Tatiana's letter to Olga Voronova, dated September 5, 1914

Source:

Kler Chernikina at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_48746

The letter:

Царское-Село 1914 г.

5го Сентября

Дорогая и милая моя Ольга,

Спасибо Вам большое за Ваше милое письмо.

Мы ходим каждый день, Мама, Ольга и я в дворцовый госпиталь на перевязки, но мы перевязываем не в большом доме, а там в саду есть маленький домик, только для офицеров и туда приносят каждый день 6 н[ижних] ч[инов] которых Ольга и я перевязываем. Каждая должна трех перевязать. И их каждый день меняют, чтобы мы не привыкали к ранам, а делали бы все, потом когда мы кончаем, то сидим у офицеров, а Мама их поочереди перевязывает с Аней Вырубовой. Те дни когда приходит поезд с новыми ранеными то мы помогаем в Большом доме т. к. там не хватает рук. Теперь уже Княжна Гедройц нас пускает на операции. Больших еще не было, но при нас палец отрезали, потом пули вынимали. Она разрезает, а мы пинцетом вынимаем пулю. Сегодня я одному вытащила. Сперва страшно, чтобы не сделать больно, а теперь и раны не противны. Иногда только запах ужасный. — Вот это неприятно. Потом к нам Княжна приходит читать лекций через день. А Вы перевязываете кого-нибудь или нет? Имеете ли известия от Вашего брата и пишем ли он Вам?

Как должно быть тяжело Вашей Мама быть в такое время за границей, а не с Вами. Тетя Ольга нам пишет из Ровно, где она живет, что работы там ужас столько, масса раненых. Ну, довиданья дорогая душка моя Ольга. Сестры благодарят за поклон и тоже кланяются. Да хранит Вас Бог. Целую Ваших сестер. Крепко и нежно Вас моя дорогая обнимаю как люблю.

Ваша, Вас искренно любящая

Татьяна.

English translation (my own):

Tsarskoe-Selo 1914

September 5th

My dear and sweet Olga,

Thank you very much for your nice letter.

We go every day, Mama, Olga and I to the palace hospital for dressings, but we don't dress in a big house, but there is a small house in the garden, only for officers and every day 6 lower ranks are brought there whom Olga and I are bandaging. Each must bandage three. And they are changed every day so that we do not get used to the wounds, but do everything, then when we finish, we sit with the officers, and Mama bandages them one by one with Anya Vyrubova. Those days when a train with new wounded arrives, we help in the Big house, because there are not enough hands. Now Princess Gedroits is letting us in for operations. There were no big ones yet, but in our presence they cut off a finger, then the bullets were taken out. She cuts, and we take out the bullet with tweezers. Today I took one out. At first it's scary so as not to hurt, and now the wounds are not disgusting. Sometimes it just smells terrible. — This is unpleasant. Then the Princess comes to us to give lectures every other day. Do you bandage someone or no? Have you heard from your brother and is he writing to you?

How hard it must be for your Mama to be abroad at such a time, and not with you. Aunt Olga writes to us from Rovno, where she lives, that there is so much work there, a lot of wounded. Well, goodbye, my dear darling Olga. Sisters thank you for the regards and also bow. God keep you. I kiss your sisters. Firmly and tenderly, my dear, I embrace you as I love you.

Yours, sincerely loving you

Tatiana.

Above: Alexandra, Olga and Tatiana at the hospital with their patients. Photo courtesy of tashusik3 on Flickr.

Alix's letter to Nicholas, dated July 28 and 29/August 9 and 10, 1894

Sources:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 229 to 231, 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=pfbid0jTkQ9WUn7tsqwhK1QLvjKUdZqC2TnNoWV7v1KYbH5JsW2HLHxTzYuUNsBxVUAEW2l&id=100067001081671

The letter:

July 28th/Aug 9th 1894

My own precious darling Nicky,

For your sweet letter wh came this evening, I send you my very fondest thanks. It was too kind of you writing to me even on Xenia's Wedding day as I am sure it must have been a very tiring day. That the dear child looked sweet I can well imagine, but for me who saw her last as a child, to think her married is almost impossible. How happy and utterly content she now must be, being married to the man she adores and being free to do whatever she likes with no great duties to bother her. That you held the crown over her must have seemed strange to you, did it not? She, so much younger than you. It is touching she wore our little star, may it bring her much luck and many blessings. Yes, the feeling you had then must indeed have been a different one to that at Ernie's Wedding — oh, that day was too fearful — all the emotions and then seeing Ernie stand near Ducky and no Papa near to him, I could have screamed out for pain, so lonely he stood there, only U. William next to him. And you standing near A. Vicky, and Granny coming up along the Church — no I cannot simply bear to think of it! Little Xenia was soon made happy, our patience must last longer and we shall try and not grumble tho' the separation is fearfully hard and I miss you more than words, you my beloved manikins, my sweet treasure душки.

