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Fitzgerald Family Letter Collection

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The Fitzgerald Family Letter Collection consists of 45 letters written by two brothers, John W. and George Washington Fitzgerald, to their parents and siblings at home. In the 1860s, the family lived in Philadelphia where both brothers enlisted. Of the 45 letters, 13 were written by John W. Fitzgerald with the remaining 32 were written by George Washington Fitzgerald.

John W. Fitzgerald joined Company H of the 114th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, also known as Collis' Zouaves, on August 14, 1862. His older brother, Walter H. Fitzgerald, also enlisted in the 114th then. His letters span from September 1862 through June 1863 before he was reported as killed in action at the Battle of Gettysburg. John's regiment saw combat at the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Chancellorsville, and the Battle of Gettysburg. His letters consist of patriotic rhetoric and his joy at being a member of the army, specifically as part of the Zouaves de Afrique.

George Washington Fitzgerald enlisted on August 26, 1863, in Company G of the 112th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, also known as the 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. His letters span from June 1863 through July 1864 before he was mortally wounded during the Battle in Monroe, during the Siege of Petersburg. The 112th Pennsylvania mainly protected the North side of the Potomac and first saw action at the Battle of Cold Harbor and were then present for the Fall of Petersburg. George's letters are much more concise, but just as patriotic as his brothers.