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Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Alexandra's letter to Toni Becker, dated August 11/23, 1898
Source:
Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt
The letter:
Peterhof
Aug. 11/23. 1898
Meine theure Toni,
Ich sage Dir meinen innigsten Dank für Deinen lieben Brief; ich kann mir vorstellen wie glücklich Du sein musst im lieben Fürstenlager zu sein & dieses mit zwei süssen kleinen Knaben. Gewiss geniesst Deine gute Mama Deinen Besuch recht sehr — es muss ein Lichtstrahl sein, in ihrem jetzt so öden Leben. — Es ist unendlich traurig Dich in diesem Jahre wieder nicht zu sehen, & die Bekanntschaft Deiner Kleinen nicht machen zu können. Aber es ging leider nicht, & die bevorstehende Ruhe, so Gott will, wird uns beiden gut thun, denn wir haben es nöthig. Ewige Empfänge & Besuche greifen recht an. Freitag reisen wir nach Moskau, bleiben bis Mittwoch — dann geht es nach Sebastopol für 2 Tage (an Bord des Standart) & hierauf nach Livadia. Du wirst alles in den Zeitung lesen. — Die Mannöver waren sehr interessant, wir haben sie zu Pferd mitgemacht. Diesen Sommer haben wir fast täglich geritten & Lawn-Tennis gespielt. — Heute waren wir in Kronstadt & besichtigen 4 Schiffe, es war höchst interessant, wenngleich ermüdend. Es ist gleich Mitternacht, mein Mann hat noch zu lesen, dann nach einem Glas Thee gehts zu Bett.
Die Kinder reiten täglich auf ihrem Esel & lieben es sehr.
Nun lebe wohl, Toni mein, es küsst Dich innigst
Deine treuste Alte
English translation (my own):
Peterhof
Aug. 11/23. 1898
My dear Toni,
I thank you most sincerely for your dear letter; I can imagine how happy you must be to be in dear Fürstenlage & this with two sweet little boys. I am sure your good Mama enjoys your visit very much — it must be a ray of light in her now so dreary life. — It is infinitely sad not to see you again this year and not being able to make the acquaintance of your Little Ones. But unfortunately it didn't work, & the coming rest, God willing, will do us both good, as we need it. Eternal receptions & visits are quite effective. Friday we travel to Moscou, staying until Wednesday — then to Sebastopol for 2 days (on board the Standart) & then to Livadia. You will read everything in the newspaper. — The manoeuvres were very interesting, we did them on horseback. This summer we rode horses and played Lawn Tennis almost every day. — Today we were in Kronstadt & inspected 4 ships, it was extremely interesting, although tiring. It is almost midnight, my husband still has to read, then after a glass of tea we go to bed.
The Children ride on their donkey every day and love it very much.
Farewell, Toni mine, a hearty kiss
Your most faithful Alte
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.
Above: Olga and Tatiana riding on a donkey.
Alexandra's postcard letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated January 20/February 1, 1900
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:
Herz innigsten Dank für Ihren Brief. Freue mich den Kleinen besser zu wissen — Gott gebe, dass er sich rasch & völlig erholen möge. Es ist immer schwer ein Kind nur mit der Flasche groß zu ziehen, es wirdt jetzt sicherlich gut gehen. — God bless you my precious godson. — A
English translation (my own; original English in italics):
Hearty thanks for your letter. Glad to know the Little One is better — God grant he may make a speedy & full recovery. It is always hard to raise a child just on the bottle, I am sure it will be fine now. — God bless you my precious godson. — A
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev on Flickr.
Alexandra's telegram to Toni Becker, dated June 6, 1898
Source:
Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt
The telegram:
= innigsten dank, umarmend = alix +
English translation (my own):
= heartfelt thanks, embracing = alix +
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.
Alexandra's postcard to Toni Becker, New Year 1898
Source:
Briefe der Zarin Alexandra von Russland an ihre Jugendfreundin Toni Becker-Bracht (2009), edited by Lotte Hoffmann-Kuhnt
The letter:
Meiner liebe Toni. Die innigsten Glück & Segenswüns[che] von Deiner treuen Freundin Alix 1897. 1898
English translation (my own):
My dear Toni. The heartiest wishes for happiness and blessings from your faithful friend Alix 1897. 1898
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.
