GMZ Tsarskoe Selo
The 1,100th post on this blog!
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Alexandra's letter to Toni Becker, dated February 6/18, 1895
Source:
Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt
The letter:
Den 6/18ten Feb./95.
Meine geliebte Toni,
Von ganzem Herzen sage ich Dir Dank für Deinen lieben Brief, den ich gerne früher beantwortet hätte. — Was Du mir erzählst, hat mich sehr aufgeregt — das hätte ich nie gedacht! Welche Fluth Gedanken bestürmen mich. Es ist schwer für mich Dir zu schildern was ich empfand. Ich kenne leider nicht den Mann Deiner Wahl — aber Deinem Herzen vertraue ich. Du hast Dir wohl alles reiflich überlegt, & das für & wieder bedacht. Liebt & schätzt man einen Mann, & glaubt man, ihm eine treue, liebe, helfende Lebensgefährtin werden zu können, so macht das Alter kein Bedenken. Nur musst Du Dir alles klar machen. Deine Stelle als junge Stiefmutter von erwachsenen Kindern, wenn sie ihren Vater lieben, werden sie Dir mit offenen Armen & Herzen entgegeneilen — eine theure Schwester kannst Du ihnen werden, aber ihre eigene Mutter werden sie nie vergessen, aber Dich doch lieben — das kann nicht anders sein. Du bist ja kein Kind mehr, hast schon manche schwere Seite des Lebens leider in jungen Jahren kennen lernen müssen, — daher werdet ihr schon zusammenpassen, & die Geschmäcke & Interessen theilen. Als verheirathete Frau hat man auch sein Schweres — aber an der Seite eines geliebten Mannes lässt sich alles mit Gottes Hülfe ertragen. Und das Leben gestaltet sich schön, für einen anderen zu wirken & leben, sein Leben mit ihm theilen, mit ihm trauern, & jubeln, — wenn er gedrückt ist, ihn erheitern. Ach, die Pflicht einer Frau ist schön, & Du wirst sie schön zu erfüllen wissen. Für ihn ist mir nicht bange. — Kümmere Dich nicht um das Geschwätz anderer — heirathe bald, das ist die Hauptsache & ziehe mit ihm fort um sein Heim wieder ein trautes werden zu lassen. Deine theure Mama wird sich für Dich freuen, Dich endlich geborgen & wohl aufgehoben zu wissen. —
Gott behüte Dich, meine heissen Gebete für Dein Glück möge Er erhören.
Lebewohl
Es drückt Dich an ihr Herz,
Deine treueste Alte
English translation (my own):
Feb. 6/18 /95.
My darling Toni,
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your lovely letter, which I would have liked to have answered sooner. — I was very upset by what you told me — I would never have thought of that! Such a tide of thoughts assails me. It is difficult to describe to you what I felt. Unfortunately I don't know the man of your choice — but I trust your heart. You have probably thought about everything carefully, & thought about it time & again. If one loves & appreciates a man, & if one thinks one can become a loyal, loving, helping partner for life, then age is not a concern. You only have to make everything clear to yourself. Your position as a young Stepmother of grown-up Children, if they love their Father, they will rush to you with open arms & hearts — you can become a dear Sister to them, but they will never forget their own Mother, but love you — it cannot be different. You are no longer a child, you have unfortunately had to get to know many a difficult side of life at a young age — so you will fit together and share tastes and interests. As a married woman one also has one's difficulties — but at the side of a beloved husband all can be endured with God's help. And life turns out beautifully, to work & live for another, to share one's life with him, to mourn with him, & to rejoice — when he is depressed, to cheer him up. Ah, a woman's duty is beautiful, & you will know how to fulfill it beautifully. I am not afraid for him. — Don't bother about other people's gossip — get married soon, that's the main thing & move away with him to make his home cozy again. Your dear Mama will be happy for you, knowing that you are finally safe and in good hands. —
May God keep you, may He hear my fervent prayers for your happiness.
