Copy of a letter from Stanley Owen Buckmaster, Viscount Buckmaster (1861-1934) to John Redmond (1856-1918), nationalist MP. In the letter, Buckmaster states that there is a body of Irish operatives in the town of Keighley of strongly Nationalist persuasion who have formed a body by themselves. He writes that at the outbreak of war, these men offered themselves up for military service as a body, and that he doubts there are many left who have not signed up. Buckmaster goes on to say that his statement should be verified but that he hopes it will offer Redmond encouragement on his difficult task of Irish recruitment. Buckamster was a politician and lord chancellor in 1916. John Redmond was an MP and leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party. He was instrumental in securing the promise of Home Rule from Asquith's liberal government. Upon the outbreak of war, Redmond addressed a group of Irish Volunteers at Woodenbridge, Co. Wicklow, encouraging them to fight with the British Army to ensure the implementation of Home Rule. Redmond's words split the Irish Volunteers across the country. The Easter Rising shocked Redmond, who condemned it bitterly. Nonetheless he appealed for leniency towards those who had not been involved in planning the Rising.