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Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 14, 1915, and Nicholas's letter and telegram, dated September 14, 1915
Sources:
Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923
The letter:
No. 122.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 14-th 1915
My own beloved Darling,
I found your dear telegram this morning upon getting up, I was so grateful as had been anxious getting no news all day. Being very tired I went to bed at 11.20 yr. wire left the Headquarters at 10,31 and reached here 12.10. Thank God the news is better. But what will you do for the army, so as not to have Alexeiev the only responsible one? Do you get Ivanov to come here and Stcherbatov to replace him out there? You will be calmer and Alexeiev wont have to carry the responsibility all alone. — So after all you have to move to Kaluga — what a nuisance, tho' from here I should say the distance is less than now, only you are so far from the troops. But if Ivanov helps Alexeiev then you could go straight from here to see some troops at least. —
What has been going on at sea, I know nothing and read this morning of the losses of the Captain of the 1-st rank, S. S. Viazemsky (heroic death in battle) and the officers and men of the ship announce it, and his body is being brought from the Baltik Station. Then Capt. of the 2-nd rank, Vl. Al. Svinin also fell as a hero. What does this mean? Peter Vasilievitch told the Children some days ago that the Novik had been in battle, but as one keeps the naval news out of the papers, one feels anxious to know what it means. When you are not here of course I only get the news in the morning out of the "Novoye Vremya". If there should be anything good, do wire it, as one hears often false news wh. of course I tell all not to believe.
How is Voyeikov, I cannot forget his madness here and horrid behaviour to Ania. Do take care that he does not take things too much in hand there and does not meddle, as poor old Fred. is old and, alas, becoming rather foolish, the other with his dominating spirit and being most ambitious and sure of himself, and try to fulfil functions wh. don't concern him. Don't you need somebody else still because of the foreigners, or deputations, or orders to be given over, wh. you have not the time to do yourself — a General aide de camp or something like that? — Have you got rid of useless people there? I am glad Boris has gone back again. — I hope he can get the lists of the losses as the wives are in all states. —
One says Leichtenberg is wounded, I forget what regiment he commands but its the Preobr. ladies especially who are nervous. — I wonder what troops you saw the other day. — Now the old Man is with you. Its stupid one prints when he comes to me, thats fr. town, my people don't know it even, as people get angry I mix in — but its my duty to help you. Even in that I am found fault with, sweet Ministers and society, who criticise all, and themselves are occupied with things not concerning them at all. Such is the unedifying world. — Still I am sure you hear far less gossip at the Headquarters and I thank God for it. — Church began at 6-8 yesterday, Baby and I came at 7¼.
Slept badly, am tired and my head rather aches, so keep in bed till luncheon. Paul's asked to come for tea.
Oh my sweet One, thanks and thanks ever so tenderly for yr. sweet letter of the 11-th, I received it with intensest gratitude and joy. It has been kissed over and over again and reread any amount of times. Yes indeed, when will that happy moment arrive, when we shall be cosily seated together in my mauve room! We continue drinking tea in the big room, tho' by the time Paul left at 6¼, it was already quite dark. —
Yes, the changes of ministers. In the train Kussov went with Stcherbatov and he called the old man "crazy old man" thats going far; some in the Duma want Stcherbatov in Goremykin's place, and I understand them because they could do whatsoever they like with him. —
Paul was disgusted with the goings on at Moscou and the deputation that wished to present themselves to you! —
For the old woman's letter, warmest thanks — it pleased me very much and I read it aloud to Ania — Paul does not care for Mrazovsky, said he is such a cad, he remembers him fr. his service — I remember he screamed at the Guard's Convoys once, because a man cld. not say the words of the anthem by heart; the poor Grenadier divisions were so very little famous at the war now. Is it true Kuropatkin, got it, or are those gossips? Wonder how he will show himself this time — God grant alright — being in a lawer position it may go better. Paul asked why Nikolasha is still in the Country, and whether it was true you wrote he was to rest in the Caucasus, at Borjom — I said yes, and that you had allowed him 10 days at Pershino. Lovy, order him south quicker, all sorts of bad elements are collecting round him and want to use him as their flag (God wont permit it) but safer he should be quicker in the Caucasus, and you said 10 days and to-morrow its 3 weeks he left the Headquarters. — Be firm in that too, please. I am so glad, that Paul has realised the game Nikolasha was to play — he rages about the way Nikolasha's a. d. c. speak. — I am glad you made Voyeikov understand things — he is so obstinate and selfsure and a friend of Stcherbatov's. — How happy I am you saw some artillery — what a recompense to them. — Keep Misha with you still, do. — Paul again repeated, that he hopes very earnestly that you will send D. to his regiment, he finds the life he now leads his ruin, as he has absolutely nothing to do and wastes his time, wh. is perfectly true. —
If ever you get any news of the hussars, do let me know, as Paul is anxious, his boy being now in the regiment. Paul is now well, but very weak, pale and thin. — Old Aunt Sasha I. has come to town and will take tea with us on Wednesday, Xenia and Sandro lunch that day with us too. —
The news to-day about our allies is splendid, if true — thank goodness if they are beginning to walk now, it was hard time. And to have taken 24 artillery and made thousands of prisoners, but thats quite beautiful! — I do find it so wrong, that the Ministers do not keep to themselves all the discussions, wh. go on in the Council of Ministers. Once questions are decided, its early enough to know about them. But our uneducated, tho' they imagine themselves intellectual public, read up everything, only grasp a quarter and then set to discussing all, and the papers find fault with everything — hang them!
