Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated June 17 and 18, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram, dated June 17, 1915

Sources:

Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=152&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/june15.html

The letter:

No. 89.

Tsarskoje Selo, June 17-th 1915

My very own Darling,

I had just finished my letter, when yr. dear one was brought to me — thanks ever so tenderly for it. You don't know the joy yr. letters give me, as I know you have little time for writing & are so tired. Wify ought to send you bright & cheery letters, but its difficult, as am feeling more than lowspirited & depressed these days — so many things worry me. Now the Duma is to come together in August, & our Friend begged you several times to do it as late as possible & not now, as they ought all to be working in their own places — & here they will try to mix in & speak about things that do not concern them. Never forget that you are & must remain authocratic Emperor, — we are not ready for a constitutional government, N's fault & Wittes it was that the Duma exists, & it has caused you more worry than joy. Oh I do not like N. having anything to do with these big sittings wh. concern interior questions, he understands our country so little & imposes upon the ministers by his loud voice & gesticulations. I can go wild at times at his false position. Why did the ministers ask that to be changed, that was their first duty. He has no right to meddle in other affairs & one ought to set ones fault to rights & give him only all the military things — like French & Geoffre. Nobody knows who is the Emperor now — you have to run to the Head-Quarters & assemble yr. ministers there, as tho' you could not have them alone here like last Wednesday. It is as tho' N. settles all, makes the choices & changes — it makes me utterly wretched. He did not like Kriv. speaking about Danilov & the man did his duty — there must be a reason, except his bad character, that the whole army & old Ivanov hate him — all say he holds N. & the other Grand Dukes completely in hand. Forgive my writing all this, but I feel so utterly miserable, & as tho' all were giving you wrong advises & profitting of your kindness. Hang the Head-Quarters no good broods there. Thank God you may get a good day at Bielovezh in God's glorious nature, away from intrigues — could you fly off another day to Ivanov, another somewhere where the troops are, not to the guard again but where others are massed together waiting. You are remaining still long away, Gr. begged not — once all goes against His wishes my heart bleeds in anguish & fright; — Oh, to keep & protect you fr. more worries & ministers, one has enough more than the heart can bear — one longs to go to sleep for a long rest. —

Lovy, wont you wire to poor old Gen. Kazbek who has now lost his third son, it would be a true consolation to the poor old Father. —

The heat is colossal to-day & the air heavy & sultry & the wind very strong, the curtains on the balkony went flying about. — Daisy heard fr. Vicky of S. from Karlsruhe, that when the French threw bombs onto the palace — they all fled into the cellars in the morning at 5.

Sad, just their palace, next will be ours at Mainz & the splendid old museum; each country by turn. — Ivan Orlov has to fly daily or a week over Libau I am so glad you spoke about all helping, working to prepare ammunition etc. in yr. rescript — now at last they must do it. — Do my long, grumbling letters not aggravate you, poor wee One?

But I only mean all for yr. good & write fr. the depths of a very suffering, tormented heart. — My lancer Kniazh. has come for 2 days & I shall see him to-morrow, also make Pr. Schterbatov's acquaintance. —

N. P. must be very unhappy about poor Kasbek.

Dear me, what an amount of misery on all sides! When will once again peace & happiness reign in the world? —

The nice, young, pretty Kalzanova who works with us in the hospital always, has to leave for 2 months — she overworked herself, & her always ailing heart has become so bad that one has sent her to the country & thence to Livadia. Kind Heyden gave the "Strela" to-day to take Mme Taniejev to Peterhof as she is too ill to go by motor or rail. Our Friend said they were not to go there this summer, but they could not bear the air any longer in town, poor woman suffers so hideously fr. stones in the liver & now I think she has jaundice. As Ania can bear the motor, she will go there to-morrow after luncheon & return on Friday, as its wiser to stop the night there. —

Do you think you could tell me where my Crimean's are now — I heard as tho' one had sent them fr. the Bukovina elsewhere. —

Such grateful thanks for dear telegram, have at once asked Goremykin to come to-morrow, Thursday, & shall be happy to listen to the dear old man, & to him I can speak quite frankly, I know him ever since I married & he is so utterly devoted to you & will understand me. — Such a downpour suddenly at 9 & twice very distant thunder, now its raining steadily for four hours — it will refreshen the air wh. was so close all day. Gr. telegraphed to A. from Viatka: "I travel quietly, sleep, God will help, kiss all." — Goodnight wee One, sleep peacefully — holy Angels guard your slumber and loving Wify's earnest prayers for her very own precious sunny, big eyed Darling.

