Handwritten report from R. Hutchison, HQ, Irish Command to GOC, 59 Division refers to attached map [not attached]. Outlines procedures to prevent 'Rebels passing into or out of DUBLIN'.

Edited typescript copy of a letter marked 'Private and Confidential' from Major General R. Hutchinson to the Chief Secretary for Ireland, the Right Honourable H.E. Duke, containing Hutchinson's 'views on the situation in Ireland' in which he distinguishes and comments on the differences between extreme and moderate members of Sinn Féin; discusses police and military action with respect to drilling and/or assembly by members of Sinn Féin; the trial of 'Sinn Feiners' before courts martial and the proclaiming of Sinn Féin meetings. Includes handwritten annotations and corrections.

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'.

Letter from Maxwell to French attaching dictated dispatch from Robertson (8 May) concerning Maxwell's suggestion that he be appointed 'Temporary General'. Maxwell states that 'I do not intent to recede from the position I took up in my former letter to you. If it is inconvenient to the War Office to do what I ask, I do not complain, but will retire into the obscurity from which I was taken'.

Handwritten letter from French to Maxwell.

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.

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"'.

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 Colonel G.A. French, Commanding Troops, Wexford, to the General Officer Commander-in-Chief, R.I.C. Barracks Wexford, reporting that he has received a peace deputation from the rebel officers at Enniscorthy, headed by a Fr. Fitzhenry, and has guaranteed safe passage to two rebel leaders to visit Pearse in Dublin to confirm his order to surrender. Includes a typescript copy of the Enniscorthy leaders' surrender and a typescript copy of letter from French to Capt. Robert Brennan on the procedure for surrender.

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 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.

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'.

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

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'.

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.

Handwritten note from French, GHQ Home Forces, Horse Guards, London to Maxwell. Will discuss with C.I.G.S. [Chief of the Imperial General Staff] 'but your know my views on the subject'.

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

From Henry A[rthur] Blake, Myrtle Grove, Youghal, to the Lord Lieutenant [Lord Wimborne]. Offers his services to Wimborne: 'I beg to place myself unreservedly at the disposal of our Excellency should you consider that my services can be of any use in this crisis'.