Valentine
Probably New York, circa 1861
Watercolor and ink on embossed paper, 6 x 3 ¾ inches, with a period gilt frame.
Inscribed at lower center: “Dearest Dear almost devine / To you I sent this valentine / And if you take it in good part / Along with it I send my heart / But if you take it in disdain / Please send it back from / where it came”

Accompanied by its original mailing envelope addressed to Miss Elizabeth Derham, No. 12 Grand Street, New York, with cancelled United States one cent 1861 Benjamin Franklin postage stamp