18-th. Good morning my Treasure — no sun, grey, rained a little, warm hot & heavy thunderstorming air — heart still enlarged, so remain again quiet, shall go over onto the balkony towards 12 like yesterday. I have told them to put electric strings wires, then we can have lamps & spend the evenings out, when it is warm. — Think of us at Bielovezh! Such remembrances of many years ago when we were younger & went about to-gether — & of the last awful time, when poor suffering Baby lay hours on my bed & my heart also was bad — remembrances of pain & anguish — you all away — the days endless & full of suffering. — My name you will find on the bedroom window leading out onto the balkony under my initials in wire covering the windowpane. — Lovy, I saw my Kniazhewitch & we spoke about Maslov. In Aug. it will be 25 years that he is in the regiment — he managed very well indeed whilst the commander was ill, yet there are many questions difficult to him & if he got another regiment, he wld. loose the lancer uniform & probably not be a very perfect commander. He feels sticking in the regiment, that he keeps others fr. advancing. Could you not have made him your aide-de-camp it would have been a kindness, as he is such a really honest & good fellow; only then better sooner — Kniazh. has kept the papers back all along, about whether he should accept a regiment — this wld. enable him to stay on without harming anybody. There are lots of old Colonels in the Chev. G. regiment, they manage it somehow. —

I saw Pr. Schtcherbatov who made me a pleasant impression, as far as I can judge after one talk. —

The girls have gone to the Invalid hospital — & Ania to Peterhof, so am alone. Am surrounded by masses of roses (just sent fr. Peterhof) & sweet-peas — the smell is a dream, wish I could send them to you. —

Just got yr. sweet telegr. for wh. thanks; thank heavens you feel better; only don't overdo things by walking too much, its never advisable when the heart is not quite in order, too much of a strain at a time, phisical & moral. — Must send this off. Saw in the papers our torpedoboats acted well. —

Goodbye & God bless you, beloved Sunshine, caress & kiss with unboundless love & tenderness.

Ever, Nicky mine, yr. very own wify

Sunny.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 17 June, 1915

I am very grateful for letter and two telegrams. Thanks to Tatiana and Olga. It is very hot and windy. There are 22 degrees of heat in our carriages. Please do not worry, and see Goremykin, who will calm you. Fond kisses for all.

Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Above: Anna Vyrubova.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

Above: Alexandra with Alexei at Spala in autumn 1912, during the boy's recovery from his worst hemophilia attack yet.

Note: Alexandra often referred to Grigori Rasputin as "our Friend".

Olga Voronova's letter to Tatiana, dated September 8, 1914

Source:

Kler Chernikina at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_48781

The letter:

Петроград

8го Сент.

1914.

Дорогая и милая моя Татьяна Николаевна,

Сердечно благодарю Вас за Ваше милое интересно письмо.

Вы уже становитесь опытными сестрами милосердия, а мы пока еще только слушаем лекции. К больным нас допустят еще только через неделю, кажется.

От брата моего мы имеем, пока, слава Богу, хорошие известия, но от нас он еще ничего не получал. [нрзб] такое количество писем отправляется в действующую армию, что полевом корреспонденция задерживается.

Я, верно, Вам забыла сказать, дорогая Татьяна Николаевна, что Мама давно вернулась: мы так были рады за нее и за себя. Теперь Мама хочет открыть в Петрограде маленький лазарет на 10 кроватей и теперь ужасно занята его устройством.

Элла ездила повидаться с своим мужем, как и некоторые другие дамы. На днях она возвращается в Петроград. Тата Вас очень благодарит за привет и также Вам очень очень кланяется. Крепко, крепко Вас, дорогая Татьяна Николаевна, целую.

Ваша всем сердцем.

Ольга Воронова.

Литейный 46, кв. Мартыновых.

English translation (my own):

Petrograd

Sept. 8th

1914.

My dear and darling Tatiana Nikolaevna,

I thank you heartily for your lovely interesting letter.

You are already becoming experienced sisters of mercy, while we are still only listening to lectures. We will be admitted to the sick only in a week, it seems.

From my brother we have so far, thank God, good news, but he has not yet received anything from us. [...] so many letters are sent to the army in the field that field correspondence is delayed.

I must have forgotten to tell you, dear Tatiana Nikolaevna, that Mama returned a long time ago: we were so happy for her and for ourselves. Now Mama wants to open a small infirmary for 10 beds in Petrograd and is now terribly busy with its arrangement.

Ella went to see her husband, as did some of the other ladies. One of these days she returns to Petrograd. Tata thanks you very much for your greetings and also bows to you very very much. Firmly, firmly, dear Tatiana Nikolaevna, I kiss you.

Yours with all my heart.

Olga Voronova.

Liteiny 46, apt. Martynov.

Above: Alexandra with Olga and Tatiana. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.

Above: Olga Voronova with her husband. Photo courtesy of her granddaughter O. K. Voronova.

Note: Tata = Natalia K. Kleinmichel.

Tatiana's letter to Olga Voronova, dated September 20, 1914

Source:

Kler Chernikina at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_48781

Alexandra's letter of the same day to Nicholas:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2019/09/alexandras-letter-to-nicholas-and-his.html

The letter:

Царское Село 1914.

20го Сентября.

Дорогая, милая моя Ольга душка,

Спасибо Вам огромное дорогая моя за Вашу чудную фотографию, которая мне страшно нравится и всегда будет со мной. Спасибо и за милое письмо. Для кого Ваша Мама устраивает лазарет, для офицеров или солдат? И кто будет за ними смотреть? Завтра должно быть приходит поезд Алексея, с раненым так что нам будет много работы.