Miechen wrote to ask again about Plotho, whether anything can be done. — I do thoroughly bore you. — In sweet Petrograd one said you were here some days — now — that Gregory is at the Headquarters, — they are really becoming always more cretinised, and I pitty you when you return. But we shall be wild with joy to have you back again, if ever so short — just to hear your precious voice, see yr. sweet face and hold you long, long in my yearning arms. — My head and eyes ache, so I cant write any more now. Goodbye, Sweetheart, Nicky love. God bless and protect you and keep you fr. all harm. I cover you with kisses.
Ever yr. own old wify
Alix.
I feel quite sad without our hospital, where I have not been since Thursday. —
Ania has gone over to the big palace. — Lovy, are you sending people of your suite to the fabrics? Please don't forget it. —
My "Alexandrovtsi" are near Dvinsk and have rather heavy losses amongst the men. —
The Children all kiss you, Marie is overjoyed with your letter. —
Yuzik never went to the Headquarters, the children imagined it. —
I like the story about the hunt for the germans near Orsha; our Cosacks would have found them fast enough. Are they aiming at Riga again? Lovy sweet, me wants you, oh so, so much, precious Darling. Your letters and telegrams ary my life now. — Kiss dear Misha, Dmitri.
My love to the old Man and N. P.
Think over about Ivanov sweet one — I think you would feel calm — or if he were with Alexeiev at the Headquarters and then you would be free to move about — and when you remain longer at the Headquarters he could go round inspecting all and give you news how things are going and have an eye on all, and his presence would be good everywhere. —
Sleep well, I bless and kiss you!
Nicholas's letter:
Mogilev. 14 September, 1915
MY OWN BELOVED, DARLING SUNNY,
My heartfelt thanks for your dear letters, which are always a source of joy and consolation to me. The old man (Gor.) has just arrived, and I shall receive him at 6 o'clock. I am very sorry for you, that you had to tire yourself so much during these busy days...
So far it is difficult for me to settle the day of my coming home, because it depends on the Stavka being moved to Kalouga; that will take five or six days — so that, God willing, we shall spend about a week together! What happiness!
The story of the German patrols has ended as I thought it would — in a comic fashion. It was our own patrol of 7 Cossacks, which, having gone astray, broke off from one of the cavalry, and got to the south as far as Mogilev. How silly it was to invent such a story!
The weather continues to be lovely. I go out every day in a car with Misha, and we spend a great part of my leisure together, as in former years. He is so calm and charming — he sends you his very heartiest greetings.
On the whole, things at the front are not bad. The Germans are still pressing at the top [probably, "at the extreme end of the line" or "at the extreme north"] at Dvinsk, and from the direction of Vilna, to the east, as well as from Baranovitchi. Serious fighting is going on in these places all the time. Well, my dear, I must finish. God bless you and the dear children! Next time I shall write to Anastasia. I kiss you all tenderly.
Always your
NICKY.
Nicholas's telegram:
Telegram. Stavka. 14 September 1915.
Hearty thanks for telegram. I have just seen the old man. I have decided to call all the Ministers here. He asked for it to be done. I have written. The weather is warm. I am sorry for old Arseniev's death. Please give Shcheglov orders to take back into the library all the letters and papers which I allowed him to use. I kiss you fondly.