Farewell
I press you to my heart
Your most faithful Alte
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.
Note: On February 23, 1895, Toni became engaged to the landscape painter Eugen Bracht, who was 26 years her senior. He had been widowed since 1887 and had three children whose love Toni, although she was only 9 years older than the eldest daughter, actually easily won.
Alix's letter to Toni Becker, dated November 14, 1894
Source:
Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt
The letter:
Den 14ten Nov 1894
Meine liebe Toni,
Ich muss Dir heute einige Zeilen schicken, da ich eben allein bin & Dir als "Mädchen" noch einige Zeichen senden will. Ich wohne in Ella's Haus in meinen alten Zimmern von vor fünf Jahren & all die alten Bilder tauchen wieder vor mir auf. Wie viel ist aber seitdem passiert, sein Vater & der meine genommen. Oh, Kind, diese Reise ist zu unbeschreiblich traurig & ergreifend gewesen & der Einzug in Moskau & hier. Aber es ist eine Beruhig[ung] mit meinem armen Jungen zugleich beten zu können & nun erst bald als seine Frau, da werde ich beständig bei ihm sein können & ihm helfen, & trösten. Es ist gar hart so jung in solcher verantwortlicher Stellung zu sein — aber der liebe Gott wird ihm helfen & die Gebete seiner Treuen. Die himmlische Krim — so hart sie zu verlassen, wie dankbar, dass ich seinen geliebten Vater noch einige Male sehen konnte. So allein zu sein, ist ganz merkwürdig. Meine Geschwister kommen morgen — eine traurige Hochzeit wird's werden. — Schreibe mir doch bald & oft & erzähle mir viel von zu Hause & meinen alten Freunden. Von euch Mädchen allen träumte ich in der vergangenen Nacht und lud euch ein auf den Wolfsgarten. — Dass kein wirklicher Abschied von Darmstadt war, ist viel besser, es wäre ja hart gewesen. Gott gebe dass wir uns nächstes Jahr wiedersehen.
In alter Liebe, Deine treue Alix
1000 Grüsse an die Deinen —
viele Küsse für Dich & Pollie
English translation (my own):
Nov 14th 1894
My dear Toni,
I have to send you a few lines today as I am alone & wish to send you a few more signs as a "maiden". I live in Ella's house in my old rooms from five years ago & all the old pictures come back to me. But how much has happened since then, his Father & mine taken. Oh, Child, this journey has been too indescribably sad & poignant & moving, in Moscow & here. But it is a consolation to be able to pray with my poor Boy at the same time & now only soon as his Wife, I shall be able to be with him constantly & help him & comfort him. It is terribly difficult to be so young in such a responsible position — but God will help him & the prayers of His faithful ones. The heavenly Crimea — so hard to leave it, how grateful I am that I got to see his beloved Father a few more times. Being alone like this is very strange. My siblings are coming tomorrow —it will be a sad Wedding. — Do write to me soon & often & tell me a great deal about home & my old friends. I dreamed of all of you girls last night and invited you to the Wolfsgarten. — That there was no real farewell to Darmstadt is much better, it would have been hard. God grant that we shall meet again next year.
With old love, your faithful Alix
1000 greetings to yours —
many kisses for you & Pollie
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra at their wedding, painted by W.H. Grove after Lauritz Tuxen, year 1894.
