The Easter Rising internees autograph album, 1916, contains autograph entries of prominent participants in the Irish independence movement held in British prisons at Knutsford and Reading in England; the men were arrested and interned in...
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The Easter Rising internees autograph album, 1916, contains autograph entries of prominent participants in the Irish independence movement held in British prisons at Knutsford and Reading in England; the men were arrested and interned in connection with the Irish revolutionary uprising of April 1916, known as the Easter Rising. Autographs are usually accompanied by patriotic quotes, poetry, or personal sentiments. Entries may include an individual's military or other affiliation, home address, and previous internment locations in Ireland and Britain, such as Frongoch in Wales. The volume ([42] leaves, 1 blank leaf, loose front endpaper lacking) begins with the signature of Donnchadh Mac Con Uladh [Denis McCullough]. On the last page, Liam Tobin lists the prisons in which he had been incarcerated, including Knutsford but not Reading. The earliest entries are dated June 1916 at Knutsford; the latest are dated at Reading, December 22 and 23, and Nodlaig [Christmas], 1916. Internees were released at that time and returned to Ireland. Among the many names, signed in English or Irish, are Ernest Blythe, Frank Burke, Peter DeLoughry, Edward Dondon, Arthur Griffith, Sean T. O'Kelly, Richard McCormick, J. J. O'Connell, M. W. O'Reilly, and Cathal O'Shannon. A few individuals signed the album twice. Notable content includes a watercolor cartoon signed by Sean Milroy, anticipating "Capt O'Rielly" being welcomed back in Ireland, and a poem signed by Darrell Figgis, "In Memoriam / P. H. P.," honoring Patrick Pearse.
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