So Figuer and his wife sang fine, I have no doubt, and you thought of the old Hen? Yes, I too long you were sitting with me in my little house, it is so quiet and peaceful of an evening, one only hears the [illegible] running and the clock ticking — such rest, a moment for lovy to fly over to me and kiss me. You must come whilst we are still here. I am shocked to think that I put a wrong No. to my letters — how is it now to be altered? It came through my confusing yr letter from Sandringham. I thought I had sent one too, like a blooming idiot that I was. I shall have to concoct a letter when you come to put in for the missing number!

It is really late, the man is putting out the lanterns in the courtyard, so only quickly still this page. The wife of the Prussian Ambassador who is going to Greece now came to luncheon. Then we went and looked at a nest in wh a hedgehog with seven tiny ones, still blind, was lying. We sat and watched the others run on the p. de g., had tea, and then Ducky and I drove again and picked mushrooms — two Coburg baskets quite full, and behind a lot in the hood of the carriage. After supper, we, some of us, played and sang, and the others enjoyed their Whist in the next room.

Now byby душки precious, beloved one. I cover your dearest face with tenderest kisses and whisper a blessing and fondest words of love. I love you, love you, day by day, more and more, stronger, deeper, truer, more passionately than ever. Trust and love me. God bless you! Sleep well!

10th Сегодня дурная погода, едетъ дождь, но я думаю что погода будетъ ещё хорошая. Вчера (вечеромъ) послѣ (обѣда) чаіе, была смѣшная исторія, Schneiderlein, только по русски я не могу разсказать, а она не хочетъ мнѣ памочь. Она играла въ lawn tennis что я ей вчера запретила потаму что она день передъ тѣмъ слишкомъ много играла, и у нея болѣла голова. It is too killing, I must write it at least in English. Ernie sent a ball flying and she discovered it and stooped down in a funny way, so that the ball hit her behind. He asked how she had remarked it, whether she had eyes there and she calmly says yes — we all roared, she is some times too funny for words. Everyone likes her. I do hope she can remain here a long time. She dreads the idea of having to go back to that place, it is tiresome work, tiring and she does not care for it, she is accustomed to be now with us and before always with Ella, so that this life is far more for her. Could one not arrange something for her? It wld, I suppose not be possible for me to keep her on in Russia, as I shan't know enough for ages and she might read to me when you were with yr regiment and help me when I paint and when a lady might often be a nuisance. Would it be possible lovy? Do think about it and if you did not mind, as she is such a dear, and think it could be arranged, at least for the first years, you might have spoken perhaps to Ella, as Serge is governor of Moscou and over her school and then to your Mama, whether she approves. Do you think this mad of me? I hope the idea does not displease you, only it wld be so nice to do something for the little creature and I suppose it ought then to be soon arranged as another governess wld have to be got in her stead. I have never told her these were my hopes as I had no idea whether you would approve or it would be possible.

The room swarms with flies which promenade and sit about on my writing book. I am on the sopha, a place where I have not been often here, wh made Ernie angry. I got a charming long letter from Granny, so kind. She is delighted with yr telegrams, that you answer so promptly — she is eagerly expecting a letter from you. I always sign myself her Child instead of Grandchild, she wished it as she considered me as that, but she has never written such a kind beginning before this time "Most beloved Child, my darling Alicky." I am so happy you like her too — it does make such a difference having an old lady in the family. Now, lots of Russian, so goodbye. A good kiss. God bless you Angel, love of my heart. Ever yr own truly devoted, deeply loving, affectionate bridy

Alix

Ernie and Ducky send you their very best love. I love you, I am entirely yours.

Above: Nicholas and Alix.

Note: "Сегодня дурная погода, едетъ дождь, но я думаю что погода будетъ ещё хорошая. Вчера (вечеромъ) послѣ (обѣда) чаіе, была смѣшная исторія, Schneiderlein, только по русски я не могу разсказать, а она не хочетъ мнѣ памочь. Она играла въ lawn tennis что я ей вчера запретила потаму что она день передъ тѣмъ слишкомъ много играла, и у нея болѣла голова." = "Today the weather is bad, it's raining, but I think that the weather will still turn out good. Yesterday (in the evening) after (dinner) tea, there was a funny story — Schneiderlein — only in Russian I can't tell it, but she doesn't want to help me. She played lawn tennis, which I forbade her yesterday because she had played too much the day before and had a headache."

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated June 20, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram and letter, dated June 20, 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=156&skin=2021

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

The letter:

No. 91.