Сегодня Папа уехал в армию, но кажется не на долго. Так недельку или немного больше. А куда именно мы еще не знаем. В начале в ставку Верховноглавнокомандующего, а потом не известно. Так жаль, что кто нибудь из нас не мог поехать с ним. Ольга меня просила передать, что может быть у Вас есть еще какая нибудь фотография Вас с Павлом Алексеевичем, то она очень бы хотела, что бы Вы ей прислали. — Как Ваше здоровье?

Мы с Ольгой Мама и Папа были две среды подряд в Петербурге, где посещали раненых, а потом от 3-4 Ольга сидит в Крестьянском банке где она принимает пожертвования для семей запасных. В эту среду у меня будет комитет для оказания временной помощи пострадавших от военных действий, я уже с ужасном думаю об этом дне т. к. мне предстоит быть совсем одной, а не с Мама, потом вероятно буду сидеть с Ольгой, пока она принимает пожертвования, и работать, а то скучно.

Ну, досвиданья my darling Ольга. Да хранит Вас Бог. Много о Вас думаю. Сестры благодарят за поклон и тоже кланяются. Целую Ваших. Вас же дорогая моя обнимаю крепко как люблю.

Ваша

Татьяна.

English translation (my own; original English in italics):

Tsarskoe Selo 1914.

September 20th.

My dear, sweet Olga darling,

Thank you very much my dear for your wonderful photo, which I really like and will always be with me. Thanks for the nice letter too. For whom does your Mama arrange an infirmary, for officers or soldiers? And who will look after them? Alexei's train must be arriving tomorrow, with the wounded, so we'll have a lot of work to do.

Today Papa left for the army, but it seems not for long. So a week or more. Where exactly we don't know yet. At the beginning, at the headquarters of the Supreme Commander, and then it is not known. So sorry that none of us could go with him. Olga asked me to tell you that maybe you have some other photo of you and Pavel Alekseyevich, then she would very much like you to send it to her. — How is your health?

Olga and I Mama and Papa were two Wednesdays in a row in St. Petersburg, where we visited the wounded, and then from 3-4 Olga sits at the Peasants' Bank, where she accepts donations for the families of the reserves. This Wednesday I will have a committee to provide temporary assistance to victims of hostilities, I already think about this day with a terrible feeling because I will have to be all alone, and not with Mama, then I will probably sit with Olga while she accepts donations, and work, but it's boring.

Well, goodbye my darling Olga. May God keep you. I think about you a lot. Sisters thank you for the regards and also bow. I kiss yours. I hug you tightly, my dear, as I love you.

Your

Tatiana.

Above: Alexandra with Tatiana.

Above: Olga.

Above: Tatiana.

Above: Olga Voronova with her husband. Photo courtesy of her granddaughter O. K. Voronova.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated June 15 and 16, 1915, and Nicholas's letter, dated June 15, 1915

Sources:

Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=147&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/june15.html

The letter:

No. 87.

Tsarskoje Selo, June 15-th 1915

My own beloved One,

Before going to sleep, I begin my letter to you. Thanks for yr. wire, I received during dinner — we dined in, as there were only 9 degrees & I had just had my head washed. I am sorry fat O. no more sends me telegrams, I suppose there is nothing particular to tell. When you are not there, one gets no direct news & feels lost. I am eagerly awaiting your promised letter. —

Town is so full of gossip, as tho' all the ministers were being changed — Krivoshein first minister, Manukhin instead of Stcheglovitov, Gutchkov as side to Polivanov & so on & our Friend, to whom A. went to bid goodbye, was most anxious to know what was true. (As though also Samarin instead of Sabler, whom it is better not to change before one has a very good one to replace him, certainly Samarin wld. go against our Friend & stick up for the Bishops we dislike — he is so terribly Moscovite & narrowminded). Well, A. answered that I knew nothing. He gave over this message for you, that you are to pay less attention to what people will say to you, not let yourself be influenced by them but use yr. own instinct & go by that, to be more sure of yourself & not listen too much nor give in to others, who know less than you. The times are so serious & grave, that all your own personal wisdom is needed & yr. soul must guide you. He regrets you did not speak to Him more about all you think & were intending to do so & speak about with yr. ministers & the changes you were thinking of making. He prays so hard for you and Russia & can help more when you speak to Him frankly. — I suffer hideously being away from you. 20 years we shared all together, & now grave things are passing, I do not know your thoughts nor decisions, & its such pain. God help & guide you aright, my own sweet Darling. — I too am much quieter when you are here — I dread their profiting of yr. kind heart & making you do things, wh., when calmly thought over here, you wld. perhaps do otherwise.

I went to Mavra for an hour, she is calm & brave — Tatiana looks awful & yet thinner & greener. — How too horribly sad that accident is that occurred to the young couple Kazbek. They were going at a terrific speed in their motor & flew against a Schlagbaum, wh. they did not see was closed. He was killed on the spot & she has her arm broken, at first they said her both legs & head, but now one says only the arm & not so bad & one has not told her about her husband. The wretched Father has now lost his third son — ghastly. — We went to the exhibition-bazar — very nice works made by the wounded were shown & I hope it will prove useful & encourage all learning some handicraft. — My head ached again rather, so I better try & sleep now — it is 12½. All my prayers & tenderest thoughts surround you in deepest love & compassion. Oh, how I long to help you & give you faith in yourself. — How long do you remain still? Sleep well & peacefully, holy Angels guard yr. slumber.

