Madam, – On June 5th, 1916, the press censor in Dublin circulated a “confidential” directive to editors of all Irish newspapers. He requested “careful consideration” be given to publication of specific contemporary messages, including “letters from soldiers, connected with the late rising in Dublin” and “letters . . . from men arrested in Dublin in connection with the late rising now in detention.” The third item of the six on the censor’s list is described as follows: “Extracts from American newspapers, or private letters sent you from individuals received from America.”
For a book about the Easter Rising and America, I am trying to locate any correspondence people in Ireland might have in their possession that pertains to the reaction in the US to the events of spring 1916 and its aftermath. Evidence does exist of Irish newspapers reprinting articles from American sources, but I’m wondering whether any letters from the US might survive.
Should readers have any knowledge or access to such correspondence, I would be most grateful to learn about it. Contact information is below. – Yours, etc,