Journal captured by James Cottingham, Co. F, 126th Illinois Infantry, 1857-1865

Originally a journal belonging to the Sons of Temperance, Hopewell Division, Des Arc, AR. This volume contains membership information, meeting minutes and accounts of the Society. It was apparently taken by Cottingham during the occupation of that part of the State. An entry dated 8 Feb 1864 states that "James W. Cottingham captured this book at the town of Des Arc situated on the banks of the White River in Arkansas, County of Prairie." Cottingham made this into a combination personal notebook and scrapbook with articles pasted in the front and a myriad of handwritten entries. He makes fanciful orders, writes poems and generally uses the book to practice his handwriting although there are some entries regarding mail delivery that appear official. [Research indicates that James W. Cottingham was a Sergeant in Co. F, 126th Illinois Infantry and was from Danville, IL.] (From the Dorris Museum Collection, 1615.14)