Alexandra's postcard letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated January 5/17, 1900
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:
Innigsten Dank für Ihren lieben Brief den ich soeben erhielt. Ich freue mich sehr, Sie und Baby wohl zu wissen. — Schönes, helles Wetter. Alle wohlauf. — Die Nachrichten aus K. fahren fort gute zu sein. Tausend Grüsse,
English translation (my own):
Heartiest thanks for your dear letter which I just received. I am very pleased to know you and Baby are well. — Fine, bright weather. All well. — The news from K. continues to be good. Thousand greetings,
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev on Flickr.
Notes: Gretchen's son, Alexander-Ernst Pfuhlstein, had been born on December 17, 1899.
Alexandra's sister Irène, who was staying in Kiel, had also had a son, Prince Heinrich of Prussia, born on January 9, 1900.
Alexandra's postcard letter to Gretchen von Fabrice, dated January 19/31, 1900
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:
My sister has come for ten days which is a great joy to me. My Cousin is also still here. I hope Baby is getting on well. I have so long not heard nothing from you. we have snow every day. Best love from A.
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev on Flickr.
Alix's letter to Nicholas, dated May 25 (New Style), 1894
Sources:
Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 81 to 83, by George Hawkins, 2023
George Hawkins at Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family on Facebook
Nicholas's letter from the same day:
Alix's letter of June 1 to the Bishop of Ripon is here:
The letter excerpt:
... I am improving in my carving the chickens. Курина are the easiest, but when parts of other four legged beasts come, I feel rather lost.
The Dr. from here is coming at 11.30 and he will tell me when I am to begin drinking the waters and then about 12 I shall plunge into the rotten egg bath. Now the sun is coming out again.
You know whenever I am in the midst of a Russian lesson, marvelous musicians turn up at the corner of the улица. It is such a nuisance I have such a mass of letters still to answer, it makes me frantic and inclined to use your sort of shocking language.
My ноги are still very painful, that is why I hope he will allow me to take many baths in a week.
How awfully kind of your Father allowing you to come over in his yacht, as it is such a much nicer way of traveling than by land. Gretchen is learning away with Schneiderlein, and I hear tscha tscha tschi going on, as if so many cats were spitting.
I got a most touching letter from Friedrich August of Oldenburg to-day, he is such a nice fellow, tho' a little cracked.
I read about the Russian rivers to the Ladies last night and we stared our eyes nearly out over the maps, a weakness of yours, is it not, sweet one? Then I had my head washed, which takes an hour, as one's hair will never dry. Shall I cut mine off and appear like you? Eh? Wld that not look imposing? Of course it is in all the papers that I am here and all the tradespeople send epistles and beg of you to order things, even a piano and tea were offered. The rude people stand at the corner and stare; I shall stick my tongue out at them another time...
The letter in full:
No. 25
Harrogate
May 25th 1894
My own darling Boysy,
Most loving tender thanks for your dear long letter I received this morning and for the cutting from the papers wh. interested me muchly. I shall try and get a frame for the photo, but I fear none is to be got for that size, if not I shall cut the three heads out and put them separately into frames. No, Sandro may be handsome but won't be a 3rd R as you old wretch dared to propose. How unpleasant always having to go to funeral services. I wonder if it is the wife of one of my old neighbours at St. Petersburg, the dinners at the balls at the Winterpalace, the one was the nice old Admiral who had a beautiful ring, and one was rather deaf. You cannot make out how it is that the number of my letters is greater than yours. Why I wrote sometimes twice a day and before you had arrived. Yours are the greatest joy possible.
I am trying hard to learn more now — yesterday we read an anecdote about Lisa and her canary bird wh she let starve till it died, I am only so stupid and я всегда забываю слова. Мы уже пили кофе и теперь я буду писать. There, I hope this is correct. By the by, the Bishop of Ripon sent me his sermon this morning, wh he has especially written down for me as he really otherwise never does it. When you come you must read it, only it is written so small it will take one a good time to read it. He has proposed to me to go to Ripon wh is only 20 minutes by rail and he will show us all that is interesting — it is most kind and we shall certainly go.