NICKY.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 13, 1915, and Nicholas's letter and telegram, dated September 13, 1915
Sources:
Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923
The letter:
No. 121.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 13-th 1915
My very own Treasure,
I am glad you have fine weather, here it is real autumn, there was a little sun an hour ago and now there is again a grey haze. — The 4 Girls have gone to early Church — "Engineer Mechanic" came, so keeps me company. So you cannot come before the end of the week, I feared so, as things are still very serious near Dvinsk — but how brave both sides are — God help and strengthen our dear troops. — The papers continue aggravating me, discussing and groaning that there will be a censure — and that ought to have been regulised months ago. — There is a messenger leaving for England this afternoon, so I must quickly profit to write to Victoria — this I will finish later in the day, as usual. — Sazonov says it concerns Alexeiev the exchange of prisoners, so I don't know what to do about Fürst Bentheim, I cannot ask for a German (and I believe not wounded or long ago well by now) — whom could one exchange him with? — I am glad you wrote a good letter to the old Man, it will help him in his difficult task. — 3 weeks to-day that you arrived at the Headquarters — when is Nikolasha going to Tiflis? To-day it is put in the papers that Dzhunkovsky is going to the Army and not any more under Alexeiev's orders for Sanitary questions.
Sweet Manny mine — am always in thoughts with you, yearning to see what you look and feel like; I have no doubt much better than when you were here. I told you about Y. Trubetskoy yesterday, so as that one should have an eye upon him, if he really is so very little famous and confuses them all. Am I meddling? I don't mean to, I only repeat what Kussov said, as I know he tells me things in the hope I will give all over. — What news fr. the Black Sea and Baltic?
I spent the afternoon on my sopha in the corner of my big room and Ania read to me, tea we had at 4 and then the 5 Children went to Ania for an hour to see some Children. I have crawled into bed, so as to go to church, service to-day is from 6-8, and I shall go at about 7, more I have not the strength for, as cannot take drops and feel tired, but to-day the heart was not enlarged. A dreary day. — In Moscou Mme Gardinsky finds the things better than they expected, Petrograd she finds horrid just now and I think all agree. — I gave Zizi papers about John Maximovitch and how they found his tomb, and she was grateful and emotioned as it showed her all in quite another light, and now I made Ania send it to O. Father Alex. — I want others to understand the thing and the wrong behaviour of the Synod. If they choose to find you had not the right to give such an order, nevertheless, all the more they ought to have stood up for it, legalised it still from their side, instead of purposely going against your orders — and all that simply out of opposition and to harm Varnava and throw again a bad light on our Friend. —
My letter is dull, I have seen nobody interesting. — A. is going over to the big Palace for a week, so as to have her rooms cleaned, the shaky plafond seen to and windows arranged for winter. Danini is going to see it! She can meanwhile go through a cure of electrifying and strong light wh. we have next door in the hospital and Vladimir Nikolaievitch will do it, and her Feodosia Stepanovna works there too and does massage for the wounded officers. —
I enclose a letter fr. Olga, and am sending you flowers again — the frezia last very long and every bud will open in your vase. —
The leaves are turning very yellow and red, I see it from the windows of my big room. — Sweetheart, you never give me an answer about Dmitri, why you dont send him back to his regiment, as Paul had hoped; — he worrys so about the boy wasting his best years and at such a grave moment, doing nothing. It does not look well, no Granddukes are out, only Boris from time to time, the poor Constantins boys always ill. — I do so hope to get your letter before closing this, so I will rest and then finish it up. —
Well I must send it off. I kiss and bless you over and over again, my very own beloved Treasure, Sunshine.
I cover you with tender kisses — God bless and keep you.
A tender kiss
fr. yr. very own old
Wify.
Nicholas's telegram:
Telegram. Stavka. 13 September, 1915.
Hearty thanks for dear letter and telegram, also to Anastasia and Alexey. Wonderful summer-like weather. Have been to church twice. The news is better, but I cannot yet find out for certain about the losses. I have told Boris to inform me. He is returning now. Goodnight. I kiss you fondly.
NICKY.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Note: Alexandra almost always referred to Grigori Rasputin as "our Friend".
Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 12, 1915, and Nicholas's letter and telegram, dated September 12, 1915
Sources:
Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923
The letter:
No. 120.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 12-th 1915
My own beloved One,
It is pouring and dreary. Slept very badly, head aches rather, am still tired from Peterhof & feel my heart, am awaiting Becker. — How I wish the time would come for me to write only simple, nice letters, instead of bothersome ones. But things dont at all go as they should, & the old Man who came to me yesterday evening, was very sad. He longs for you to come quickly, if only for three days, to see all & to make the changes, as he finds it more than difficult working with ministers who make opposition. Things must be put clearly — either he leaves, or he remains & the ministers are changed, wh. of course would be best. He is going to send you a report about the press — they go after orders Nikolasha gave in July, that one may write whatsoever one likes about the government, only not touch you. When Goremykin complains to Stcherbatov he throws the fault upon Polivanov & vice versa. Stcherbatov lied to you when he said one would not print what is said at Moscou. — They go on writing everything. Am so glad you declined seeing those creatures. They don't dare use the word constitution, but they go sneeking round it — verily it would be the ruin of Russia & against your coronation oath it seems to me, as you are a autocrat, thank God. — The changes must be made, cant think why the old Man is against Khvostov — his Uncle does not much care for him & they say he is a man who thinks he knows everything. But I explained to the old Man that we need a decided caracter, one who is not afraid, he is in the Duma, so has the advantage of knowing everybody & will understand how to speak to them & how to protect & defend your government. He proposes nobody, au fond, & we need a "man". — He begged me to let Varnava know that he must not appear at the Synod but say he is ill — wh. is the best thing, tho' the papers are furious that he wont appear. But he has told them all & answered everything — great brutes, I cannot call them otherwise. If you could only come, then at once see the Metropolitan & tell him you forbid that subject to be touched & that you insist upon your instructions being fulfilled. He cried of despair when Samarin was appointed & now he is completely in his hands — but he must have a strong word from you. Yr. arrival here will be a punitive expedition & no rest, poor Sweetheart, but its necessary without delay, they go on writing without ceasing. But they cant propose anybody — Makarov — no good — Arseniev fr. M. screams against our Fr. — Rogozin — hates our friend. — Prince Urussov (don't know him) — knows our friend, one says much good of him. My head aches from hunting for men, but anybody rather than Samarin, who openly goes against you by his behaviour in the Synod.
Can you really not return soon, Lovy, things seem taking a better turn, thank God & will still. Wonder what troops you saw pass. Old man has a sitting of Ministers on Sunday, thats why he cant leave to-day. If you come Thursday, he says he need not go there before, but I find you can see him quieter now & speak over & prepare all for yr. return.
He says Sazonov is pitiful to behold, like "une poule mouillée" — what has happened to him? He tells Goremykin nothing at all & he must know what is going on. The ministers are rotten & Krivoshein goes on working underhand he says — all so ugly & ungentlemanly; — they need your iron will wh. you will show, won't you. You see the effect of yr. having taken over all, well do the same here, i. e. be decided, repremand them very severely for their behaviour & for not having listened to yr. orders given at that sitting here — I am more than disgusted with those cowards. — Can Alex. spare you 3 days, soon? Do answer this if you can. You cannot imagine how despairing it is not being able to wire all one would & needs to & not to get an answer. You have not time to answer my questions of wh. there are 100, but always the same ones, as they are pressing & my head is weary from thinking & seeing things so badly — & beginning to spread in the country. Those types go talking against the government everywhere, etc. & sow the seed of discontent. Before the Duma meets in a month, a new strong cabinet must be formed & quicker, so as that they have time to work & prepare together beforehand. — He proposed I should see Samarin but what good? The man will never listen to me, & just do the contrary out of opposition & anger — I know him also but too well by his behaviour now, — wh. did not surprise me, as I know he would be thus. — Goremykin wants you to return & do all this, but waste no time. You are calm out there, & that is right, but still Sweetest, remember you are a bit too slow in deciding & dawdling is never a good thing. The big girls have gone to the hospital, the 3 young ones are learning. A. is going to town to Alia & her mother till 3, & I shall lie again till luncheon as heart a little enlarged & feel so tired. — Now Yuzik must be already al the Headquarters. Is it true that we are only 200 Versts from Lemberg again. Are we to hurry on so much & not come round and squash the Germans? What about Bulgaria? To have them in our flank will be more than rotten, but they have surely bought Ferdinand. —
How is Misha's humour? Kiss the dear boy from me. Have no news yet from Olga somehow her visit was sad — we scarcely got a glimpse of her & she left sad & anxious. —
Just received a perfumed letter fr. Olga Palei. Paul is better — she at last had news fr. their boy, it took him a week to get to the transport of his regiment & now he hopes to find the regiment. — I beleive the lancers are not far fr. Baranovitchi; a river one speaks of near there, where was heavy fighting — what fighting everywhere!