June 16-th. Just received yr. precious letter, for wh. heartfelt thanks. Glad you were contented with the work & sitting. Yes, Lovy, about Samarin I am much more than sad, simply in despair, just one of Ella's not good, very biggoted clique, bosom friend of Sophie Iv. Tiutchev, that bishop Trifon I have strong reason to dislike, as he always spoke & now speaks in the army against our Friend — now we shall have stories against our Friend beginning & all will go badly. I hope heart & soul he wont accept — that means Ella's influence & worries fr. morn to night, & he against us, once against Or. & so awfully narrowminded a real Moscou type — head without soul. My heart feels like lead, 1000 times better Sabler a few months still than Samarin.

Have the church procession now, don't go putting it off, Lovy, listen to me, its serious, have it quicker done, now is lent, therefore more appropriate, chose Peter & Paul day, but now soon. Oh, why are we not together to speak over all together & to help prevent things wh. I know ought not to be. Its not my brain wh. is clever, but I listen to my soul & I wish you would too my own sweetest One. —

I don't want to croak, but I only say all straight out to you. — Goodbye my own & all, God bless & help you — I kiss you without end.

Ever yr. own sad

Wify.

Nicholas's letter:

Stavka. 15 June, 1915.

MY BELOVED DARLING SUNNY,

My tenderest thanks for your two sweet letters. Yesterday I had not a minute to spare to write to you, as I was busy all day long. It was Marie's birthday, and it gave me happiness to be able to go to church in the morning.

I spoke to Shavelsky about arranging, for some day or other, krestny khod all over Russia. He thought it a very good idea, and suggested for it the 8th of July, the day of the Mother of God of Kazan, which is celebrated everywhere. He sends you his deepest respects. In our conversation he alluded to Sabler, and said that it would be necessary to replace him. It is remarkable how everyone understands this, and wishes to see a clean, pious and well-meaning man in his place. Old Gorem., and Krivoshein and Shcherbatov have all told me the same thing, and believe that Samarin would be the best man for this post. I remember now that, about six years ago, Stolypin wished to have him in his Ministry, and spoke to him with my permission, but he declined. I have given Gorem. leave to send for him and to offer him this appointment. I am sure that you will not like this, because of his being a Muscovite, but these changes must be brought about, and it is necessary to select a man whose name is known to the whole nation and who is unanimously respected. One can work with such men in the Government, and they will all hold together (or use their force together — i. e., in harmony) — that is quite obvious.

Fortunately yesterday's conference was held in the large tent, and lasted from 2 till 5 o'clock. I was rather tired, but N. and all of them were greatly pleased. Old Gor. expressed the opinion that this conference here was more productive of results than three months of their ordinary work.

In my next letter I shall tell you some of the details of it; to-day I have no time. My papers are neglected, and I must look through them.

Somehow I miss you particularly in these days, my Ray of Sunshine! God bless you! I kiss you and the dear children tenderly.

Unchangeably your old hubby

Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

Notes: Alexandra often called Grigori Rasputin "our Friend".

Schlagbaum = barrier, tollbar.

krestny khod (крестный ход) = the procession of the Cross.

Alix's letter to Nicholas, dated July 30 and 31, 1894

Sources:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 190 to 194, by George Hawkins, 2023

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

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0291cnG3goagGuK3XvJ4o4nxBx9iNcCBymKhhGAHCk8UALWho3Sq4J6EJmdr1FSmAhl&id=100067001081671

The letter excerpt:

You will send me a photo of your little house in the camp, won't you? And you know whose photo you said you would bring with you for inquisitive me to see? I hope she will leave you in peace and not worry you with letters when she is near the camp. Your confidence in me when you told me that little story touched me deeply. Whenever anything troubles or worries you, tell it me straight, lovy dear, as you will always find a compassionate heart in Alixy's and one always ready to help and soothe.

The letter in full:

No 56

Osborne

July 30th 1894

My own sweet Darling,

On coming back from Cowes where we had been shopping, I found yr sweet, long letter No 40 for wh very tenderest thanks. You can imagine what utter happiness and yet sorrow filled my heart when reading it. My great Darling, all you write is so awfully dear and loving and kind, just your own precious self. I miss you quite too terribly I can assure you so it is a comfort indeed receiving your lines of love and affection. I kiss you for them. What your love is to me, I cannot tell you but it makes me proud and so happy to think that I am loved by such an angel. I love you, it is all that I can say, it is my happiness to be able to give you my whole heart in return. It beats for you, you know how it can beat.

Yes, душки, I do feel your presence wherever I go, yet I long to have you by my side in person and to be able to kiss you and clasp you in my arms and gaze into those eyes I love so much — my love is strong and deep, beloved Nicky dear, and you know that you can fully and for ever trust your Girly being true and ever faithful to you.