Yesterday morning after an hour's lesson I was driven in a bathchair, into wh the others forced me to go, and they walked along side. We went a very pretty road, but warm, and later got higher up and stopped under a tree where the air was perfectly delicious and fresh and thought the sea must be quite close. After luncheon I read a novel and then drove with Gretchen as Schneiderlein had to write, through a very pretty town and Park, then learned again an hour and wrote to A. Helena whose birthday is to-day [illegible] arrives.
I am improving in my carving the chickens. Курина are the easiest, but when parts of other four legged beasts come, I feel rather lost.
The Dr. from here is coming at 11.30 and he will tell me when I am to begin drinking the waters and then about 12 I shall plunge into the rotten egg bath. Now the sun is coming out again.
You know whenever I am in the midst of a Russian lesson, marvelous musicians turn up at the corner of the улица. It is such a nuisance I have such a mass of letters still to answer, it makes me frantic and inclined to use your sort of shocking language.
My ноги are still very painful, that is why I hope he will allow me to take many baths in a week.
How awfully kind of your Father allowing you to come over in his yacht, as it is such a much nicer way of traveling than by land. Gretchen is learning away with Schneiderlein, and I hear tscha tscha tschi going on, as if so many cats were spitting.
I got a most touching letter from Friedrich August of Oldenburg to-day, he is such a nice fellow, tho' a little cracked.
I read about the Russian rivers to the Ladies last night and we stared our eyes nearly out over the maps, a weakness of yours, is it not, sweet one? Then I had my head washed, which takes an hour, as one's hair will never dry. Shall I cut mine off and appear like you? Eh? Wld that not look imposing?
Of course it is in all the papers that I am here and all the tradespeople send epistles and beg of you to order things, even a piano and tea were offered. The rude people stand at the corner and stare; I shall stick my tongue out at them another time.
Now my beloved Child, I must say Goodbye. God bless and keep you, my own beloved Nicky. Ever yr own, true, loving and devoted girly
Alix
Many loving kisses.
Севодня тёплая погода. Какъ ваше здоровы? Я дурнь говорю мнѣ трудно произносить (выговаривать) русскій слова. Я уже немняъ понимаю, надѣюсь скоро восучиться. Прощайте, душки.
Above: Nicholas and Alix.
Notes: "я всегда забываю слова. Мы уже пили кофе и теперь я буду писать" = "I always forget the words. We have already had tea and now I shall write."
курина = chickens.
улица = street.
ноги = legs.
"Севодня тёплая погода. Какъ ваше здоровы? Я дурнь говорю мнѣ трудно произносить (выговаривать) русскій слова. Я уже немняъ понимаю, надѣюсь скоро восучиться. Прощайте, душки." = "It's warm weather today. How is your health? I'm talking nonsense, it's hard for me to pronounce (say) Russian words. I already understand a little, I hope to learn soon. Farewell, darling."
Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated June 10, 1915
Source:
Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923
The letter:
No. 81.
Tsarskoje Selo, June 10-th 1915
My very own precious One,
It is with a heavy heart I let you leave this time — everything is so serious & just now particularly painful & I long to be with you, to share your worries & anxieties. You bear all so bravely & by yourself — let me help you my Treasure. Surely there is some way in wh. a woman can be of help & use. I do so yearn to make it easier for you & the ministers all squabbling amongst each other at a time, when all ought to work together & forget their personal offenses — have as aim the wellfare of their Sovereign & Country — it makes me rage. In other words its treachery, because people know it, they feel the government in discord & then the left profit by it. If you could only be severe, my Love, it is so necessary, they must hear your voice & see displeasure in yr. eyes.; they are too much accustomed to your gentle, forgiving kindness.
Sometimes a word gently spoken carries far — but at a time, such as we are now living through, one needs to hear your voice uplifted in protest & repremand when they continue not obeying yr. orders, when they dawdle in carrying them out. They must learn to tremble before you — you remember Mr. Ph. & Gr. say the same thing too. You must simply order things to be done, not asking if they are possible (you will never ask anything unreasonable or a folly) — for instance, order as in France (a Republic) other fabrics to make shells, cartridges (if guns & rifles too complicated) — let the big fabrics send teacher — where there is a will there is a way & they must all realise that you insist upon yr. wish being speedily fulfilled. It is for them to find the people, the fabricants, to settle all going, let them go about & see to the work being done, themselves. You know how talented our people are, how gifted — only lazy & without initiative, start them going, & they can do anything, only dont ask, but order straight off, be energetic for yr. country's sake!
