The valentine shows a Union soldier with a long moustache. He wears glasses and holds a pipe that extends to the floor. His chest is puffed up, and his legs are thin. The valentine satirizes his lack of bravery, childishness, and excessive stylishness. "Bully Russell" refers to the journalist William Howard Russell, the correspondent for the London Times., Text: You went to war to see the fun, / Now what the d---l made you run; / You ran so fast from all the bustle / You were only beaten by bully Russell., Provenance: McAllister, John A. (John Allister), 1822-1896, collector.
The Union recruit stands with his musket over his shoulder. His jacket is too large for him and makes him look childish., Text: A raw recruit my taste don't suit, / Althought he should make me a queen-- / And I see from your face, / And your unnatural grace, / That you are too awfully green., Provenance: McAllister, John A. (John Allister), 1822-1896, collector.
The valentine shows an image of a small child in a pink frock with a yellow collar crying with its hands clenched., Text: Pray dry your eyes my pretty child, / Be cheerful and then maybe, / Next time I pass this way I'll bring, / Some candy for the Baby., Provenance: McAllister, John A. (John Allister), 1822-1896, collector.
The valentine depicts a man crying, and the text mocks him for his childishness., Text: Pray do not weep, nor spoil those eyes red, / Don't soil your clothes with those soft drops of brine; / Sure, out of pity, some green girl will you wed, / And nurse you as an infant Valentine., Provenance: McAllister, John A. (John Allister), 1822-1896, collector.
A man with sheep's head kneels with his hands folded. His tongue sticks out, and he has roses in his pockets. "Pap" is a food for small children., Text: Pray don't kneel to me with flowers sweet and rare, / With basket on your arm, Sheep-face that you are, -- / How can you think a maiden like myself, / Could have one thought of thee, simple love-sick elf? / Go home unto your mammy, sit upon her lap, / She will feed her baby on soda-biscuit pap!, Provenance: McAllister, John A. (John Allister), 1822-1896, collector.
A man with a sheep's head kneels and clasps his hands together. He has a basket full of flowers over one arm. "Pap" is a food for small children., Text: Pray don’t kneel to me with flowers sweet and rare, / With basket on your arm, Sheep-face that you are- / How can you think a maiden like myself, / Could have one thought of thee, simple love-sick elf! / Go home unto your mammy, sit upon her lap, / She will feed her baby on soda-bisuit pap., Cf. Comic Valentine, 9.41, Provenance: Helfand, William H..