Feeling so sure of each other too is a comfort — no snares can loosen the links by which we are chained to each other, your name is engraved on my heart and nothing can wash it away.

This will be my last letter from here. I am glad we were able to spend a few days here to-gether, it makes it so much nicer knowing the same places and everything has another aspect afterwards. But I am happy at last to return to Darmstadt, respective Wolfsgarten, but you don't know how sad yet every homecoming is to me as I feel the loss of beloved Papa then each time more deeply. Wolfsgarten that he loved so and where every little spot is associated with thoughts and remembrances of him. To come home and not find him is each time a fresh blow. I see him always before me there, riding, driving, leading the animals out in his light flannel suit. What it is to have lost him. Never was there a kinder, more loving Father — Father and Mother at once, and he and I were so much alone to-gether the last years, that I miss now too terribly, I cannot even yet often realize that I shall really never see him more on this earth — it seems always as tho' he were only absent on a long journey. Dearest one, I may speak to you about him sometimes, may I not? It does one good as you knew him too. I never speak to any others more about him, I cannot. Yet to you it is so different. Your great love helps me so. Sweetest darling Nicky dear, let me once more whisper gently (I love you with unending true devotion, better than I can say) But I must be off now.

I have had a telegram from Toria. They leave to-morrow, happy creatures, no, how I envy them seeing my pet. She is going to write to me from Peterhof. You will send me a photo of your little house in the camp, won't you? And you know whose photo you said you would bring with you for inquisitive me to see? I hope she will leave you in peace and not worry you with letters when she is near the camp. Your confidence in me when you told me that little story touched me deeply. Whenever anything troubles or worries you, tell it me straight, lovy dear, as you will always find a compassionate heart in Alixy's and one always ready to help and soothe.

Aunt B has gone to Southampton for some function or other — no opening or shutting this time however. I played on the pianos with Thora wh was nice. Then we two went down on the beach. I drove the ponies but they pulled vilely. We watched the Children bathe with the sailors and learn to swim and then we went into the boat and I rowed with heavy oars in the broiling sun — the result, I look like a vulgour poppie and have big blisters on my hand wh stick out like a red bump. Pooh, it is hot, such a change from the wind this morning.

How I long for you. What are you doing I wonder. Probably playing Bull with the officers. I have been for a drive with Granny and A. Louise and am now resting on the sopha. I got a dear telegram from Motherdear. How happy she will be to have you back again and you to see her and all the other dear ones, to whom much love. Granny has lent me Dean Stanley's letters he wrote from St Petersburg at the time of yr Mother's Wedding, so I am most anxious to read them.

The sunset was glorious, like a firy red ball. We are so many ladies that it is a difficulty to find any gentlemen, the most could not come. Lord Duffries neither, as he is out sailing. I am sorry as I shld so much liked to have seen him as we met last four years ago in Rome and we took tea in their house.

My friend (A. B.'s lady) Minnie Cochrane (with the white hair) peeped in a second — she is coming to-morrow to see me as who knows whether we shall meet again before a noughty somebody has got me as a dull wife? eh?

In the papers this evening I saw that you and Henry had been at midnight after yr Uncle's Dinner on board the Polar Star and Sachsen. Really you are too mad, I suppose I shall hear of it in the letter I hope to get to-morrow morning.

Really the Chinese and Japanese are horrid, sinking a transport ship and drowning and shooting the rest — what will be the end! My handwriting is like a schoolchild's, pardon it душеньки — and this epistle is mad, jumping from one thing to another.

To-day I heard, but it is as yet not to be spoken of, that Dolly Teck is engaged to a Doughter of the Duke of Westminster (you remember he dined at Windsor with his (2nd) wife).

Look here, we have been using the word "memories" for two things, have not received any letter from you and for "I love you" (at the end). Shall we not change and take another word for it, it is so silly, as so many come twice, we might for "love you" put Somemoris, only the one syllable before it, no, that is not necessary, we have been silly I see, the words quite at the end come in at the beginning but have only been added later than when the book was first edited, so let us change Peterhof: Venundo instead of Palpat, Petersburg: Venor. I love you Vesania.

I have just said good night to dear Granny who felt very sad that it was my last evening, the organ played the same sad tune as 8 days ago so it has made me feel quite low, and I have to think of last week the whole time — that terrible parting — oh, love sweet, pray to God that we may soon meet again. A charming oldish Clergyman whom dear Papa was so fond of and who comes to Balmoral to preach dined here to-night and after Dinner I spoke to him. About 13 years ago he went to Russia — Petersburg, Moscou, Troitza Monastery and two other towns, he had to return however sooner than he had intended and so could not see more places as he had wished. He has travelled all over the world and seen all the Churches of different Confessions and he said as long as you are a good person, it matters not to what Church you belong, it is only the outer form, like a dress and if there is a good heart, it matters not what your Confession is. He spoke so kindly and nicely. I wish we had been alone, I shld have asked him much more. He said he had met with such kindness from all yr Clergy in Russia. It does one good, a little talk with a liberal minded person like that and comforts and helps one.

Granny kindly gave Gretchen a charming chain bracelet and Schneiderlein a sweet brooch — they both are enchanted with their presents. It is so warm to-night, if only it is fine to-morrow as we want to bathe again.

