https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=90
http://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/december14.html
Alexandra wrote this letter to Nicholas on December 15, 1914, and he sent two telegrams to her the next day.
The letter:
Tsarskoje Selo, Dec. 15-th 1914
My beloved Darling,
Fredericks let me know that you are only returning on Friday as are going to see the troops — I am delighted for you and them, a great consolation for you all and will give them new strength. And this morning Selentzki let me know and then Kyrill wired from town, that our dear Butakov had been killed — it is too sad, that kind good man, loved by all. How wretched his little wife will be, she who is only one bit of nerves already. Another one of our yacht friends gone already, how many more will this terrible war yet claim! — And now Botkin got the news from the regiment that his son was killed as he would not surrender — a German officer, prisoner told the news; poor man is quite broken down. — I saw Afrosimov who soon returns to the front, but I think its too soon, he was contusioned long ago and one sees his eye blinks and he suffers from giddyness. — The Children began their work to-day and had heavy cases. My heart is still enlarged and aches, as does my head and feel so giddy — I had to come over onto the sopha as Aunt Olga comes at 4½. — Marie and Dmitri wished to come to dinner, but I cant have them, feel too rotten still. — Marie has not yet come down as her throat is not quite in order, temp. normal. Baby goes out twice daily in his little donkey-sledge. — I have much to do thinking over Xmas-presents for the wounded and its difficult when one feels rotten. — I am glad you get a walk, it will have done you good. — Ella wrote in despair, trying to get to the bottom of the things about the trains and hospitals — she beleives the orders came from Petrograd. Often the orders from there are very cruel towards the wounded in the military hospitals. When she knows all, she will write to Alek. — In town there are scarcely any vacancies, don't know where I shall send my trains if they dont give me Finland. — Bright sunny day, He must have arrived. A. has gone to meet him, I only saw her a second, she was with the Children in the hospital and then lunched with them. Olga and Anastasia are sledging with Isa, Tatiana has lessons — Shura reads to Marie, Baby is out and I feel rotten. — Precious one, its lonely without you, but I am glad for your sake that you are out and will see the troops. — I want so much to go to Holy Communion this Lent, if I can manage with my health. — My precious one. Goodbye now and God bless — and protect you and keep you from all harm. I press you to my heart and kiss you over and over again with gentle tenderness.
Ever your very own
Wify.
Give my love to N. P. — he will be sad about Butakov. Make Feodorov go unexpected to small hospitals and poke his nose everywhere.
Nicholas's telegrams:
Telegram.
Stavka. 16 December, 1914.
Warmest thanks for charming scented letter; and Marie also. Everything is quiet here. Reports are good. Yesterday I inspected the new 53rd Don Cossack Regiment, which is commanded by Zvegintzev. A. Orlov is not wounded. I am sorry for Boutakov. I kiss you tenderly.
Nicky.
...
Telegram.
Stavka. 16 December, 1914.
Warmest thanks for dear letter. Am leaving to-day at 9:30; to-morrow morning I hope to see the infantry division and after dinner our Rifles. Cold, keen wind.
Nicky.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.
Above: Olga.
Above: Tatiana.
Above: Maria.
Above: Anastasia.
Above: Alexei.
Above: Ella, Alexandra's older sister.
Above: One of the Empress's ladies-in-waiting, Baroness Sophie Buxhoeveden, whom Alexandra called Isa.
Above: Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich and his sister Princess Maria Pavlovna.
Above: Dr. Eugene Botkin, the family's physician.
Above: His son Dmitri, who was killed in action during World War One in December 1914.
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