The collection connsists of a single letter written by George W. Fitzinger to his cousin, James Barclay, on August 29, 1861. Writing from Philadelphia, Fitzinger opens his letter with best wishes for shared family and friends. He goes on to talk about the war itself and he feels it belittles the efforts of the country's forefathers during the American Revolution. He writes of a need for men to serve: "let every man that loves his country who is able should his musket and gow to the field of battle those that ar not able to gow may they bea patriarch to see to the familyes of our brave men who leaves every thing that is near and dear to them on earth..." In addition, Fitzinger talks about recent activities of his regiment in Maryland and around Falling Waters, West Virginia.