Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Swisher, Daniel [valentine to Lydia A. Bishoff]

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.40.32 Author/Creator: Swisher, Daniel Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 February 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 21.2 x 13.4 cm. Order a Copy

Swisher writes that "Sure as the grape grows round the vine I chose you for my valentine in hopes it may your sweet attention gain or else in vain in vain." He goes on to say that, "the rose is red the violet blue Sugar is sweet and So are you my fun is had my ink is pale my love to you shall never fail."

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources