ARMY OF THE IRISH REPUBLIC

JAMES CONNOLLY: HIS LAST DESPATCH FROM THE G.P.O., 1916

A cyclostyled document, printed in purple ink, 1 pp foolscap (verso blank), headed Army of the Irish...

ARMY OF THE IRISH REPUBLIC

JAMES CONNOLLY: HIS LAST DESPATCH FROM THE G.P.O., 1916

A cyclostyled document, printed in purple ink, 1 pp foolscap (verso blank), headed Army of the Irish Republic / Headquarters (Dublin Command) / 28th April 1916, addressed To Soldiers, over signature James Connolly / Commandant General / Dublin Division.

This is the fifth day of the establishment of the Irish Republic and the flag of our country still floats from the most important buildings in Dublin, and is gallantly protected by the Officers and Irish Soldiers in arms throughout the country .. The manhood of Ireland, inspired by our splendid action, are gathering to offer up their lives if necessary in the same holy cause. We are here hemmed in because the enemy feels that in this building is to be found the heart and inspiration of our great movement.

Let me remind you of what you have done. For the first time in 700 years the flag of a free Ireland floats triumphantly in Dublin city. The British Army .. are afraid to advance to the attack or storm any positions held by our forces. Our Commandants around us are holding their own, etc. [mentioning Comdts. Daly, MacDonagh, Mallin, De Valera and Kent] .. In Galway Captain Mellows .. is in the field with his men. Wexford and Wicklow are strong and Cork and Kerry are equally acquitting themselves creditably ..

As you know, I was wounded twice yesterday and am unable to move about, but have got my bed moved into the firing line and with the assistance of your Officers will be just as useful to you as ever.

Courage boys, we are winning and in the hour of our victory let us not forget the splendid women who have everywhere stood by us and cheered us on. Never had man or woman a grander cause, never was a cause more grandly served.

Connolly was wounded by a snipers dum-dum bullet on the Thursday of Easter Week, while accompanying a sortie towards the Independent Newspapers building. He was able to drag himself back to the GPO, where his leg was operated on by a British forces doctor who was a prisoner of the Volunteers. The following day, Friday, he sent for his secretary Winifred Carney and dictated the present despatch, aimed at rallying the spirit of his men, now threatened on all sides. Many of the operational details are incorrect, but they may be taken as a guide to the information and rumours circulating in the GPO as the siege reached its height.

Later that evening the GPO was evacuated, and Connolly was carried into Moore Street, with Winifred Carney still by his side, where he signed the surrender document and surrendered with the rest on Saturday. He was tried by court martial, and was shot by firing squad on 9 May while strapped to a chair.

This appears to be an original copy of a very rare document, Connollys last public statement as Commandant of the Dublin forces. A few marks, but generally in good condition.

Provenance: From the collection of Capt. Arthur Delaney of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, who served in France and was in Dublin in the summer of 1916.

 

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