The papers of Anson R. Butler consist of thirty-four items dating from 1862 to 1900. Primarily correspondence written by Butler to his wife while he was serving with the 26th Iowa Infantry Regiment during the Civil War, the letters chronicle his wartime experiences. Most of his service was spent on board the Nashville, a "floating hospital." He writes of the seige of Vicksburg and of the wounded brought aboard the ship. He also writes vividly of the black troops in the battle of Millikinsville.