the head of his division, on foot, having had two consecutive mounts shot out from under him.  Along the pike he was found, a single bullet through the heart. His boots, sword and watch stolen.
 
Hood wasted little time, moving the armies' remnants to the outside of Nashville Many men are barefoot in the freezing temperature.  Forrest and his cavalry was sent off to harass Federals at Murfreesboro.  Here, for two weeks, Hood awaited Thomas' to attack him.
 
On the 1st he did, with twice Hoods numbers, so opened the second day battle of Nashville.  First day, Chgatham, with the
8th Arkansas is on the right and holds off attacks, then they moved to their left, where the main thrust is being absorbed.  The
Federal force overwhelms the hill, and the Army of the Tennessee breaks and flees in retreat, harassed by Federal cavalry and without benefit of their own.
 
Another 6000 C.S.A. troops - 1500 killed or wounded, lost, cold as rain falls. In two weeks time, Hood has destroyed fully half his army.  The troops will not rally under him, so he rides solemnly south among them. Cold and wet, hungry, depressed and harassed they pass back through Franklin on December 17, 1864.  Spring Hill on the 18th. Forrest arrives this day and receives the army of Federal cavalry harassment. Christmas arrives and the Army of the Tennessee crosses to the safety of the south bank of the Tennessee river. On December 27 they reach Tupelo, Ms. Haggard and disorganized here they went into camp. Hood  has requested the presence of General Beauregard, but he's already on his way; For two reasons.

•     To personally review the Army of the Tennessee condition.

•     To draw from it to aid General Hardee, who's been forced from Savanna by Sherman.

January 25th., 1865.   The 8 Arkansas; Cheathams Corps, moved with Beuregard to their final calling, in the Carolinas. Marching from Tupelo, MS to West Pt., MS, they then boarded trains for Meridian, MS.  Then a steamboat for Montgomery. Again on rails to Columbus, GA. And marching to Macon threw Milledgeville to Mayfield. They again boarded a train for Augusta, GA. Then marching again, to Newberry, S.C. Mary Chestnut watched them pass threw Camden and witnessed their lighthearted singing. That evening she recorded in her diary; "I sat down, as women had done before and wept.... There they go, the gay and gallant few, the last flower of southern manhood. They march a tread as if they still believed the world was all on
their side."
 
On February 9 Robert E. Lee was given command of all C.S. Troops and on February 23 he placed Joe Johnson at the head of defenses for the Carolinas. On March 12 the 8th Arkansas arrived at Fayetteville, N.C. To intercept Shermans northern
advances.   On March 16 they battled at Averysbourough, in swamps and intermittent rain.  Then Sherman continued, in two column toward the  railroad hub of Goldsboro. The hamlet of Bentonville lay in the path and Johnston determined here to
attack Shermans' left wing and defeat him in detail before he could combine his wings and link with reinforcements further north.  The Confederates entrenched east to west just south of the town and Johnston told his men that "at least the long awaited opportunity has occurred."
 
On March 18 Wade Hamptons Cav. Harassed and slowed the Federal 14th. Corp. Advance as the final  rebel forces were patched together and placed. A  massive CS attack followed. The Army of Tennessee  remnants, positioned on the CS right, sweep around  the Federal left, causing a momentarily Federal rout  of the position. A Federal Lt. recalled it was "some of  the best running ever did." Confusion reigned, for  most rebels had been reduced to wearing captured Federal uniforms. But the numbers weren't there to  finish the job. An observer noted that the battle flag  were tellingly close together. The Federals entrenched and repelled several determined attacks.
 
Skirmishing only accrued on the 19th as the Federal 2Oth Corp. and right wing arrived. On the  20th the CS, vastly outnumbered, retreated from the  field.  General Hardee had finally allowed his 16 year old son into the fight -. - he was killed in action this day. Federal General 0.0. Howard too mourned the  loss, having taught the boy Sunday school at West Point.
 
Johnston wired Lee that he could now hope to he but an annoyance to Sherman.
 
On April 9th the Army of Virginia surrendered at Appomattox and the 8 and 19 Arkansas was consolidated with the  l,2,5,6,7,13,15.and  24 Arkansas regiments and the 3rd Confederate infantry  regiment at Smithfield, N.C.
 
On the 14th Johnston requested a conference with  Sherman.  President Lincoln was assassinated the same day. The Generals met in a log cabin of James Bennett at Durham Station.  Sherman produced a whisky bottle and all partook. Sherman related the news of assassination.  Johnstons' shock turned to  apprehension for the fate of his troops. But Sherman had met earlier with Grant, Porter and Lincoln and  understood the generous surrender terms that were to be offered the Confederates.
 
Far ranging and all - inclusive terms were mutually arrived at, but due to current circumstances, Federally declined.  The terms would be those granted Lee. On April 26 Johnston surrendered the 8th Arkansas and the rest of his army and his entire
department - - 89,000 total. In his last orders to  the troops - General Johnston said: "I earnestly expect  you to observe faithfully the terms of pacification  agreed upon and to discharge the obligations of good and peaceful citizens as well as you have performed the duties of thorough soldiers in the field "
 
Four years of savage combat, mistreatment had sickness had very nearly exterminated  the 8th Arkansas Inf. Regt.. Co. K. Could muster only 8 men at the surrender. Their battle flag now resides at  the Museums and White House of the Cunfederacy,  in Richmond, VA.
 
The war was over.  One veteran wrote  "So Blackwood and I left the army, our army,  left  them there on the hill with their arms stacked in the field,  all in rows, never to see it anymore. Telling Clark  and Bell good-bye, we crossed the road into the fields, and thickets and in a little while lost sight of all of them. He was told of the presence of what  was left of the army."