Alix's letter to Nicholas, dated April 22/May 4, 1894
Sources:
Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 11 to 14, by George Hawkins, 2023
George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook
A Lifelong Passion, letters compiled by Andrei Maylunas and Sergei Mironenko, 1992
Nicholas's responses to the following letter:
The letter:
No. 3 Windsor Castle
April 22nd/May 4th 1894
Милый дорогои Ники,
Как ваше здоровье? Сегодня хорошая погода, вчер(?) была дурная погода, шолъ дождь и холодъ. Я рада быть опять здѣсь прекрасно. When I don't know what sign to put at the end of a word, this (?) is to replace it. As soon as I have finished one письмо to you, I want to begin another, I am an old chatterbox, and when you are near me, I get mum like an old owl. If you could mention any nice book, a translation from the Russian you would like your stupid frog to read, do tell me. The ink is so watery that it makes filthy blotches and I fear you will scarcely be able to read anything. I hope they won't teaze you too much about the ring, душки (?) We have just heard that Uncle Alfred had a bad passage, how grateful I am that ours was so good. Now you must be arriving at home, how they will all rejoice at having their Darling back again. I wonder whether you will be grandly received or what festivities will be in your honour. Will you see Fräulein Schneider before she comes here? Poor little woman, I hope she won't get lost on the way, if only you could have come with her. Well, we must be patient, not grumble, only I do feel so awfully lonely and long for you to take me in your strong and loving arms. It does one good to know one is loved, it makes one take again more interest in life. If you only are not disappointed in the owl, you must teach her and try and make her clever like yourself.
"O my dear one, how I love you,
Better, better, every day,
With unending true devotion
Deeper far than I can say.
When at evening dies the daylight
Lost at length in night's embrace,
All the gloom is steeped in sunshine
By the memory of your face.
And with morning comes the whisper
Of the name that I adore,
And I waken, sleep forsaking,
Wake to love you more and more."
Such loving thanks for your dear telegram I was so happy to receive their blessing. Happy he who is no orphan. It was so sweet of yr Mother asking me no longer to call her "Aunt." Mother and Father I will gladly say, but Papa and Mama I cannot yet bring quite over my lips as it brings back so vividly the past and makes me long more than ever for my darlings. But your Parents will always be mine and I shall love and honour them.
I went out driving with Grdmama this afternoon. She began by asking me so many questions — when, how and where and what had made me change my decision and so on, till I no longer knew what to say. She is very fond of you, my Love, you know.
Then she dropped off to sleep, and I admired the beautiful nature, Windsor Castle through the dark trees in the distance with sunshine on it and bright blue shades — like a beautiful vision. Then I took tea with her and the Children came in and romped and made a shocking noise. Drino offered her some flowers he had picked, but she made him give me, and dear of her, always thinking of little kind things. Now I am sitting all alone, after having stuck four of yr photos in an alas not very elegant red leather frame bought here.
What the post will think of me if I write so often to you, I cannot imagine, so I think I had better keep to one letter a day, but no, sometimes I must write more, because when I sit alone in my room, my thoughts run madder than ever to you, so if I bore you with my chattering, forgive me, my own sweet Nicky dear, my beloved little "Lausbub."
"There is a comfort in the strength of love, I will make a thing endurable, which else would overset the brain or break the heart. Would that the little flowers were born to live conscious of half the pleasure which they give." Your primrose, my boysy dear. "Thanks to the human heart by which we live, thanks to its tenderness, its joys and fears! To me, the meanest flower that blooms can give thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears."
Think of "Als mein" "Noch ahmal" You wonder that my tears should flow in listening to that simple strain, that those unskillful sounds should fill my soul with joy and pain. How can you tell what thoughts it stirs within my heart again. You wonder why that common phrase, so all unmeaning to your ear, should stay me in my merriest mood, and thrill my soul to hear. How can you tell what ancient charm has made me hold it dear! You marvel that I turn away from all those flowers so fair and bright, and gaze at this poor herb to tears. Arise and sim my sight (pink flowers) you cannot tell how every leaf breathes of a past delight."
Granny showed me all the English photos done at Coburg and Rosenau, quite charming. Do you wish me to order one of each for you — the breakfast room (Granny's) is there, and one like a picture of the river at the Rosenau, where you pulled at the branch in the water, you great beast, and with the road behind it. I felt melancholy and wanted those afternoons back again. Granny said how naughty you had been calling it the inevitably (I fear it was my doing) but she understood it, and she was so proud of it. Do send a photo of yourself to me for Aunt Beatrice — she wants one so much. You might send me one done of you and the "first couple." I can see them besetting you with questions begging you to arrange for our Wedding. Give them my fondest love.
