Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated October 26, 1914, and his reply letter

Sources:

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=70

http://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/october14.html

Alexandra wrote this letter to Nicholas on October 26, 1914. He wrote his reply letter the next day, having finally found time to write back.

The letter:

Tsarskoje Selo, Oct. 26-th 1914
My very own precious One,
I fear my letters are somewhat dull, because my heart and brain are somewhat tired and I have always the same thing to tell you. Well, this afternoon I wrote what we did. After tea we went with Alexei and Ania to the hospital and sat there for an hour and a half — several officers had gone to town as they did not know we would come. — Just this minute Tudels brought me a wire from Botkin, thank God he has news that his son recovered very well and was well looked after, but taken to Budapest Oct. 1-st — Botkin returns here over Kholm. — How nice that you were there for Church; do so wonder, whether you can get for a peep to Lublin or anywhere else to see some troops. — I am so glad it has been settled by the Princess and Zeidler that Shesterikov and Rudnev need not be operated, one can leave the bullets in them — its safer as they sit very deep in, and cause no pain. Both are enchanted, walk about again and went to the Consecration of the little Church this morning. — Kulinev we found less well, grown pale and suffers more from his head, poor boy. Young Krusenstern returned to his regiment. Genig lies in the red cross station; he is also contusioned in the head, lies with dark spectacles in a half dark room. — The »Erivanetz« Gogoberidze has come to us now. — Baby says his prayers of an evening down here, so as for me not to go up, as I do much now and feel my heart needs caring after. — To-morrow its a week we parted, and the longing that fills my heart is great. I miss my Angel terribly, but get strength by remembering the joy of all who see you and your contentment at being out there. Do you play domino of an evening I wonder! We intend going to Georgi to-morrow to see his wounded, he only knows the big girls go, about myself I did not say — then I shall ask to see Sergei a minute — and go to some smaller hospitals. Now, after blessing and kissing you fondly in thought, I must put out my lamp and get to sleep — am very tired. —

27-th. I am so glad you are contented with your expedition. — We have had a busy day — 3 operations this morning, and difficult ones too, so had no time to be with ours in the little house, this afternoon were in town — went to Georgi — the wounded lie in the big room and looked contented. Sat with Sergei — find him much changed, greyish complexion, not thin face, eyes strange — is a little bit better, had been very bad; saw old Zander there. Then went to the Palace Hospital where wounded (and usual ill) lie — found Mr. Stuart there, lies there since 6 weeks, had typhoid. — Then off to the Constantin School on the Fontanka. There 35 men some Izmailov officers. — Am tired, have Taneyev at 6, and Svetchin with report at 6½. — Miss you always, my Sunshine, think of you with yearning love. — God bless and protect you, Nicky dear, big Agooweeone. I kiss you over and over again.

Ever your very own Wife
Sunny.

All the girls send you lots of love.
We also send our love to N. P.

Nicholas's reply:

Stavka. 27 October, 1914.
MY BELOVED, DARLING SUNNY,
At last I am able to write a few lines to thank you for your sweet letters, the sight of which on my table makes my old heart jump for joy!

The first days of my stay here I had to see old General Panteliev with regard to the sad story of Samsonov, then old Trotzky, who is going to Kiev to establish order there; after that, Professor Scherbatov concerning our horses. I found old Petiusha here, who has only just returned from Lvov and from a battle into which he was taken by Radko-Dimitriev.

They spent three hours under the fire of the Austrian heavy artillery. From other telegrams it is clear that Petia conducted himself with the utmost coolness and he requests an award for himself. I therefore gave him the Georgievskoe orougiye, which made him nearly mad (with joy). He had not expected it. At present he has a cold and is confined to an empty barrack near the train. On the whole, it seems to us that he has become very much less expansive than usual, most likely because he has been under fire. I had the pleasure of spending the whole of Saturday with Misha, who has become quite his old self and is again charming. We went to vsenoshchnaia together and parted after dinner. Both the evenings I spent with the Cavalry Guards and with my Hussars. The horses of the Cavalry Guards are almost all in condition, but those of the Hussars have a most lamentable appearance. It is curious that, judging from what they say, the German horses which they have captured stand the hard work much worse than ours.

Now about my programme. Wednesday I shall spend in Rovno; Thursday in Lyublin and Ivangorod; Friday again in Ivangorod and on the adjoining battlefield (Kozenitzy), and Saturday in Grodno. If you could come there to meet me it would be splendid. I have spoken to Voeikov, and all preparations will be made. — I was intending to spend the whole of Saturday in Grodno (hospitals and fortress) and arrive at Pskov on Sunday morning to attend Mass in church, then to the hospital and be home for dinner. But if you only go there, of course Pskov falls out.

Well, my own Wify, I must finish this letter. I hope that you are feeling stronger and are well again. I kiss you and the children tenderly. God bless you!

Always your old
Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.