Hutchison writing to the Editor of the Freeman's Journal about its reporting


Typescript letter from Hutchison, Headquarters, Irish Command, Parkgate St., Dublin to the Editor, Freeman's Journal, Dublin informing him that Maxwell regards its reporting concerning the administration of Martial Law in Ireland as unacceptable 'and that the appearance of any further articles of this nature in any newspaper under your control will render you liable to immediate action being taken under the provisions of the Defence of the Realm Act'.

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The War Office writing to Viscount French about Maxwell's appointment


Copy of typescript letter from the War Office to Viscount French informing him of Maxwell's appointment as GOC.

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Maurice Bonham Carter writing to Hutchison about an interview with a journalist


Letter from Maurice Bonham Carter, Vice-Regal Lodge to Hutchison, enclosing a telegram concerning a request for an interview between Maxwell and an American correspondent 'Berry', and ways of presenting the British military response in the best light possible in order to quell anti-British feeling in America, following the executions of the leaders of the Rising.

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Whigham writing to French


Handwritten letter from R. Whigham, War Office to French informing him that he showed enclosed to C.I.G.S. [Sir William Robertson, Chief of the Imperial General Staff] who can comment no further than he has already to Maxwell.

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Éamon de Valera Papers: British documents relating to 1916


A collection of British documents and letters relating to 1916 which form a file within the Papers of Éamon de Valera. The documents include intelligence reports, despatches, and correspondence between Irish Command, Home Forces, the War Office, M.I.5.G., and the Royal Irish Constabulary. The documents cover the immediate aftermath of the 1916 Rising, the executions of the leaders, and the general political situation in Ireland at the time.

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War Office writing to Maxwell about Byrne


Typescript letter from [?], War Office to Maxwell assuring him that he has no desire to remove 'Byrne' from assisting Maxwell until Maxwell can spare him. Congratulates Maxwell 'on the way you have managed Ireland'.

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Maxwell writing to French reflecting on the Sheehy-Skeffington case and other incidents


Handwritten copy of letter to Maxwell to French. Reflects on the Francis Sheehy-Skeffington case and other 'regrettable incidents' and states 'In my humble judgement the Government of Ireland is rotten from A to Z…The Irish Constabulary is a farce…a magnificent body of men certainly but singularly out of sympathy with the people…in my opinion you will never rule Ireland from Dublin Castle. There is far too much reporting & nothing happening…'.

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Robert John Lynn writing to Maxwell


Holograph letter from journalist and unionist Robert John Lynn, The Northern Whig Office, Belfast to Maxwell. Marked 'Very confidential'. Writes that he has heard a rumour 'that the Guards intends to seize the arms of the Ulster Volunteer Force', an act he regards as 'fraught with grave danger to the public peace. Our people have behaved splendidly during the past critical week and it would be a grave pity if anything was done now that would influence public opinion'. It is his opinion that 'the seizure of the arms ... would be looked upon as an act of treachery'.

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Lord French writing to General Maxwell about Maxwell's actions


Holograph letter from Lord French, GHQ Home Forces, Horse Guards, London to General Maxwell stating 'You have acted with great promptitude, courage & determination and I feel sure all people–whose opinions matter–think so'.

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Viscount Wimborne writing to Maxwell about the suppression of the insurrection


Typescript letter from Viscount Wimborne [Lord Lieutenant], Vice-Regal Lodge, Dublin to Maxwell congratulating him in the suppression of the insurrection. This is an official letter on which there is a handwritten note 'The following is published for the information of the troops'.

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John Dillon writing to General Maxwell protesting about the executions


Holograph letter to General Maxwell from John Dillon M.P., 2 North Georges St., Dublin protesting about the executions. 'The feeling is becoming widespread and intensely bitter.– It really would be difficult to exaggerate the amount of mischief that the executions are doing'. Also advises against the arming of 'Special Constables', '…it is a unwise measure…they are not required…And…are very apt in my opinion to create disturbance'. Also advises against 'instituting searching and arrests on a large scale in districts in which there has been no disturbance'.

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Lord French writing to General Maxwell


Handwritten letter from French to Maxwell.

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Frank Hall writing to Maxwell


Handwritten letter from Frank Hall, War Office to Maxwell, marked 'Secret & Personal'. Sends 'the enclosed' and comments 'I don't know what the policy is & I don't ask' and wishes to 'keep clear of "party politics"'.