If you know of any little book about yr Religion do tell me so that I might read more about it, before you bring the Priest. One book in French wh belongs to Sergei and he sent me since 1890 I have with me. Oh I wish you were here, you could help me and you are so religious, you must understand how nervous it makes me, but God will help me and you too, my love, won't you, so as that I may always get a better Christian and serve my God as truly as hitherto and more. How can I thank him enough for having given me such a heart as my Boysy's to call my own. May He bless and protect you now and evermore.
It is so sad sad sitting all alone, no Nicky, no Ernie, I could cry. I sit and gaze at your photos and wonder what you are doing. I have read your sweet letter over and over again, and kiss you for it.
When do you begin yr service again? Tell me all about it and what else you have to do and arrange, everything concerning you interests me so immensely.
The horrible earthquakes seem not yet to be over in Greece and poor little Sophie frightened out of her wits, fearing all would be over any minutes, so the walls shook, poor creatures!
It seems Ld. Rosebery has made a foolish speech in Manchester. I hope he won't go and aggravate dear Granny. Now my own precious darling Nicky I must say Goodbye. God bless you. Many a tender kiss. I am, Ever yr very loving and deeply devoted old
Alix
To-day is a big drawing room — Georgie and May are coming to luncheon to-morrow, how I wish you were here. We are only Ladies to supper, not lively and I am tired. I must play the piano to wake me up a bit. Sleep well my angel and dream of yr "little girly" who is praying to God for your happiness. A good big kiss.
Above: Alix.
Above: Nicholas.
Notes: "Милый дорогой Ники, как ваше здоровье? Сегодня хорошая погода, вчера была дурная погода, шол дождь и холод. Я рада быть опять здесь прекрасно." = "Dear, sweet Nicky, how is your health? Today the weather is good, yesterday the weather was bad, it rained and was cold. I am glad to be here again, beautiful."
письмо = letter.
душки = darling.
Lausbub = rascal.
Alix's telegram to Toni Becker, dated November 8, 1894
Source:
Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt
The telegram:
= ich sende euch allen meinen innigsten dank für das reizende bild, welches mir liebes andenken sein wird, ich hoffe in nächster zeit euch zu sehen und persönlich meinen dank aussprechen zu können = alix +
English translation (my own):
= I send you all my heartfelt thanks for the lovely picture, which shall be my dear keepsake, I hope to see you in the near future and to be able to express my thanks personally = alix +
Above: Alix.
Nicholas's letter to Alix, dated May 22/June 3, 1894, with two extra letters written on the same day
Sources:
Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 117 to 119, by George Hawkins, 2023
May 22/June 3 1894.
Красное Село.
№ 32.
My own sweet Love,
A long caressing hug for your charming gay letter with the snips of velvet. I send you the two back as I dared choose the pale blue & apple green colour! I called Mme. Flotow & gave her your measure, she was simply amazed by the length that you sent me of yourself, darling. I nearly died in her face, seeing her astonishment, whereupon she joined into my laughter too — you would have enjoyed that scene.
What is that, sweety, you wrote... ching... chung........ ah... ching? how you snore..~ ching! —
I can't in deuce's name make out what that represents? Forgive, my own darling little pet, my letter I wrote for your dear birthday, I wanted to write a nice one, but I know nothing came out of it. But you can guess what I might have mentioned in it & all my innermost wishes of deepest love, that I am stupid enough never to know how to express. Take care, my girly-dear, but I am afraid you have made a mistake on April 20th in taking such a cowish fool as me, who cannot even compose a congratulating letter! — Sweety, I am rather cracked & ramoli, as in driving back fr. Gatchina I took a bad road & have been bumped & knocked about so – that I got another laughing fit, quite alone in the carriage! It was also very funny seeing my cossack & the coachman being involuntarily jerked & thrown about on the box, nearly into each others' arms! D.... that road!!
