Letter to Alexandra from Alexei, dated July 21, 1916

Sources:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_28300

George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=479960270415025&id=108838347527221

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.