Now, good night sweet, as we go off before 8 and I want to get a good sleep — the last time here — the lovely big bed, it spoils one, at home I have got a narrow hard one. God bless you, sweetest precious Nicky darling, and your Alixy is praying for you and kisses you ever so tenderly.

31st. Good morning Darling. It is very warm and fine. We have just come back from bathing in the large swimming bath. The sailor held Thora from a bridge with a cord to a belt around her waist and told her the movements, then he fastened a cord to me and made me try. I let it loose and afterwards I swam without anything through the place, 11 years ago I had three lessons in France and fancy, I could do it. I was muchly frightened at first, but am delighted I can do it. I am sorry to leave for that reason, as I should have liked to be able to swim properly. I rowed there and back, wh has not improved the blisters. Now I am going to rest on the sopha till breakfast as I feel somewhat exhausted. You will have to teach me some day to swim properly. Oh, I dreamt such nonsence about you and Thora's maid, not to be described the way you behaved and your flirtation etc. Too mad an idea for words. You know the beastly people always stand the three yellow chairs in a row of an evening, wh makes me feel quite low.

Beloved, truest Darling, yr dear letter has come and I send you a good kiss and my tenderest thanks for it. Now I am still anxiously awaiting a telegram to hear of yr arrival at Peterhof. So poor many was hot and had to write in his shirt! How happy all must have been to have had you there for the Silver Wedding. Yes, is not O an odious town for dining, for large dinners, we have had to do it too sometimes. Your letter is so sweet and loving, it has really delighted me — you are really too dear and kind for words and I love you always more and more, if that is possible. Du mein ein und mein alles, mein Nicky.

I shall send you a letter from Flushing — so nice I can have yr cabin. Osborne says goodbye to you and come here soon again with yr little (wife.) To think that I may one day call myself so — I cannot believe it! It will be too great a happiness. What an endless letter this one is, will it not bore you? But when I once sit down and begin to chatter to you, I could go on for ever. I am dying for a kiss from sweetykins, at home you will have to make up for the lots you owe me now.

Dr Reid has just wayed me and I way 11£ more than when I came to England in May. Is that not grand? My health is perfect, if it were only not for these legs, they do ache still so terribly, it gets on one's nerves, the pain, I could almost cry sometimes.

Now Goodbye my own precious Nicky sweety, many tender kisses. God bless you beloved one. Ever yr own truly devoted and deeply affectionate loving bridy

Alix

Above: Nicholas and Alix. Photo courtesy of TatianaZ on Flickr.

Above: Mathilde Kschessinskaya, the ballerina Nicholas had been in love with and had previously had a brief relationship with.

Notes: душки = darling.

душеньки = darling.

"Dolly Teck is engaged to a Doughter of the Duke of Westminster" = Prince Adolphus of Teck (brother of the future Queen Mary) 1868-1927. Married Lady Margaret Grosvenor, daughter of the Duke of Westminster, on 12 December 1894.

"Du mein ein und mein alles, mein Nicky" = "You are my one and all, my Nicky".

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated June 16 and 17, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram and letter, dated June 16, 1915

Sources:

Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=148&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/june15.html

The letter:

No. 88.

Tsarskoje Selo, June 16-th 1915

My beloved One,

Just a few words before the night. Your sweet smelling jasmin I put in my gospel — it reminded me of Peterhof. Its not like summer not being there. We dined out this evening, but came in after 9 as it was so damp. The afternoon I remained on the balkony — I wanted to go to Church in the evening, but felt too tired. The heart is, oh, so heavy & sad — I always remember what our Friend says & how often we do not enough heed His words.

He was so much against yr. going to the Headquarters, because people get round you there & make you do things, wh. would have been better not done — here the atmosphere in your own house is a healthier one & you would see things more rightly — if only you would come back quicker. I am not speaking because of a selfish feeling, but that here I feel quieter about you & there am in a constant dread what one is concocting — you see, I have absolutely no faith in N. — know him to be far fr. clever & having gone against a Man of God's, his work cant be blessed, nor his advice be good. — When Gr. heard in town yesterday before He left, that Samarin was named, already then people knew it — He was in utter despair, as He, the last evening here, a week ago to-day, begged you not to change him Sabler just now, but that soon one might perhaps find the right man — & now the Moscou set will be like a spiders net around us, our Friend's enemies are ours, & Schtcherbatov will make one with them, I feel sure. I beg your pardon for writing all this, but I am so wretched ever since I heard it & cant get calm — I see now why Gr. did not wish you to go there — here I might have helped you. People are affraid of my influence, Gr. said it (not to me) & Voyeikov, because they know I have a strong will & sooner see through them & help you being firm. I should have left nothing untried to dissuade you, had you been here, & I think God would have helped me & you would have remembered our Friend's words. When He says not to do a thing & one does not listen, one sees ones fault always afterwards. Only if he does accept, N. will try & get round him too against our Fr. thats N.'s campaign.