Now I am sitting & writing to my girly, in my shirt with rather faded prown stripes — as it is so warm! — What on earth are you talking about Figner? (so he writes his name). He is in Staly with his pretty wife (hum!) No! I told you that a russian old actor came here & amused with his capital anecdotes! But there was very little of this, 🍷🍾 [?] — I can assure you. You naughty little lassie to think directly of such things! — Thank you much for the pretty verses, you again wrote, I love them, not on their own account, but because they come from you & that makes them sound sweetly to my ear! But here again you see my ignorance, formerly I did not care for them & though I was made to learn many by heart, I have forgotten them all. That is why, my little girl, ought not to be astonished if I don't send you any more verses or if my former ones were common & passten nicht! But I love you in my simple passionate way!
I ought to stop that jabbing & tell you what I did today! Papa & I we started for town at 9½. Oh! sweety do excuse you[r] ramolie cow! I gave Papa your love yesterday & he wishes me to thank you fondly for it & he sends you his in return! Well now I go on! On arriving at Petersburg, we drove to the fortress. There was the simple Sunday service & a few prayers & songs for the dead — it being our Grandmama's death anniversary. After that there was a family luncheon in the rooms directly under our future apartment (villing?) Fünchen asked me to thank you & to tell you how touched she was with yr. telegram, then for her mother's death. Papa had to receive many people as I sat & talked with her eldest brother — Georgeax. We came back to Gatchina at 3.; Papa slept in the train as usually & I read the "Prince of India" of course — also as usual in the train. Then we went out on the lake — I rowed in the boat, that Xenia & Sandro used to go out in — I felt sad that there should be a place vacant, but for whom I don't know? — Now it is already the 4-th June — so only ten days left more before I start somewhere on board a fine yacht! Oh! that divine moment that it would come faster!!! I dined with Papa & three gentlemen & left immediately after for the camp — and it was here I lost the poor remains of my feeble brains from the shaking in the troïka.
But now I must really end, my beloved little darling; it is high up to 1 o'clock & I must rush off to bed! God-bless you, primrosy, my prayers & thoughts, wishes & yearning for you never cease a moment. I love you….. .. love you…. better, better every day, my own Alix, my sweet little bride — my one & all! With tenderest kisses & blessings ever yr. most loving & devoted Nicky
...
Darling,
I send you these two letters for fun. I have got the same one in french; but the other, I think, you need neither answer! Good-bye, my beloved one! A hearty kiss fr. your own Nicky
...
I hope my little girly is not angry when I put those incomprehensible words down; but if you knew the pleasure it gives me, to think that perhaps you might understand a bit of my language! I cannot write more today as it is getting near one o'clock. But I don't know why, my heart is so full of love, passion & adoration for you, sweet one, that no other idea comes into my stupid head. I am ramoli from those feelings & would make a longer letter simply villing. So good-bye & good-night my own beloved precious Alix. God bless you + angel & believe me yr. own true & devoted Nicky
A tender kiss!
...
Let those love now who never loved before,
Let those who always loved — now love the more!
Above: Nicholas and Alix.
Notes: ramoli = depleted.
passten nicht = were not suitable.
Nicholas's letter to Alix, dated March 21/April 2, 1889
Sources:
Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 1: Princess of Hesse, 1872-1893, page 57, by George Hawkins, 2023
George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook
The letter:
For dear Alix from Nicky
A great secret
Gatchina March 21/Apr 2 '89
Dearest Alix,
Thank you so much for your dear little letter, which was such an agreeable surprise to me. I just returned from town yesterday in the night, when it came. We also saw "Siegfried" with Ella, I like it so awfully, especially the melody of the bird and of the fire. Now the Niebelungen are all over and I think it a great pity. The other day I also got a pelly frame from Ella with her, you and Ernie in it, I find it charming and she painted round the photo the best remembrances of the winter. There is the ice, the big ball, the skates, a clown, the window with 3 lights, a cotillon-ribbon and a basket with flowers from aunt Sacha's Narychkine's ball, the badminton articles, a branch of pink flowers from the Folle journée and best of all the Mikado, squinting in his famous way. Quite a delicious pelly!!! She gave me too you and her together in the Zarsko Selo ball dresses, a charming photo, which is constantly before me. The last week there was a concert at u. Serge and Ella's. I saw the Voronzows, Dolgoroukys and the little arrangement! I thought of the goat the whole time.
