A passionate 19th century St Valentine’s poem has been discovered in the Donegal County Archives.
Archivist Niamh Brennan revealed “We are not sure who A Sinclaire was or to whom the letter was addressed.
“This affecting love poem was found during routine cataloguing work in Donegal County Archives last week.
“We thought that this week would be the perfect time to share this poem,” she said.
The poem was found in the collection of the Steele Nicholson family of Falmore House, Gleneely, Inishowen, which was donated to the Archives some years ago by Down Museum.
The Steele Nicholsons were a wealthy family who owned property and land in Donegal and Down in the 19th century.
Valentines love poem
My Dear Valentine
Thy image, lovely as the morn,
Appears in all I see
For nature in her fairest forms but beauty speaks of thee
Oh welcome love, it this be love, aught else it cannot be
To think that all my joy or woe finds sympathy with thee.
I love thee dear with all my heart, none else can I love but thee
My heart you have and yours I want from thee.
I am your affectionate admirer
A Sinclaire
Anybody with any information on the poem is asked to contact Niamh Brennan, Archivist, Archives Service, Donegal County Council, Three Rivers Centre, Lifford, County Donegal.