I am to die at dawn 3.30 am, 3rd May. I am ready to die and thank God that I die in so holy a cause

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Never was there a better truer purer woman than my wife Muriel or more adorable children than Don and Barbara. It breaks my heart that I shall never see my children again, but I have not wept or murmured. I counted the costof this and am ready to pay it

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It is a great and glorious thing to die for Ireland

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To my son Don. My darling little boy remember me kindly. Take my hope and purpose with my deed. For your sake and for the sake of your beloved mother and sister I would wish to live long but you will recognise the thing I have done and see this as a consequence. I still think I have done a great thing for Ireland, and with the defeat of her enemy won the first step of her freedom. God bless you my son. 

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My darling daughter Barbara, God bless you. I loved you more than ever a child has been loved. My dearest love Muriel thank you a million times for all that you have been to me. I have only one trouble in leaving life – leaving you so, Be sure Darling God will assist and bless you. Goodbye.

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Kiss my darlings for me. I send you the few things I have saved out of this war. Goodbye my love, till we meet in heaven. I have a sure faith in our union there. I kiss this paper that goes to you

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God help and sustain you my love. But for your suffering this would be all joy and glory

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Your loving husband

Thomas MacDonagh

I return the darlings’ photographs

Goodbye my love