Please tell Erny I shot my first bear to-day! I am sure you have heard from yr friend the old Count Hegden lately? With much love, ever your loving
Nicky
Above: Alix.
Above: Nicholas.
Alexandra's postcard letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated October 12, 1899
Source:
Alix und Gretchen: Briefe der Zarin Alexandra Feodorowna an Freiin Margarethe v. Fabrice, aus den Jahren 1891-1914 (2002), published by Heinrich, Count of Spreti
The postcard letter:
Innige Grüsse von A.
English translation (my own):
Kind regards from A.
Above: Alexandra.
Alexandra's postcard letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated October 12, 1899
Source:
Alix und Gretchen: Briefe der Zarin Alexandra Feodorowna an Freiin Margarethe v. Fabrice, aus den Jahren 1891-1914 (2002), published by Heinrich, Count of Spreti
The postcard letter:
Herzliche Grüsse von A.
English translation (my own):
Hearty regards from A.
Above: Alexandra.
Alexandra's postcard letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated October 12, 1899
Source:
Alix und Gretchen: Briefe der Zarin Alexandra Feodorowna an Freiin Margarethe v. Fabrice, aus den Jahren 1891-1914 (2002), published by Heinrich, Count of Spreti
The postcard letter:
Bei dem schönsten Wetter fand die Einweihung statt. Die Malereien sind noch nicht im Inneren begonnen. A.
English translation (my own):
The dedication took place in the most beautiful weather. The paintings have not yet started inside. A.
Above: Alexandra.
Note: The Russian church on the Mathildenhöhe in Darmstadt, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, was donated by Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig (Alexandra's brother) and built between 1897 and 1899.
Alexandra's postcard letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated October 12, 1899
Source:
Alix und Gretchen: Briefe der Zarin Alexandra Feodorowna an Freiin Margarethe v. Fabrice, aus den Jahren 1891-1914 (2002), published by Heinrich, Count of Spreti
The postcard letter:
In loving rememberance of bygone days from y. affecte. friend A.
Above: Alexandra.
Alexandra's postcard letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated October 12, 1899
Source:
Alix und Gretchen: Briefe der Zarin Alexandra Feodorowna an Freiin Margarethe v. Fabrice, aus den Jahren 1891-1914 (2002), published by Heinrich, Count of Spreti
The postcard letter:
Best love from A.
Above: Alexandra.
Alexandra's postcard letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated October 12, 1899
Source:
Alix und Gretchen: Briefe der Zarin Alexandra Feodorowna an Freiin Margarethe v. Fabrice, aus den Jahren 1891-1914 (2002), published by Heinrich, Count of Spreti
The postcard letter:
I hope you are feeling well. Many thanks for dear letter, — best love A
Above: Alexandra.
Olga Alexandrovna's letter to Tatiana, dated August 23, 1910
Source:
Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK
The letter:
1910. Ольгино.
23го Авг.
Nana и Княжна благодарят и кланяются тебе.
Моя душка Татьяна,
Я страшно была обрадована твоим милым и подробным письмом. Ты пишешь что Ирина так сперва конфузилась на яхте, ну вот, я только что прочла письмо Сер. Сер. Мне пишет, что "ваша племянница повидимому очень скучает, офицеры с ней почти что не знакомы так как она держится совсем отдельно". Ах жаль что или меня или кого-нибудь из вас — нет с нею — мы бы живо растормошили Ирину! Жаль за нее т. к. она могла бы страшно веселиться а так одна ей наверно скучно и никого нет кто бы помог ей! Гораздо лучше если ее прислали сюда. Тут я ручаюсь что она живо бы обошлась. Она совсем не конфузится моего Ник. Ал. ибо часто его видит и кажется очень любит — и других мальчиков знает и Княжну мою. Мы бы ее верхом катали и в лес за грибами водили и т. д. Конечно веселее чем жизнь которую она ведёт в Дании — не правда ли?