The same about the question wh. our Friend takes so to heart & wh. is the most serious of all, for internal peace's sake — the not calling in the Second class — if the order has been given, you tell N. that you insist upon its counterordering — by your name to wait, the kind act must come fr. you — dont listen to any excuses — (am sure it was unintentionally done out of not having knowledge of the country). Therefore our Friend dreads yr. being at the Headquarters as all come round with their own explanations & involuntarily you give in to them, when yr. own feeling has been the right one, but did not suit theirs. Remember you have reigned long, have far more experience than they — N. has only the army to think of & success — you carry the internal responsabilities on for years — if he makes faults (after the war he is nobody), but you have to set all straight. No, hearken unto our Friend, beleive Him, He has yr. interest & Russians at heart — it is not for nothing God sent Him to us — only we must pay more attention to what He says — His words are not lightly spoken — & the gravity of having not only His prayers, but His advise — is great. The Ministers did not think of telling you, that this measure is a fatal one, but He did. — How hard it is not to be with you, to talk over all quietly & to help you being firm. — Shall follow & be near you in thoughts & prayers all the time. May God bless & protect you, my brave, patient, humble one. I cover yr. sweet face with endless, tender kisses, — love you beyond words, my own, very own Sunshine & joy. — I bless you. — Sad not to pray together, but Botk. finds wiser my remaining quiet, so as soon to be quite alright again.
Yr. own
Wify.
Our Marie will be 16 on the 14-th, so give her diamond-necklace fr. us, like the other two got. —
Above: Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Nicholas. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Grigori Rasputin.
Above: Maria.
Notes: Alexandra always referred to Grigori Rasputin as "our Friend".
It was Nicholas and Alexandra's custom to give each of their daughters a special diamond necklace when one of them had her sixteenth birthday. Due to unforeseen circumstances (Nicholas's abdication and the house arrest), the youngest daughter Anastasia did not receive such a necklace on her sixteenth birthday in 1917.
Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated June 11, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram, dated June 11, 1915
Sources:
Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923
The letter:
No. 82.
Tsarskoje Selo, June 11-th 1915
My very own precious One,
All my tenderest thoughts surround you in love and longing. It was a lovely surprise, when you suddenly turned up again — I had been praying & crying & feeling wretched. You don't know how hard it is being without you & how terribly I always miss you. Your dear telegram was such a consolation, as I felt very low & Ania's odious humour towards me (not to the Children) did anything but enliven my afternoon & evening. — We dined out & took tea on the balkony — this morning its glorious again — I am still in bed, resting you see, as heart not quite the thing, tho' not enlarged — I have been sorting out photos to be glued into albums for the exhibition-bazaar here. — Fancy, big Marie Bariat.'s husband died from a stroke on the 9-th at Berejany in a property named Raï — one carries his body to Tarnopol. He was Commissioner of the red cross at the 11-th Army, can imagine Marie & Olga's despair, as they loved so their brother Ivan. Then the old C. Olsufiev has died — they lived as turtledoves, she will be brokenhearted. — One hears of nothing but deaths it seems to me. — Fancy, what I did last night in bed? I fished out yr. old letters & read through many of them, & those few before we were engaged — & all yr. words of intense love & tenderness warmed up my aching heart, & it seemed to me, as tho' I heard you speaking.
I numbered yours, the last 176 fr. the Head-Quarters. You number my yesterdays please, 313 — I hope my letter did not displease you but I am haunted by our Friend's wish & know it will be fatal for us & the country if not fulfilled. He means what He says, when speaks so seriously — He was much against yr. going to L. & P. — it was too soon, we see it now — was much against the war — was against the people of the Duma coming, an ugly act of Rodz. & the speeches ought not to have been printed (I find).
