An Original Hand Written and Signed Letter/Envelope by the Former Assistant Irish Secretary and Soldier Gerald Arbuthnot to his Aunt, Lady Francis Muir Mackenzie Discussing the Irish problem. Dated 1914. Gerald Arbuthnot writing in his position as a former assistant Chief Secretary for Ireland, to his aunt, Lady Francis Muir Mackenzie, and discussing the Irish problem. 'I have been so hard pressed that there has been no time for my digest of the Irish business......Briefly there are 2 parties and 2 races in Ireland. (1) in the North, Ulster, Protestant and loyal (Carson) who wanted to remain united to England (supported by the Unionists) (2) in the South & West, Catholic & disloyal (Redmond) who want Home Rule (supported by the Radicals). The Govt want to give Home Rule, to obtain the Nationalist (No 2) votes. Ulster won't have it and have enrolled 100,000 volunteers to resist the enforcement of Home Rule. The Government have ordered British troops to march on Ulster & the Officers refuse to go.' Gerald Archibald Arbuthnot 1872-1916 was a British soldier and Conservative Party politician. H was assistant private secretary to the Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1905 and 1906. In the First World War, he served in the Grenadier Guards and reached the rank of second lieutenant, having been made a lieutenant in the service of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve already in 1914. He fought in the Battle of Ypres. Arbuthnot died aged 43, killed in action during the Battle of the Somme. Size of letter is 170mm x 110mm. Folding centre crease. Light ink smudging.