Я очень тоже желаю тебя и вообще всех — видеть. Ты не пишешь как Мама себя чувствует после путешествия?
Сер. Сер. говорит что скучно на яхте потому что меня нет. Еще бы! Я их всех так тормозила в прошлом году — с утра всегда кто нибудь из молодежи ходили со мной по магазинам — и мы шоколад пили где нибудь до завтрака и днем гуляли или катались в "Taxi-motor"ах а вечером веселились в саду "Tivoli" — вообще было оживленно до нельзя. Пиши мне часто я тоже буду писать часто. Только что ездила с Ник. Алек. верхом по степи и в дубовый лес на склоне большой горы. Красивые места здесь. До чая катались все и Nana тоже и собирали цветы для ваз. Вообще весело ужасно. Досвиданья милая моя Татьяна. Надеюсь Мама и Ольга получили мои письма и крестница — открытку?
Целую и обнимаю всех очень крепко! Господь с тобою. Любящая тебя Тетя Ольга.
English translation (my own):
1910. Olgino.
23rd Aug.
Nana and Princess thank you and send you their regards.
My darling Tatiana
I was overjoyed by your sweet and detailed letter. You write that Irina was so embarrassed at first on the yacht, well, I just read Ser. Ser.'s letter. He writes to me that "your niece is apparently very bored, the officers almost do not know her, since she keeps almost completely to herself." Oh, it's a pity that either me or one of you — not with her — we would quickly stir up Irina! It's a pity for her, because she could have a lot of fun, but she is probably bored alone and there is no one to help her! It would be much better if she was sent here. Here I vouch that she would have done well. She is not at all embarrassed by my Nik. Al. for he often sees him and seems to love him very much — and knows other boys and my Princess. We would take her riding and take her to the forest for mushrooms, etc. Certainly more fun than the life she leads in Denmark, isn't it?
I also want to see you and everyone in general. You do not write how Mama feels after the trip?
Ser. Ser. says that he is bored on the yacht because I am not there. Still! I slowed them all down so much last year — in the morning some of the young people always went shopping with me — and we drank chocolate somewhere before breakfast and walked or rode in the "Taxi-motor" in the afternoon and had fun in the "Tivoli" garden in the evening — in general, it was lively to the point of impossibility. Write to me often, I will write often too. Just went with Nik. Alek. riding across the steppe and into the oak forest on the slope of a large mountain. Beautiful places here. Everyone rode until tea, including Nana, and picked flowers for vases. Really awful fun. Goodbye, my darling Tatiana. I hope Mama and Olga have received my letters and goddaughter — the postcard?
I kiss and hug everyone very tightly! The Lord be with you. Your loving Aunt Olga.
Above: Olga Alexandrovna.
Above: Tatiana.
Above: Alexandra.
Xenia's letter to Olga, dated August 13, 1910
Source:
Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK
The letter:
Kissingen 13-го Авг. 1910.
Милая моя Ольга.
Очень тронута и благодарю тебя за открытку. Так рада, что вам было весело всем вместе в Петергофе и жалею что не пришлось там пожить с вами. —
Я усердно лечусь, пью ужасную дрянь т. е. воду (2 стакана натощак), — встаю в ½8, — ложусь в ½11 —. Меня усиленно откармливают и пичкают всякой всячиной. Я себя чувствую немного бодрее. К счастью погода отличная.
Kissingen ничего из себя особенного не представляет. Маленький городок, но растительность хорошая и окрестности довольно красивые. Есть хорошие леса. — Надеюсь, мы здесь увидимся. Крепко тебя и всех обнимаю. Как Мама себя чувствует?
