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'.

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'.

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'.

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"'.

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

Handwritten note from R. [Whigham], War Office to Maxwell informing him that C.I.G.S has agreed that Hutchinson will remain with Maxwell.

Typescript copy of a public notice Proclamation No. 1 issued by General Maxwell, informing the rebels that 'the most vigorous measures will be taken by me to stop the loss of life and damage to property which certain misguided persons are causing by their armed resistance to the Law'. Specifies arrangements by which persons within specified areas surrounded by British troops may leave those areas.

Drafts of a statement by General Maxwell to the Associated Press, describing the actions of the rebels during Easter Sunday in the worst possible light and the reactions of the military (handwritten, 6 p., and typescript, 3 p.).

Handwritten paraphrase copies of cipher messages between the War Office and General Maxwell, marked 'Secret', concerning Mrs. Pearse's request to be given her two sons' bodies for burial in consecrated ground. Maxwell refuses on the grounds that 'It will have to be done in all cases if done in one and Mrs. Pearse has already been refused by me–These graves will be turned by Irish sentimentality into the shrines of martyrs and there will be a constant irritant in the country caused by annual procession etc. to them'.

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…'.

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'.

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'.

Handwritten and typescript copy of cipher messages marked 'Secret' between the Prime Minister in London (via 'Cinchomfor') and Dublin (via 'Commandeth') on the course of executions between 9th and 11th of May. Dublin notes 'We hope to deter by these examples & make the intriguers realise that we will not tolerate murder of loyal subjects, or any acts against the safety of the Realm'. Includes typescript report concerning the current situation with regard to 'Sinn Fein Rebels' in Dublin city 'Arrangements are being made to intern in England all Sein Feiners captured or surrendered who are not dealt with here. Also notes that 'Roger Casement has declared that Germany has sent all assistance she is going to send and this is now at the bottom of the sea'.

Handwritten letter from French to Maxwell.

Copy of typescript initial report by General Maxwell to [former Secretary of State for War] Lord Kitchener, on the current military action following the surrender of the rebels. Blames the Irish Executive for 'not dealing effectively with the Sinn Fein rebellion before it came to a head'; reports on the rounding up and deportation of Sinn Féin and Irish Citizen Army members and suggests that they could 'expiate their crime by serving the Empire as soldiers…They can fight but are happily not very good shots'; refers to the courts martial and a way of dealing with the bitter feelings between the north and the south of the country.

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

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…".

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.

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'.

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

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'.

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.

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.