https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=102
http://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/february15.html
The letter:
No. 45
Tsarskoje Selo, Feb. 27-th 1915
My very own deeply beloved One,
God bless you quite particularly on this journey, & give you the possibility of seeing our brave troops nearer. Your presence will give them new force & courage & be such a recompense to them & consolation to you.
The Stavka is not the thing — you are for the troops, when & where possible — & our Friend's blessing & prayers will help.
Such a comfort for me that you saw Him & were blessed by Him this evening. Sad I cant follow you out there — but I have the little ones to look after. I shall be good & go once to town before M. B. comes & visit some hospital, as they are impatiently awaiting us there. — My Angel sweet, me no likes saying goodbye — but I wont be selfish — they need you & you must have a change.
My work & prayer must help me over the separation — the nights are so lonely — & yet you are far lonelier, poor agooweeone! —
Goodbye Lovy, I bless you — & kiss you without end, love you more than word can say.
All my soul will follow & suround you everywhere. —
I press you tenderly to my old loving heart & remain yr. very own
Wify.
Oh such pain saying goodbye! Feel so sad to-night — me does love you so intensely. God be with you. —
Nicholas's reply letter:
28 February, 1915.
MY BELOVED DARLING,
Although it is naturally very sad for me to leave you and the dear children, I am going this time with such calm in my soul that I am myself surprised. Whether it is because I had a talk with our Friend last night, or because of the newspapers which Buchanan gave me, telling of the death of Witte, or perhaps because of the feeling that something good will happen in the war — I cannot say, but in my heart reigns a truly paschal peace. How I wish that I could leave it with you too! — I was so happy to spend those two days at home — perhaps you noticed it, but I am foolish, and never speak of what I feel.
What a nuisance it is to be always so busy and not to have an opportunity for sitting quietly together and having a talk! After dinner I cannot stay indoors, as I long to get out in the fresh air — and so all the free hours pass, and the old couple seldom get a chance of being together, especially now that A. is unwell and cannot come to us.
Do not overtire yourself, my love; remember your health; let the girls work for you sometimes.
God bless you and them; I am sending you my tenderest love and kisses. Always with boundless love,
Your hubby
Nicky.
I shall always let you know where I am going.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Grigori Rasputin, whom Alexandra invariably referred to as "our Friend".
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