surrender order / Enniscorthy Volunteers, 30 April 1916

The order to surrender given to the Enniscorthy Volunteers by Commandant General Patrick Pearse in Arbour Hill, on Sunday 30 April, 1916, the day after the official surrender. This copy was brought from Pearse to the garrison at Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, who had not yet surrendered to the British Military by Séamus Ó Dubhghaill (Seamus Doyle) and Seán R. Etchingham. Reads 'In order to prevent the slaughter of unarmed people and in the hope of saving the lives of our followers, the members of the Provisional Government present at Headquarters agreed last night to an unconditional surrender, and Commandants or commanding officers of districts will order their men to lay down arms or disband. P.H. Pearse 30th April 1916'. Handwritten in ink, plain cream coloured paper, with embossed stamp.;