Please, my Angel, make N. see with your eyes — dont give in to any of the 2-nd class being taken — put it off as long as only possible — they have to work in the fields, fabrics, on steamers etc.; rather take the recroutes for next year now — please listen to His advise when spoken so gravely & wh. gave Him sleepless nights — one fault & we shall all have to pay for it. — I wonder what humour you found at the Head-Quarters & whether the heat is very great. —
Felix told Ania that one threw (then) stones at Ella's carriage & spat at her, but she did not wish to speak to us about it — they feared disorders these days again — don't know why. — The big girls are in the hospital, yesterday all 4 worked in the stores — bandages — & later went to Irina. — How do you feel, my Love, your beloved and sad eyes haunt me still. Dear Olga wrote a sweet letter & kisses you & asks sweetly how you bear all, tho' she knows you will always wear a cheery face & carry all hidden inside. I fear often for yr. poor heart — it was so much to bear — speak out to yr. old wify — bride of the bygone — share all with me, it may make it easier — tho' sometimes one has more strength carrying alone, not letting oneself get soft — the phisical heart gets so bad from it, I know it but too well. Lovebird, I kiss you without end, bless you, cover yr. precious face with kisses & long to let your dear head rest upon my old breast, so full of unutterable love & devotion.
Ever yr. own old
Alix.
I receive Mme Hartwig, Rauchfuss, the 4 Trepov daughters (2 married). Remember to speak about the wounded officers being allowed to finish their cures at home befor returning for 2, 3 or 4 time to battle, its cruel & unjust otherwise. N. must give Alek the order.
My love to the old man & N. P.
Nicholas's telegram:
Telegram. Stavka. 11 June, 1915.
Have arrived safely. During the journey had heavy warm rain. Thanks for news. There is nothing specially bad to report. I hope you will soon feel quite strong again...
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.
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Above: Grigori Rasputin.
Above: Anna Vyrubova.
Above: Ella.
Note: Alexandra always referred to Grigori Rasputin as "our Friend".
Nicholas's telegram to Alexandra, dated May 13, 1915
Source:
The telegram:
Telegram. Stavka. 13 May, 1915.
Sincerest thanks for dear letter. I have been for my last walk. It is very warm. Am leaving after lunch. Am happy to be returning. Kiss you fondly.
Nicky.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.
Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated May 12, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram, dated May 12, 1915
Sources:
Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923
The letter:
No. 80.
My own beloved One,
When we returned from the hospital I found your beloved letter, & thank you for it from the depths of my loving heart. Such joy to hear from you, Sweetheart. Thanks so much for all details, I was so longing to get real, exact news from you. How hard those days were, & I not near you & such hard work, much to do. Thank God that all is better now & may Italy draw some of the troops away. I remember Savitch, did he not come to the Crimea? The new Admiral's face I don't remember, he is a cousin of N. P. — Have the Eriv. & all the Caucasian division been sent to the Carpathans, or is it not true? They were asking me again. —
Engal. said one expects the next heavy battles will be near Varsovie, but he finds our 2 Generals (don't remember the name) weak & not the types to meet heavy attacks he told N. & Janoushk. so.
Am so glad about the paper you sent of my Crimeans — they are then again in another division. — My Alexand. have also been doing well near Shavil. Wonder how my Kniazhevitch's health is, have no news since he left. — Just now received 2 officers — the most going off to Evpatoria — that law of 8 or 9 months is fearfully hard — we have some with broken limbs wh. can be healed only after a year, impossible before, but then alright for service — & as they cannot possibly now return to their regiments, they loose their pay — & some are so poor, have no fortune of their own — it does seem unjust. Crippled, not always for life, but for a time, doing their duty bravely, wounded & then left like beggars — their moral sufferings becomes so great. Others hasten back too early, only not to loose all & may completely loose their health fr. that. Certainly some types (few) must be hurried off to their regiments because are fit for work already. — Its all complicated. —
My back still aches & now higher up, a sort of Hexenschuss wh. makes many movements very painful — still I managed to do my works. Now I shall lie on the balkony & read to Ania, as driving been shaken, makes the back worse. —
What joy if we meet really on Thursday!
Goodbye my Love, God bless & keep you from all harm.
Ever such tender kisses from us all. Yr very
Own.
Nicholas's telegram:
Telegram. Stavka. 12 May, 1915.
