https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=108
https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/march15.html
The letter:
No. 51
Tsarskoe Selo, March 5-th 1915
My very own beloved One,
I enclose a paper fr. Ella wh. you can sent to Mamantov, or fat Orlov & then a letter from Ania. She is very put out, that I do not go to her again, but B. keeps me again in bed till dinner, like yesterday. The heart is not enlarged this morning, but I feel still rotten & weak & sad — when the health breaks down its more difficult to hold oneself in hands. Now he is being buried.
I dont know whether they will leave him here or not, because the regiment intends burying all the officers after the war in the Caucasus, — there have marked the graves every where — but some died in Germany. I got a telegr. fr. my Vesselovsky that they had all just enjoyed the bania train & clean linen & are off to the okopi. — Then I got a report (according to my wish) from him. He returned Feb. 15-th. But of the heaps who are to receive decorations, only one Pr. Gantimurov got the Georg Sword as yet — he himself is not presented to anything, as in the absence of his chiefs who commanded over; the Divisionnary General von Hennings was dismissed from his post, and the Brigadier-Gen. A Bykov is taken prisoner.
A terrible worry & sorrow is that they have no flag, they entreat you to give them a new one, representations regarding this have already been made to the War-Minister by the commander-in-chief on February 7, under No. 9850. Their losses were quite colossal, 4 times the reg. has been filled up again, during the battles above vil. B., but I better write this on an extra paper, instead of filling up my letter with it; I shall copy out bits for you. — My Image reached them just after 30-th, their Lieut. Colonel Sergeiev, burned their flag. After he was wounded then, the chief of the supply service took the regiment & during 3 months did all splendidly. — I fear this letter is mighty dull. — Have let off Madelaine for the day to town 6 weeks Tudels has not turned up. Sunny again. — I had Isa for affairs & then Sonia. — just got yr. dear telegram. Ania wrote that Fredericks is intensely happy over your letter, of course she envies him. Perhaps you will put in your telegram to me that you thank for inclosed letter & send love or messages — she said I was to bum hers if I thought you would be angry — how can I know, I answered her that I would send it, so I hope she does not bother you with it — she can not grasp that her letters are of little interest to you, as they mean so much to her. — I have send the little ones to her — she wanted them in the evening; but they said they wished to remain with me then, as don't see them all day. — Dont you tell N. & go off where it suits you & where nobody can expect you — of course he will try to keep you back, because one won't let him move — but if you go, I know that God will hold you in safe keeping &, you & the troops will feel comforted. — Now my very own Sunshine my treasure beloved!, will close my letter. God bless & protect you now & ever, I cover your dear face with tenderest kisses, & remain,
Ever yr. very own
Wify.
I wish I were near you as I am sure you go through many difficult moments not knowing who speaks the exact truth, who is partial & so on — & personal offenses etc., which ought not to exist at such a time, just show themselves, alas, now in the rear, I fear. — Where are our dear sailors? What are they doing & is Kirill with them? —
Nicholas's telegram:
Telegram. Stavka. 6 March, 1915
Hearty thanks for dear letter with the note about your 21st Regiment. Thank her and give her my greetings. The weather is lovely and frosty. I hope your heart is better. You must take care of yourself. I embrace and kiss you tenderly.
Nicky.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.
Note: okopi (окопы) = trenches
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