Cork City and County Archives
Archival History The document was deposited by a private donor in July 2014, having lain unnoticed among family papers for many years. A shorter version of Dalton's account is reproduced in Rex Taylor's book: Michael Collins (London, 1958) [Appendix J, pp321-24], sourced from the Freeman's Journal (22 August 1923). Another version of Dalton's account, almost identical to the present item, entitled 'The Death of Michael O'Coileain', was posted online by Chris Dalton, a grandnephew of Dalton's. This version has a covering note by Dalton dated 23 Nov 1922, dedicating 'my first little work' to his brother Pat. This confirms Dalton's account was written within three months of Collins' death. This version may be seen here: http://www.generalmichaelcollins.com/life-times/ambush-at- bealnablath/death-of-michael-collins/
CONTENT AND STRUCTURE
Scope and Content Typescript first person account, 'The Last 3 Days of Michael Collins' [by Emmet Dalton]. Unsigned, with several ms notes, and last two pages in ms pencil. On Oglaigh na hEireann (Irish Army) stationery. The statement begins 'The war which had been forced on the people of Ireland by the Mutineers from the I.R.A. had been in progress for two months, and Cork had been captured by forces under my Command'. It goes on to describe Collins' unexpected visit on 20 August, and the reasons behind it (to review the military situation, and, as government chairman and minister of finance, to seek to recover customs and excise money stolen by Irregulars). There then follows a detailed account of the tour of West Cork, which departed from the Imperial Hotel, Cork, at 6:15am on 22 August, and stopped at Macroom, Clonakilty, Sam's Cross [Collins' birthplace], Rosscarbery, Skibbereen, and Bandon. On the way back to Cork the convoy was ambushed, and Collins insisted that the driver stop and the enemy be engaged. Collins is reported to have shouted out 'Emmet, I am hit!' shortly before he was found mortally wounded. His death, the wounding of a second officer, and the journey back to Cork are also described. The writer recalls his feelings while proceeding through Cork: 'The thought struck me that those poor people had gone peacefully to their nightly rest, all unconscious of the calamity that had befallen them'. The present account is of particular interest as a draft, with amendments in pen, and the last two pages written in pencil, described as 'alternative for 5 & 6'. It is an important early version of a first- hand account of a key event in Irish history.
PERSON/INSTITUTION INDEX: Dalton, Emmet | 1898-1978 | Major General, Irish National Army Collins, Michael | 1890-1922 Irish National Army (Oglaigh na nEireann)
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