I entreat you, at the first talk with S. & when you see him, to speak very firmly — do my Love, for Russia's sake — Russia will not be blessed if her Sovereign lets a man of God's sent to help him — be persecuted, I am sure.

Tell him severely, with a strong & decided voice, that you forbid any intrigues against our Friend or talks about Him, or the slightest persecution, otherwise you will not keep him. That a true Servant dare not go against a man his Sovereign respects & venerates.

You know the bad part Moscou plays, tell it him all, his bosom friend S. I. Tiutchev spreads lies about the children, repeat this & that her poisonous untruths did much harm & you will not allow a repetition of it. Do not laugh at me, if you know the tears I have cried to-day, you would understand the gravity of it all. Its not woman's nonsense — but straight forward truth — I adore you far too deeply to tire you at such a time with [a] letter like this one, if it were not that soul & heart prompt me. We women have the instinct of the right sometimes Deary, & you know my love for yr. country wh. has become mine. You know what this war is to me in every sense — & that the man of God's who prays incessantly for you, might be in danger again of persecution — that God would not forgive us our weakness & sin in not protecting Him. — You know N's hatred for G. is intense. Speak once to Vojeikov, Deary, he understands such things because he is honestly devoted to you.

S. is a very conceited man, in summer I had occasion to see it, when I had that talk with him about the evacuation question — Rostov. & I carried off a most unpleasant impression of his selfsufficiency — blind adoration of Moscou & looking down upon Petersburg. The tone in wh. he spoke shocked Rost. greatly. That showed me him in another light, & I realised how unpleasant it wld. be to have to do with him. — When one proposed him for Alexei before, I unhesitatingly said no; for nothing such a narrowminded man. Our Church just needs the contrary — soul & not brain. — God Almighty may He help & put things aright, & hear our prayers and give you at last more confidence in yr. own wisdom, not listening to others, but to our Friend & yr. soul. Once more excuse this letter written with an aching heart & smarting eyes. Nothing is trivial now — all is grave. I venerate & love old Goremykin had I seen him, I know how I should have spoken — he is so franck with our Friend & does not grasp, that S. is your enemy if he goes & speaks against Gr. —

I am sure your poor dear heart aches more, is enlarged & needs drops. Please deary, walk less — I ruined mine walking at the shooting & in Finland before speaking to the Drs. & suffering mad pain, want of air, heartbeating. Take care of yourself — agoo wee one I hate being away fr. you, its my greatest punishment at this time especially — our first Friend gave me that Image with the bell to warn me against those, that are not right & it will keep them fr. approaching, I shall feel it & thus guard you from them — Even the family feel this & therefore try & get at you alone, when they know its something not right & I wont approve of. Its none of my doing, God wishes your poor wify to be your help, Gr. always says so & Mr. Ph. too — & I might warn you in time if I knew things. Well, now I can only pray & suffer. I press you tightly to my heart, gently stroke your brow, press my lips upon yr. eyes & mouth, kiss with love those dear hands wh. always are pulled away. I love you, love you & want yr. good, happiness & blessing. Sleep well & calm[l]y — I must try & sleep too, its nearly one oclock.

My train brought many wounded — Babys has fetched a lot from Varsovie where they empty out the hospitals. Oh God help. —

Lovy, remember, quicker the church procession, now during lent is just the most propicious moment, & absolutely from you, not by the new Chief Procurator of the Synod — I hope to go to holy Communion this lent, if B. does not prevent me. — Reading this letter you will say — one sees she is Ella's sister. But I cant put all in three words, I need heaps of pages to pour all out & poor Sunshine has to read this long yarn — but Sweetheart knows & loves his very own old wife. —

The boys from the college come & make bandages every morning at our stores here from 10-12½ & now will make the newest masks wh. are far more complicated but can be used often. — Our little officer with tetanos is recovering, looks decidedly better — his parents we sent for fr. the Caucasus & they live also under the colonnades — we have such a lot living there now. —

The exhibition-bazar goes very well, the first day there were over 2000, yesterday 800 — our things are bought before they appear — beforehand already people write down for them & we manage to work a cushion or cover each, daily. — Tatiana rode this evening 5½-7 — the others acted at Anias — the latter sends you the enclosed card she bought to-day at our exhibition — tell me to thank her. —

Poor Mitia Den is quite bad again & cannot walk at all, Sonia is going to take him near Odessa, Liman for a cure — so sad. —

June 17-th. Good morning, my Pet. Slept badly & heart enlarged, so lie the morning on bed & balkony — alas, no hospital, head too rather achy again. Churchbells ringing. — Shall finish after luncheon. Big girls go to town, Olga receives money then go to a hospital & tea at Elagin.

It is very hot & heavy air, but a colossal wind on the balkony, probably a thunderstorm in the air & that makes it difficult to breathe. I brought out roses, lilies of the valley & sweet peas to enjoy their perfume. I embroider all day for our exhibition-bazar. — Ah my Boy, my Boy, how I wish we were together — one is so tired at times, so weary from pain & anxiety — nigh upon 11 months — but then it was only the war, & now the interior questions wh. absorb one & the bad luck at the war, but God will help, when all seems blackest, I am sure better, sunnier days will come.