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Viscount Wimborne writing privately to Maxwell about the suppression of the insurrection


Private holograph letter from Wimborne to Maxwell congratulating him on the suppression of the insurrection.

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Lord French writing to General Maxwell referring to the executions of Pearse, Clarke and MacDonagh


Holograph letter to General Maxwell from Lord French in which he refers to the execution on that day of Pearse, Clarke and MacDonagh, "The P.M. expressed himself as 'surprised' at the rapidity of the trial & sentences. I pointed out that you were carrying out your instructions exactly & correctly and in strict accordance with Military and Martial Law. He quite understands but asked me to warn you not to give the impression that all the Sinn Feiners would suffer death. I told him that the fact of 3 of them having been awarded a much less severe sentence was evidence enough of the attitude you were adopting towards them and that I thought it much better to [leave] you [alone] to your own discretion. He agreed to this…".

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Major General Shaw writing to General Maxwell about his appointments as GOC the Forces in Ireland


Typescript letter from Major General Shaw, GHQ, Home Forces, Horse Guards, London S.W., to General Maxwell informing Maxwell that the King has approved his appointments as GOC the Forces in Ireland 'from 27 April 1916 inclusive' and that Maxwell may 'take such measures as may in your opinion be necessary for the prompt suppression of the insurrection in Ireland'. On 'matters unconnected with operations and on questions of Military and Martial Law' Maxwell will communicate directly with the War Office.

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General Maxwell writing to Lord French referring to Eoin MacNeill


Copy of typescript despatch from General Maxwell to Lord French with holograph note by Maxwell relating to Eoin MacNeill, 'I am a little perplexed what to do about this man McNeill (sic), he is no doubt one of the most prominent in the movement though I believe he did try and stop the actual rebellion taking place when it did. The Priests and politicians will try and save him–He is not tried yet'.

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Lord Lieutenant Viscount Wimborne writing to General Maxwell about martial law in Ireland


Holograph letter from Lord Lieutenant Viscount Wimborne to General Maxwell on the Proclamation extending martial law to all Ireland.

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French writing to Maxwell discussing Maxwell's position in Ireland


Handwritten letter from French, GHQ Home Forces, Horse Guards, London to Maxwell returning Robertson's letter and discusses Maxwell's position in Ireland in detail.

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Maxwell writing to Asquith concerning Bishop O'Dwyer of Limerick


Typescript copy from [Maxwell] Headquarters, Irish Command to Asquith concerning the Bishop O'Dwyer of Limerick 'the only dignitary of the R.C. Church who has taken up this attitude'. Refers to correspondence he sent to the Cork Examiner which 'has done some harm and incited others to defy authority'. Reports that masses are being said for those who have died or been executed. Considers that 'if His Holiness the Pope could be induced to advise the Cardinal Archbishop and Bishops in Ireland to prevent Priests from mixing themselves up with matters, political, seditious or unconnected with their spiritual position, some good might come of it'.

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Follow up note from Hall to Maxwell


Handwritten follow up note from Hall, War Office to Maxwell marked 'Personal & Confidential'.

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Communications relating to the appointment of General Maxwell


Typescript communications relating to the appointment of General Maxwell, and his brief. Includes: the second report outlines intelligence obtained, including that which lead to Roger Casement's arrest. Requests Maxwell to report on the reasons why given the intelligence, Friend 'was not present in his Command, and Officers were allowed to absent themselves from their stations'.

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Field Marshal Viscount French writing to General Maxwell about his talks with Sir Edward Carson and John Redmond


Holograph letter from Field Marshal Viscount French, Commander-in-Chief of Home Forces, G.H.Q. Home Forces, Horse Guards, S.W., to General Maxwell following Maxwell's appointment as Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in Ireland, on his talks with Sir Edward Carson and John Redmond. Also remarks 'I don't think there is much chance (now) of a German landing on the west coast of Ireland but that is what we must be prepared for'. Also relates the King's views on the Rising.

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Correspondence between Maxwell and H. E. Duke concerning Major Price


Handwritten copy of letter from Maxwell to Mr Duke concerning the future of Major Price, RIC whom Maxwell believes 'could be usefully employed at Scotland Yard'. Handwritten reply from H.E. Duke, Irish Office to Maxwell thanking him for his suggestions regarding Price which has brought to the attention of the Prime Minister.

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