Нежно любящая Тебя Т. Ксения.
English translation (my own):
Kissingen, 13-th Aug. 1910.
My dear Olga,
I am very touched and thank you for the postcard. I am so glad that you all had fun together in Peterhof and I regret that I did not get to stay there with you. —
I diligently treat myself, drink terrible rubbish i. e. water (2 glasses on an empty stomach), — get up at 8½, — go to bed at 11½ —. I am heavily fattened and stuffed with all sorts of things. I feel a little more invigourated. Luckily the weather is great.
Kissingen is nothing special. Small town, but the vegetation is good and the surroundings are quite beautiful. There are good forests. — I hope we will see you here. I embrace you and everyone all tightly. How is [your] Mama feeling?
Your tenderly loving A. Xenia.
Above: Xenia.
Above: Olga. Photo courtesy of Ilya Chishko at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Chishko at lastromanovs on VK.
Letter to Alexandra from Alexei, dated July 21, 1916
Sources:
Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK
George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook
The letter:
Могилев, 21 Июля 1916.
Дорогая моя Мамочка,
Вчерашний день (Ильин) прошел без дождя и грома. После завтрака была прогулка в Шхеры. Макаров был с нами. После обеда был в городском саду. Было очень весело!!!
Вечером, как всегда, читал вслух и лег рано. Папа и я чувствуем себя хорошо. Будьте здоровы. Да хранит вас Бог +!
Ваш
Р. Алексей
P. S. Скажи Анастасии, чтобы взяла из моего маленького шкапчика 2 мои трубки и прислала мне сюда.
Махор — табак [illegible] fort, табак сам — craché.
!!!Ура!!!
English translation (by George Hawkins):
Mogilev, July 21, 1916.
My dear Mama.
Yesterday (the Day of Elijah) passed without rain or thunder. After luncheon, we went for a walk to the Skerries. Makarov came with us. After lunch I was in the city garden. It was a lot of fun!!!
In the evening, as always, I read aloud and went to bed early. Papa and I feel good. Be healthy. May God keep you +!
Your
R. Alexei
P. S. Tell Anastasia to take 2 of my pipes from my little locker and send them here to me.
Makhorka — tobacco very strong, the tobacco itself — spat out.
!!!Hurrah!!!
Above: Alexandra.
Above: Alexei with his dog Joy.
Note: Russian folk tradition held that if thunder was heard on St. Elijah's Day, it was Elijah riding on his fiery chariot.
Alix's diary entries from May 13 to May 17, 1889
Source:
Transcripts (edited to fit the pages) and photos of scans of diary pages courtesy of GARF via Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK.
The diary entries:
Monday
MAI 13
Kiel
Breakfast.
[entry in German]
Irène to bed. 2 Gentlemen for Luncheon. —
--
Tuesday
MAI 14
Kiel
--
Wednesday
MAI 15
Kiel
Saw Baby washed.
Went for a walk with Papa after Breakfast. Very hot. Wrote & read. Luncheon. Stayed with Irène the afternoon. Tea. Saw Baby washed. — Supper.
Went to see Charly off. Drove home by the Hafen. Sat still with Irène, — to bed at about 9½. —
Irène will have to be for some weeks in bed, owing to some [illegible] Verdehnung. Very provoking, after having been so well. —
--
Thursday
MAI 16
Kiel
Very windy. — Packed up everything. Breakfast. — Stayed with Irène, & read. Luncheon. Went to Irène. Read. Baby. Supper. Left. —
--
Friday
MAI 17
Darmstadt
Arrived at 10th. — Breakfast. Washed. Unpacked. Victoria & Louis came for Luncheon. Then we drove in the linieke with the Russian horses. After tea, the others left again. I worked at Papers. Wrote, to Iréne. Worked in Papa's room. Squirrel disappeared — Orchie found it before her window. Supper. —
Above: Alix.
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