Alexandra's letter to Nicholas and his reply, both dated September 16, 1904

Alexandra wrote this letter to Nicholas on September 16, 1904. He replied the same day.

Source:

A Lifelong Passion, letters and diary entries compiled by Andrei Maylunas and Sergei Mironenko

The letters:

Alexandra's letter:

My beloved Nicky dear,
Fondest thanks for your dear telegram which I received with great joy. Well, I drove with Olga. We drove, walked eight minutes — more my insides would not stand, through the English park by the fountains and to the farm, where I dropped her for tea and dancing lesson. The others joined her there. I went back to Baby and lulled him to sleep on my lap. He had taken a nice drive. At 5.00 I flew to the cottage for tea, at 6.00 I came home, kissed my babes, took my bath and popped into bed. I am feeling very tired, morally and physically. Baby lay in my arms, not drinking, sleeping. At 9.00 I laid him into his bed next to mine, got myself ready for the night and had the lamp taken away. At 11.00 he awoke and I fed him, at 12.00 I put him sleeping into his bed in his room. He had a good night, and Wify too, as she was very tired. At 8.00 this morning he came to me and I kept him till 10.30, then he drank with the wetnurse and at 11.00 she took him down to the nursery and put him to sleep. Fondest thanks for your dear letters and telegrams. I'm glad Baby's little things have made you happy. I have asked to drive with Motherdear as she leaves at 10.00. I don't know how I shall fit in with my nursing our angel. He is as sweet as ever and, I am sure, thinks of you; he has been calm, and I hope will sleep in the carriage. I miss you, it seems so awfully silent in the house, no people, no carriages either.

Goodbye and God bless you. Very tenderest kisses from your own
Alix

Nicholas's letter:

My own beloved Sunny,
What joy your sweet letter gave me. My 'old man' put it on the table in my cabin where I found it after luncheon, and also in the evening before going to bed, that lovely surprise to get from our 'little one'. The tiny shoe and glove smelled so good of him: and the photo, which I never saw, is charming and very like. Thank you ever so many times, darling, for the kind forethoughts that touched me so. Only Wify could have such ideas to give pleasure to Huzy when he is away. Your telegrams are a great comfort, one feels nearer hearing twice a day. It was hard leaving yesterday. I had to gather all my will. I was so astonished and touched by Olga's behaviour, never for a moment did I think it was on account of me that she cried, until you told me the reason. I begin to feel more lonely now without the children than before — an experienced old Papa, that's what it is!!!

The night was extremely cold and we all felt it in the train. The day is bright and warm, quite the same fine weather as we had at home. I'm so glad it continues so and hope it will keep until my return. We are passing pretty woods in a very swampy country.

Your having shown our 'little one' to the [officer] produced a great effect, not only upon him, but on those he saw after that. I must say, it is after all a rest to be travelling in a comfortable train and not seeing people the whole day. If only we were together it would have been happiness and rest both, but alas not. Duty, duty, there is nothing to be done. Now goodbye, and bless you my sunshine and love, and our sweet children. Kiss my son very tenderly for me. Your own Huzy,
Nicky

Above: Alexandra with Alexei.

Above: Nicholas. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.

Above: Olga.