Mackensen is not the one we knew. There is a Fürst Bentheim at Irkutsk (a sort of relation of Marie Erbachs). Ernie asks in Max name whether there would be any possibility for him to be exchanged — he seems to be the last of his family — perhaps somebody of ours cld. be returned in exchange. He only asks like that, not knowing whether its possible. I shall let Rostovtzev know the same thing, — I doubt it being possible unless he gives his word of honour not to fight any more against any of the allies — only under that condition, I find, one can change him. I shall write this to Rost. & whom it concerns will know what to do, I have no idea whom one can ask for in return, nor whether its allowed. — About the gasses Ernie is also disgusted, but he says that when he was near Reims beginning of Sept. last year, the English used the gasses there — & German chemical industries being better, they made worse gasses. — Ania was at the Church of "Joy to all grieving" in town & brought this little Image for you. — Fancy our surprise — suddenly Kussov turned up. All his cavalry is being sent down to Dvinsk & during their move he flew off here, arrived in town this morning, probably goes on to-morrow, meets his wife & off to Dvinsk to meet his regiment. He had heavy losses — is in despair with Yuri Trubetskoy who makes fault upon fault & others dare not say anything, because one says you particularly care for him (wh. Kussov doubts). Thanks to him Kussov's men got surrounded, because Yury took the three battalions of infantry away wh. guarded them, for himself — but they got through & only many horses were taken, as it was the place where they were standing together — he told his mind rather clearly to Trubetskoy. He came flying off to know how things were going, as letters never reached him & he wanted to hear all. Is already disgusted with town & furious with the "rotten atmosphere". Was sorry you sent Mikheyev, because he is so very unrepresentive & does not know how to collect all round him & speak & thank in yr. name. — He saw the Kabardintsi passing a little while ago. Asked questions without end & says the "spirit" in the army splendid. It does one good & refreshes one seeing such a man straight from there — one also gets musty fusty here, tho' I fully trust & believe all must go well, if God will give us the necessary wisdom & energy. — Don't you find Baby's writing is getting very nice & tidy? I remained quietly at home to-day, saw Mme Zizi too. — Why is Boris not with his regiment? 3 of our Cav. Divisions got the order to break through the Germans wh. they did & are in their rear now, Tatiana's regiment is there too. —
Blessings & kisses without end & tenderest love, Sweetheart, lovy mine, fr. yr. very own old
Wify.
Nicholas's letter:
Mogilev. 12 September, 1915.
MY PRECIOUS SUNNY,
Bless you for your two sweet letters! I often re-read them, and then it seems to me that you are lying on your sofa and that I am listening to you, sitting in my armchair by the lamp. When will that happy moment come? If God will grant that matters improve at Dvinsk and the position of our troops is consolidated, I might find an opportunity for flying over to Ts. S. But there is so much to do here — these changes of Ministers, and the strengthening of the old man's position! I shall call him out here; there is no time to lose! Old Fred. understands this admirably, and exhorts me to hold on to Gor., which is very nice of him.
I have explained all this to V. also, during our walks. He seems to have understood it properly at last.
This morning V. reported to me the absurd rumours which are being circulated here in the town, that somewhere near Orsha (60 versts from here) a German patrol of cavalry scouts has been seen. Mounted police were at once sent out in all directions — and part of our convoy. Of course, so far they have not discovered so much as a rat. It is all so foolish; I laughed heartily.
After dinner to-day, going out in my car, I stopped to look at a field battery which has come from some distance away to protect this town from aeroplanes. I can understand that! [i. e., that is the right thing!] It was very pleasant to see the officers, men and horses, who have such a splendid healthy appearance — 17 men received decorations. Further on I met a large detachment of soldiers who were marching towards the town. I stopped, got out and let them pass by me. It was the 2nd Battalion of the Vladivostok Garrison Artillery; they have come from Brest Litovsk, exactly a month's march by the main road, and are on their way to the north of Orsha. To all appearances, the men have arrived in very good condition; they have a few sick in their carts, whom they will leave in the hospitals before going from here.
Misha has just arrived. He is sitting in my room, reading the newspaper. He has asked permission to stay a little longer. Yesterday two of his regiments launched a splendid attack and took 23 officers and over 400 prisoners — all Hungarians.
You ask me about the trip to Novgorod — of course, go now without me, as most probably I shall not have time when I return home. There is no thought of my leaving here before the 15th-20th.
Well, my little bird, I must finish. I love you passionately with an everlasting love. A thousand thanks for your sweet No. 350, which I have only just received. God bless you and the children! Tenderly, tenderly I kiss you all. Always, my darling Sunny,
Your old
NICKY.
Nicholas's telegram:
Telegram. Stavka. 12 September, 1915.
My warmest thanks for dear letter. The old man has telegraphed that he is coming on Monday; have written him an encouraging letter. It is out of the question for me to come before a week's time. Lovely, summer-like weather. In thought I am always with you.
NICKY.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoriev at lastromanovs on VK.
Notes: Madame Becker was a euphemism that Alexandra and her daughters used to refer to their menstrual periods.
Alexandra almost always referred to Grigori Rasputin as "our Friend".
une poule mouillée = a wet hen.
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