Scope and arrangement
The Swift Papers consists entirely of chronologically arranged correspondence. The vast majority of the letters are written to Swift from his brother, William Henry Swift, 1825-1857, and from his brother-in-law, George Washington Whistler, 1828-1849. Whistler's letters include several written from Russia while he was working on the construction of the Moscow/St. Petersburg railroad. Also included are 15 letters of Swift to various correspondents, 1809-1862; 9 letters from Gouverneur Kemble to Swift, 1830-1858; 4 letters from G. W, Whistler to his son, George, his wife, Anna, and brother-in-law, William G. McNeill; 1 letter to Swift from Anna McNeill Whistler; and several letters exchanged among members of the Swift and McNeill Families.