Sylvester H. Sawyer Correspondence

Collection

Identifier: MC 1836

Staff Only
Select files to request

Scope and Content of the Papers

Materials include two letters from Dr. Sawyer in Helena, Arkansas to the Taylor family in Unionville, Iowa. The letters discuss the death of Malcolm Taylor and contain some comments on the war in general.

Dates

1863

Creator

Sawyer, Sylvester H. (Person)

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Please call (479)575-8444 or email specoll@uark.edu at least two weeks in advance of your arrival to ensure availability of the materials.

Conditions Governing Use

No Use Restrictions Apply.

No Interlibrary Loan.

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17)

Biographical Note

Dr. Sylvester H. Sawyer was appointed assistant surgeon of the 36th Iowa Regiment on September 16, 1862 and then promoted to surgeon on April 29, 1863. Dr. Sawyer and the 36th Iowa Regiment took part in the battle of Helena, Arkansas. The Confederates were attempting to seize a chokepoint on the Mississippi, but the Union forces repulsed the Confederate attackers from dug in positions with fire support from the USS Tyler. The battle of Helena was the last major Confederate offensive in Arkansas.

Dr. Sawyer resigned on December 10, 1864.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet (1 box)

Additional Description

Arrangement of the Papers

Materials are arranged in chronological order in one folder.

Acquistion Information

The Sylvester H. Sawyer Correspondence was purchased by the Special Collections Department on July 28, 2009 from Stuart Lutz, Short Hills, New Jersey. Dr. William C. Cobb of North Carolina provided funds to underwrite this purchase.