Sources:
A Lifelong Passion, letters and diary entries compiled by Andrei Maylunas and Sergei Mironenko
George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook
The letters:
Alexandra's letter:
Olga dear,
You want me to write a letter. Girlie mine, you must remember that one of the first things is to be polite and not rude, neither in manners nor in words. Rude words in the mouth of little children is more than not nice. Be always thoughtful and frank. Listen to those who are older than you. Remember above all to always be a good example to the little ones, only then our Friend will be contented with you. They are small and don't understand things so well, and will always imitate the big ones. Therefore you must think of every word you say and what you do.
Be particularly polite to all the servants and nurses. They look after you so well.
Think of Mary, how she has nursed you all, how she does her very best for you, and when tired and feels not well you must not add by making her nervous. Listen to her, be obedient and always kind. I have made her your nurse and you must always be good with her and also S. I. You are big enough to understand what I mean.
Be good and listen to your mother. Read this to Tatiana. Always beg pardon when you have been rude or disobedient. Now try your best, and I shall be happy.
A loving kiss from your old Mama +.
The letter in full:
Jan 11 1909
Olga dear,
You want me to write a letter. Girly mine, remember one of the first things is to be polite and not rude neither in manners nor in words in the mouth of little children is more than not nice. Be always truthful and frank. Listen to them that are older than you. Remember above all to be always a good example to the little ones, only then our Friend will be contented with you. They are small and don't understand things so well and will always imitate the big ones, therefore you must think of every word you say and what you do. Be particularly polite to all the servants and nurses — they look after you so well. Think of Mary, how she has nursed you all, how she does her very best for you, even when tired and feels not well, you must not add by making her nervous — listen to her, be obedient and always kind. I have made her your nurse and you must always be good with her and also S. I. — you are big enough to understand what I mean. Pray to God to make you good and listen to your mother. Read this to Tatiana, except about our Friend. Always beg pardon when you have been rude or disobedient. Remember how Alice spoke to Ellen. Now try your best and then I shall be happy.
A kiss fr. Mama
Olga's letter:
My sweety darling Mama,
I am going to write to you a letter because you wrote one and such a kind one to me. Shall try to do all you wrote to me. It is sometimes not a bit easy with Mary, because she is with out reason angry and gets cross for nothing.
Mama dear it helps me very much when you write to me what to do, and then I try to do it is better as I can.
A loving kiss from your ever true and very loving daughter
Olga
God bless you and your whole life
Above: Alexandra and Olga.
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