Warmest thanks for news and dear letter. Divine weather; the lilac has come out in bloom. I am leaving to-morrow at 2 o'clock. I kiss you tenderly.
Nicky.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.
Monday, August 22, 2022
Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated May 11, 1915, and Nicholas's letter, dated May 11, 1915
Sources:
Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923
The letter:
No. 79.
Tsarskoje Selo, May 11-th 1915
My own precious Nicky,
Again quite fresh and grey, & in the night only one degree — extraordinary for the month of May. — We spent the evening at Ania's yesterday, some officers were invited 8-10½ & they played games — Alexei came fr. — 9¼ & enjoyed himself greatly; I knitted. She gave me then letters fr. the wretched Nostitz couple to read — it seems this hideous intrigue was written to her relations to America, by a Gentleman of the American embassy, instigated by her enemies — the Ambassador is a friend of theirs. She thinks it is all done by Mme Artzimovitch (an American by birth) a story of jealousy. But it was sad to read their despairing letters of lives ruined — but I feel sure you will see that this story is cleared up satisfactorily & justice done them. I care for neither, but the whole thing is a crying shame & N. had no right to act as he did with a number of your Suite, without asking first your permission — so easy to ruin a reputation & more than difficult to reestablish it. — I must dress now. — I ordered service at 9½ in the Pestcherni chapel of the Dv. hospital, so that we can work at once in the hospital when mass is over. My heart keeps decent (drops always) but back aches very strongly — for sure kidneys. —
I had Engalitchev to-day & he told me many interesting things. — Went to the big palace & then lay on the balkony reading to Ania, tho' cold. Our Friend saw Bark for 2 hours & they talked well together. — God be thanked that the news is better, may it only continue thus. What joy, you are writing to me.
To-day its a week you left us. — The Children all kiss you & so do I, my lovebird. Send blessings without end,
Ever, huzy love, yr. very own old
Sunny.
Bow to old man & N. P.
Nicholas's letter:
Stavka. 11 May, 1915.
MY OWN DEAR LOVE,
It is exactly a week to-day since I went away. I am so sorry that I have not written to you since then! But, one way and another, it happens that I am just as busy here as at home. The morning reports, as you can imagine, have been lengthy. The church, nearly everyday, endless conversations and so forth. This took up nearly all my time, if one does not count half of the early evening, which is filled up with useful occupations. After tea there is a hasty survey of the papers, often vsenoshchnaia and dinner — with the result that I have a headache in the evening and am completely exhausted. But that has all passed, and everything has become better and more normal, as it used to be. When I arrived, a mood of depression and despondency reigned here. In a half-hour's talk, N. has clearly explained the whole state of affairs. Ivanov's Chief of Staff, poor General Dragomirov, went off his head, and he began to tell people right and left that it was necessary to retreat to Kiev. Such talk, coming from above, naturally affected the spirit (moral) of the generals in command and, combined with desperate German attacks and our terrible losses, led them to the conclusion that there was nothing left for them to do except to retreat. Since January, N. had given them all strict orders to fortify their positions in the rear. This was not done. Therefore, Radko-Dmitriev was compelled to leave his army, while Lesh was appointed his successor. Dragomirov was replaced by Gen. Savitch, an excellent man, who has arrived from Vladivostok with his Siberian Corps. Ivanov had given orders to evacuate even Przemysl. I felt all this before N. told me of it. But now, after the appointment of Savitch, thanks to God and also to his (Savitch's) strong and cool will and clear head, the mood of the generals has changed. Danilov, who came back yesterday, is absolutely reassured by what he has seen and heard. The moral condition of our troops is admirable, as it always has been; the only thing which causes anxiety, as in the past, is the shortage of munitions. Fancy, the same thing has happened to the Germans according to what the prisoners tell our officers — namely, that they were obliged to hold up their attacks owing to their supplies of ammunition being exhausted and their terrible losses. N. is very pleased with Gen. Alexeiev, my crosseyed friend, and thinks him a man in the right place.
