Bryan, I have a list of 33 men who enlisted in the US 8th Mo. Cavalry in Arkansas. I have referenced the names on the Soldiers and Sailors System & came up with 7 who were possible CSA soldiers. I know for sure one was a deserter from the 20th Ar. Inf. If you want I can send it to you or post it here.
As far as soldiers diaries go, I have read a couple & the men had suprisingly little to say about the war unless it was a battle or action they were involved in themselves. The biggest concern was food & news from home.