https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/april15.html
The letter:
No. 59. Tsarskoe Selo, April 7-th 1915
My very own sweet One,
Every possible tender wish for to-morrow. The first time in 21 years we dont spend this anniversary together. — How vividly one remembers all! Ah my beloved Boy, what happiness & love you have given me all these years — God verily richly blessed our married life. For all your wify thanks you from the depths of her big loving heart. May God Almighty make me a worthy helpmate of yours, my own sweet treasure, my sunshine, Sunbeam's Father! —
Tudels just brought me your dear letter, & I thank you for it with all my heart - such joy when I receive it, & many a time it is reread. I can imagine what a funny sight Grabbe sticking in the bogg, must have been; those walks I am sure do all no end of good. — How interesting all you are going to do. When A. told Him in secret, because I want His special prayers for you, he curiously enough said the same as me; that on the whole it does not please Him "God will help; but it is (too early) to go now, he will not observe anything, will not see his people, it is interesting, but better alter the war."
Does not like N. going with you, finds everywhere better alone — & to this end I fully agree. Well now all is settled, I hope it will be a success, & especially that you will see all the troops you hope to, it will be a joy to you, & recompense to them. God bless & guard this voyage of yours. Probably you will see both Xenia & Olga & Sandro. In case you see a sister all in black anywhere, its Mme Hartwig (von Wiesen) — she is at the head of my stores & often at the station. — I am feeling much the same, 37.2 in the evening. 36.6 this morning — a little redness is still there. —
I am glad you send Fred. by rail to L. — Grey, rainy morning rather. — My letters are so dull, have only report to read & that is all, seeing people tires me too much, tho' I long for a glimpse of Koj. Rod & Kubl. who will be at Anias from 3-4, they leave this evening for O. Tell Fred. I send him my love & beg of him to be very good & prudent, & to remember he is no longer a wild young cornet! — I send you some lilies of the valley, I kissed, & wh. are to perfume yr. little compartment. The note for Olga yr. man can send her at Lvov, as you wont have time to think about it. I saw Rod & Kubl both look well & brown — longing I think to go with the Plastuny special force & not only for the end (they are to be spared one says) but this they did not tell me. Now all & Baby take tea at Anias. She came this morning. My blessings, tenderest prayers suround you. 1000 of kisses. Ever yr. old
Wify.
Of course I understand if you are a day or two later back. You also may like a fly to Livadia! — All the children kiss you — they & I send love to N. P. — Have sent Ropsha strawberries.
Nicholas's telegram:
Telegram. Stavka. 8 April, 1915
Warm thanks for letter, telegram and flowers. In prayers and thought I am more than ever with you. A delightful warm day! I hope you are feeling better. I kiss you and the children fondly.
Nicky.
Nicholas's letter:
Stavka. 8 April, 1915.
My PRECIOUS DARLING,
My warm and loving thanks for your dear letter, full of tender words, and for both telegrams. I too have you in my thoughts on this our 21st anniversary! I wish you health (or well-being) and all that a deeply loving heart can desire, and thank you on my knees for all your love, affection, friendship and patience, which you have shown me during these long years of our married life! To-day's weather reminds me of that day in Coburg - how sad it is that we are not together! Nobody knew that it was the day of our betrothal - it is strange, how soon people forget - besides, it means nothing to them.
Krivoshein has arrived, who, in my presence, gave N. his could opinions on various suggestions about measures which be adopted in regard to the reward of officers and in who are leaving the army at the end of the war; those who have distinguished themselves, those who have been crippled, and all wounded in general. Excellent suggestions, which I shall impart to you at home. Of course I have forgotten all the names they mentioned to me.
To-day I had no time to write to you before the courier's departure, as I was in a hurry with my usual papers. I am sending this letter to-morrow from the border station of Brody. I am afraid I shall not have time to write from Galicia, but I shall write later, from the South.
Before the evening I drove along the old road to the town of Slonin in the province of Grodno. It was extraordinarily warm and pleasant; and the smell of the pine forest — one feels enervated and softened!
I am sending you Ella's telegram to be deciphered — I cannot understand what she wants.
Brody, 9 April.
Here I am, on what was once Austrian soil. Wonderful hot weather. I heard the reports in N.'s train, which is standing alongside of mine, and after lunch I am going to Lvov by car. God bless you, my precious Sunny! I kiss you and the children tenderly.
Always your hubby
Nicky.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.
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