Now you can judge for yourself whether I could go away from here in such difficult circumstances. It would have been understood as meaning that I avoided staying with the army at critical moments. Poor N., while telling me this, wept in my private room, and even asked me whether I thought of replacing him by a more capable man. He was not at all excited; I felt that he was saying exactly what he thought. He kept on thanking me for staying here, because my presence here supported him personally. That is how it is. I have explained it all to you, my treasure. Now my conscience is clear. I hope to return about the morning of the 14th — that is, if everything goes smoothly.
The sudden death of Admiral Essen is a heavy loss to the country! Admiral Kanin will be appointed to Essen's post — a man whom the latter valued very highly. For the last few days the weather has been magnificent, the woods smell so delightfully and the birds sing so loudly. It is a veritable rustic idyll — if only it were not for the war! I drive about in a car, look at new places, get out and walk.
I am sending you this telegram of N.'s, which was received only this morning. I am delighted with your regiment; of course Bat. will receive his cross.
I must finish. God bless you, my darling Sunny, and the dear children! Give A. my greetings. I kiss you tenderly and remain
Ever your loving old hubby
Nicky.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Note: vsenoshchnaia (всенощная) = vespers.
Olga's letter to her nanny Maria Vishnyakova, dated July 21, 1913
Source:
Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK
The letter:
Петергоф. 1913.
21 Июля
ночью
Мери душка,
Большое Вам за письмо спасибо. Уж мы здесь больше недели и так грустно было с Яхты уезжать. Погода все время чудная. Мы каждый день с Папа в тенис играем. У Беби ручка правая болела эти дни но Слава Богу прошла. Он сегодня оделся и сразу на двойке катался. Тетя Элла живет на Ферме. На днях она едет в Соловецкий монастырь. Тетя Ирэн приехала сегодня. Собачка ея Дженн, что в Спале была тоже. Мама все еще не хорошо. Эти дни она лежала с Беби на балконе наконец на воздухе. Шура поехала на 10 дней в Ладогу. Сейчас спать иду. Господь с Вами, Мери душка. Целую Вас крепко. Ваша
Ольга.
English translation (my own):
Peterhof. 1913.
July 21
at night
Mary darling,
Thank you very much for Your letter. We have been here for more than a week and it was so sad to leave the Yacht. The weather is wonderful all the time. We play tennis with Papa every day. Baby's right hand hurt these days, but thank God it has passed. Today he got dressed and immediately rode in a dvoika. Aunt Ella is staying at the Farm. One of these days she is going to the Solovetsky Monastery. Aunt Irène arrived today. Her dog Jenn, who was at Spala too. Mama is still not well. These days she lay with Baby on the balcony, finally in the air. Shura went to Ladoga for 10 days. Now I am going to sleep. The Lord be with You, Mary darling. I kiss You firmly. Your
Olga.
Above: Olga. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Nicholas with a tennis racket.
Above: Nicholas with Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia at tennis.
Above: Alexandra with Alexei. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.
Above: Ella.
Above: Irène.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Anastasia's letter to Nicholas, dated January 15, 1912
Source:
Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK
The letter:
Душке Папа
от покорной А Н.
еще раз целую тебя. Любящая тебя твоя покорная дочь Анастасия.
1912. 15. I.
Милый мой Душка Папа!
Мне очень жаль что я не могла попращатся с тобою но я не знала что ты уедешь. Зато теперь я тебя крепко целую. Мне было очень жалко что я не могла гулять с тобой сегодня. Поцелуй Мама, бите
English translation (my own):
To Darling Papa
from his obedient A N.
I kiss you again. Your loving obedient daughter Anastasia.
1912. 15. I.
My dear Darling Papa!
I'm sorry that I couldn't say goodbye to you but I didn't know that you were leaving. But now I kiss you firmly. I was very sorry that I could not walk with you today. Kiss Mama, bitte
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.
Above: Anastasia.
Alexandra's postcard letter to her cousin George, Prince of Wales, dated January 1/13, 1905
Source:
Jan. 1/13. 1905.
Darling Georgie,
Nicky & I thank you & dear May ever so much for the charming books. It is so sad that we never meet now! We are remaining in the country this winter, as the air is so much better here than in town & Nicky can get out easier for walks here.
With fondest true love from us both to you two,
Ever, Georgie dear,
yr. loving old Cousin
Alix.
Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.
Above: George, Prince of Wales, future King George V of the United Kingdom.
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