May the ministers only seriously work to-gether, fulfill your wishes & orders, & not their own — harmony under your guidance. Think more of Gr. Sweetheart, before every difficult moment, ask Him to intercede before God to guide you aright. —

A few days ago I wrote to you about Paul's conversation, to-day the Css. H. sends me Paleologue's answer: »Les impressions que S. A. S. le Gr. D. a rapportées de son entretien & que vous voulez bien me communiquer de sa part me touchent vivement. Elles confirment avec toute l'autorité possible, ce dont j'étais moralement certain, ce dont je n'ai jamais douté, ce dont je me suis toujours porté garant envers mon Gouvernement. A un pessimiste qui essayait récemment d'ébranler ma foi, j'ai répondu: «Ma conviction est d'autant plus forte qu'elle ne repose sur aucune promesse, sur aucun engagement. Dans les rares occasions, ou ces graves sujets ont été abordés devant moi, on ne m'a rien promis, on ne s'est engagé a rien; parceque toute assurance positive eut été superflue; parceque l'on se sentait compris, comme j'ose esperer avoir été compris moi-même. A certaines minutes solennelles, il y a des sincérités d'accent, des droitures de regard, où toute une conscience se révèle & qui valent tous les serments.« — Je n'en attache pas moins un très-haut prix au témoignage direct qui me vient de S. A. S. le Gr. D. Ma certitude personnelle n'en avait pas besoin. Mais, si je rencontre encore des incrédules, j'aurai désormais le droit de leur dire, non plus seulement: »Je crois, mais je sais.« — This was about the question of a separate peace negotiation. Have you spoken to Vojeikov about Danilov, please do so — only not to fat Orlov, who is N. kolossal friend — they correspond the whole time when you are here, B. knows it. That can mean no good. He grudges no doubt about Gr.'s visits to our house, & therefore wants you away from him, at the Head-Quarters. If they only knew how they harm instead of helping you, blind people with their hatred against Gr.! You remember dans »Les Amis de Dieu« it says, a country cannot be lost whose Sovereign is guided by a man of God's. Oh let Him guide you more.

Dmitri is feeling better, tho' his leg hurts him still. — The poor little Kazbek one answered, does not suffer from her broken arm too much, but is I think in a rather dazed state, therefore one has not yet told her about her husband's death. How full of life they were when N. P. was at their Wedding. — Now this letter has become volumes & will bore you to read, so I better end it. God bless & protect you & keep you from all harm, give you strength, courage & consolation in all trying moments. Am in thoughts living with you my Love, my one & all. I cover you with kisses & remain ever yr. tenderly & deeply loving old

Sunny.

All the Children kiss you. — Many messages to the old man & N. P. Khan Nahitchevanski comes to say goodbye to-morrow. —

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 16 June, 1915.

I thank you most warmly for your letter, also Marie and Alexey. It is very hot, but not sultry. Nothing new, but they are still pressing in some places. I kiss you all fondly.

Nicky.

Nicholas's letter:

Stavka. 16 June, 1915.

MY BELOVED SUNNY,

I thank you with all my heart for your sweet, long letter, in which you give me an account of your conversation with Paul. You gave perfectly correct answers on the questions of peace. That is precisely the chief point of my rescript to old Goremykin, which will be published.

With regard to Danilov, I think that the idea of his being a spy is not worth an empty eggshell. I am quite aware, too, that he is not liked, that he is even hated in the army, beginning with Ivanov and ending with the last officer. He has a terrible character, and is very harsh with his subordinates.

N. knows this, and from time to time puts him in his place; but he considers it impossible to dismiss him after 11 months of hard work — so well does this man know his duties.

Even Krivoshein spoke to me on this subject — he thinks, for instance, that N. ought to make alterations among his Staff, and choose other men in place of Yanoushkevitch and Danilov. I advised him to tell N. of it, which he did from his own point of view, naturally. He told me later that N. had obviously not liked his frankness.

The conference, which was held some days ago, dealt with three problems: the regime for the German and Austrian nationals who are still domiciled in Russia; the prisoners of war; the text of the above-mentioned rescript; and finally the soldiers of the Second Category. When I told them of my wish, that the men of 1917 should be called up, all the Ministers heaved a sigh of relief. N. agreed at once. Yanoushkevitch only asked that he might be allowed to work out the preparatory measures in case of necessity.

Of course, should the war continue for another year, we shall be obliged to call up some of the younger ages of the Second Category, but now it is not required. Yussoupov, whom I sent for, was present at the conference on the first question; we cooled his ardour slightly, and gave him some clear instructions. He caused some amusing moments when he was reading his reports of the Moscow riots — he became excited, shook his fists and banged them on the table.

I hope soon to go to Beloveje by car for a whole day, and to do it quite unexpectedly. The old man and Voeikov thank you very much. Well, I must break off this letter. God bless you, my darling Wify. Fondly I kiss you and the dear children.

Your

Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

Notes: Alexandra often referred to Grigori Rasputin as "our Friend".

"our first Friend" = Philippe Nizier Vachot.

B. = Becker, a euphemism that Alexandra and her daughters used to refer to their menstrual periods.