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Swisher, Daniel, fl. 1861-1863 to Lydia A. Bishoff

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.40.25 Author/Creator: Swisher, Daniel, fl. 1861-1863 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 April 1863 Pagination: 3 p. : Height: 20.6 cm, Width: 24.6 cm Order a Copy

Swisher tells Bishoff he supposes the man she loves is Major [David] Stemple [Jr.] He says that if she marries him, he will make her a happy home as he is well-off and a man of principle. But he reminds Bishoff that she is a young woman while Major Stemple is an old man (probably 50 years of age), and that while she ought to be living her happiest days, she will have to be caring for him. But Swisher adds that he has no objections to her marrying Stemple, because he always likes to see people "work out their own salvation at what ever they undertake." He asks Bishoff to tell him who she loves in her next letter (he promises not to tell her secret). Swisher plans to get his likeness taken as soon as he is paid, and he will send it to her. He would like for Nelly to come visit, but wants to see Bill the most. He asks how the little ones are doing, and claims he is glad that he does not love any woman "dearly" - since "love in the army is not profitable nor it aint worth while for girls to love soldiers."

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