https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=93
http://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/january15.html
Alexandra wrote this letter to Nicholas on January 23, 1915, and Nicholas sent her a letter the next day.
The letter:
No. 36
Tsarskoje Selo, Jan. 23-rd 1915
My own beloved Nicky dear,
I am lying on the sopha next Baby's bed in the sunny corner room — he is playing with Mr. Gillard. Benkendorf came to me & before that M-me Scalon (Homiakova) — she told me how much one needs sisters out in the front flying-detachment as the poor wounded are often very badly cared for, having no real doctors & no means of sending off their wounded — its all well arranged to the east & north, but in Galicia & the X. armycorps much ought yet to be done. This morning I sat with Baby; he had not a famous night — slept fr. 11-12 then woke up constantly, not from very great pain happily. So I had sat with him in the evening — whilst the girls were in the hospital, Isa came to me. In the morning I gave instruments during the operation, & felt happy to be at work again, then I watched the girls a little at work, after which I sat with Ania — met her brother & nice looking bride there. The sun is shining brightly, so I have sent the girls for an hour's walk. — According to the agency telegrams, such a heavy fighting has begun again, & I had so much hoped there would have been a little quiet. — Ania had slept better, 38.2 yesterday evening, this morning 37.8 — but that does not matter, she hopes you will give over the news of her health to N. P. — I think you both must be glad to hear no more grumbling.
Sweetest one I miss you very much & long for your tender love. Its so silent & empty without you. The children have lessons or are in hospitals, I have lots of papers fr. Rostovtzev to finish. — Forgive a dull letter, but my brain is tired. — Baby kisses you many times, but wify yet much more. — Goodbye & God bless you my treasure, my sweetest one — my tenderest thoughts suround you. I am glad you got a little airing at the stations. —
I bless you & kiss you, & remain Y. very own old
Sunny.
Give my love to N. P. & Mordvinov.
If there is any interesting news, do tell fat Orlov to let me know, please.
Nicholas's letter:
Stavka. 24 January, 1915.
MY BELOVED SUNNY,
Both your sweet letters have deeply touched me — I thank you with all my heart for them.
It was hard to leave you and the children this time, because of the poor Little One's foot. I am so afraid that it may last a long time. Please do not overtire yourself now that you have to be upstairs with him so often — except, perhaps, when you are at the hospital.
Our journey has proved agreeable and quiet. How fortunate it is that the gentlemen have got accustomed to each other and no incidents occur! In the evening we played with Mamma's new dominoes and listened to Voeikov or Feodorov, who read Ania's amusing book to us.
I have found Nicolasha's Staff here in very good spirits. I am very glad to see old Ivanov, who has come for a few days on duty. Luckily he grumbled less than usual. He asks you to send him your new photograph; please do so it will please the dear old man. Kyrill and Petia are here; the latter will remain at N.'s disposal. I was so pleased to see the jolly, stout old Veselkin; he had dinner and tea with us and told us, mixed up with serious and interesting things, such stories that everyone shook with laughter. It is now the seventh time that he has travelled by the Danube to Serbia with his Supply Expedition. The risk increases more and more, as the Austrians are doing all in their power to blow up our steamers. God grant that they may be spared!
As on all my previous visits here, the first day turned out to be a frightfully busy one: only after lunch did I manage to get in a good walk, but for the rest of the time I received people until the evening.
Well, good-bye, my beloved Wify-teeny. May God bless you and the children! I kiss you and them affectionately. Give my warm greetings to A.
Always your hubby
Nicky.
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Nicholas. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Nicholas's letter:
Stavka. 24 January, 1915.
MY BELOVED SUNNY,
Both your sweet letters have deeply touched me — I thank you with all my heart for them.
It was hard to leave you and the children this time, because of the poor Little One's foot. I am so afraid that it may last a long time. Please do not overtire yourself now that you have to be upstairs with him so often — except, perhaps, when you are at the hospital.
Our journey has proved agreeable and quiet. How fortunate it is that the gentlemen have got accustomed to each other and no incidents occur! In the evening we played with Mamma's new dominoes and listened to Voeikov or Feodorov, who read Ania's amusing book to us.
I have found Nicolasha's Staff here in very good spirits. I am very glad to see old Ivanov, who has come for a few days on duty. Luckily he grumbled less than usual. He asks you to send him your new photograph; please do so it will please the dear old man. Kyrill and Petia are here; the latter will remain at N.'s disposal. I was so pleased to see the jolly, stout old Veselkin; he had dinner and tea with us and told us, mixed up with serious and interesting things, such stories that everyone shook with laughter. It is now the seventh time that he has travelled by the Danube to Serbia with his Supply Expedition. The risk increases more and more, as the Austrians are doing all in their power to blow up our steamers. God grant that they may be spared!
As on all my previous visits here, the first day turned out to be a frightfully busy one: only after lunch did I manage to get in a good walk, but for the rest of the time I received people until the evening.
Well, good-bye, my beloved Wify-teeny. May God bless you and the children! I kiss you and them affectionately. Give my warm greetings to A.
Always your hubby
Nicky.
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Nicholas. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
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