Tsarskoje Selo, June 20-th 1915

My beloved Nicky dear,

All my thoughts are ever near you in tender love & loneliness. I hear the churchbells & long to go and pray for you there, but the heart is again enlarged, so must keep quiet. Weather again splendid. Our corner on the balkony is so cosy & pretty in the evening with two lamps, we sat out till after 11. — Ania saw the Alexandrie, "Dozorny" and "Razvedchik" & "Rabotnik" from far — lots of public, music, everything looking lovely. It seems sad & strange for the first time since 20 years not to go there — but here there is more work to do & to run over fr. Peterhof constantly, I could not have managed. Then people can be sent for & got at quicker when one needs them. — Do so wonder what you settled with Samarin, whether you let him off — if so, then don't hurry getting another & lets talk it quietly over here. I told the old man all, & I think he understood me, tho' being very religious he personally knows little about Church affairs (Goremykin).

This wire A. got today from our Friend from Tiumen: "Encountered singers, we sang in praise of Easter, the abbot was jubilant, remember it's Easter, suddenly a telegram reaches me that my son is being drafted, I said in my heart, am I like Abraham, of ages past, having one son and supporter, I hope he will be allowed to rule under me as with the ancient czars." Beloved One, what can one do for him, whom does it concern — his only son ought not to be taken. Cannot Voyeikov write to the local military chief, I think it concerns him — will you say, please. —

The train with your Feldjeger is 8 hours late, so shall only get your letter at 7. This moment Varnava telegraphs to me fr. Kurgan.

"Our own empress, the 17-th on the day of the Saint Tikhon the Miracle Worker, during the procession around the church in the village of Barabinsk, there suddenly appeared on the sky a cross, which was seen altogether for 15 minutes, and as the Holy Church is praying 'the Cross of the Czar is the support of the kingdom of the believers', I felicitate you with this vision and believe that God sent this vision and sign in order to uphold visibly with love his devoted ones. I pray for all of you."

God grant it may be a good sign, crosses are not always. —

Benkendorf came to me, he looks alright, feels only a bit weak still. — He said one had written that you were perhaps returning the 24-th — is it really true? What joy to have you safely back again. — I bless & kiss you with all the strength of my great love.

Ever, Sweetheart, yr. very own

Sunny.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 20 June, 1915.

I thank you heartily for your sweet letter; also Marie and Alexey. The heat is terrific. I saw Samarin, who has accepted, but asked to postpone his appointment for a fortnight...

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

Above: Anna Vyrubova.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

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

Nicholas's telegram and letter to Alexandra, dated June 19, 1915

Source:

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

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 19 June, 1915.

My warmest thanks to you for your sweet letter, to Anastasia also. S. is coming here to-night. Fine hot weather. I hope that you are feeling strong and reassured. Tender embraces.

Nicky.

Nicholas's letter:

19 June, 1915.

MY DARLING SUNNY,

I beg your pardon for sending you an empty cascara bottle, but I require some more. I am putting my candle end into it — give it to Alexey for his collection. How grateful I am to you for your dear sweet letters, for all your devotion and love for me! They give me strength. I embrace you closely, beloved mine! It is too hot to write on such a subject. I am glad that you have seen the old man. Has he reassured you?

I am sending you a minute photograph which Djounk. took here last time. I have decided to leave here on Tuesday, and with God's help we shall see each other at last.

The Guards and other units are at present being transferred to the side of Kholm and Lyublin, as the Germans are pressing us in that direction. That is why I am sitting here till the concentration [of troops] is accomplished. I am quite well again; I merely had a shooting pain in the left side at the bottom of the spine, which hurt me in my efforts to take a deep breath; it was especially painful at night, but now it has quite gone. Owing to the heat, we are going for long drives in the car, but walk very little. We have chosen new roads, and are driving about the neighbouring country with the aid of a map. Mistakes often occur, as the maps are obsolete, having been made 18 years ago; new roads have been made, new villages built, some forests have disappeared, all of which differs [from] the map. Sometimes the horses with the carts which we meet begin to bolt — then we send the chauffeurs to the rescue. On Monday I hope to go to Beloveje.

It is well that you have seen Shcherbatov; try now to see Polivanov, and be frank with him. Well, it is time to dispatch the courier. God bless you, my Wify, my treasure! I kiss you and the children fondly.

Ever your hubby

Give her my greetings.

Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of tashusik2 on Flickr.

Note: S = Samarin, who was coming for an interview in connection with his appointment to the Holy Synod.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated June 18 and 19, 1915

Source:

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=154&skin=2021

The letter:

No. 90.

Tsarskoje Selo, June 18-th 1915

My own Darling,

Real summer weather very hot in the daytime, & in the evening delicious; I hope tomorrow the lamps will be ready, then we can sit out longer, if not eaten up by gnats. The girls motored after dinner, before that they went to see Tatiana. — Dear old Goremykin sat for an hour with me & I think we touched many questions.

God grant him life! — I asked about Polivanov, he said when one proposed him for Varsovie, Nikolasha made an awful grimace & now at once proposed him, & when Goremykin asked him why he mentions his name now, he answered that he had changed his opinion. He told me what Samarin said to him & what he hadn't written to you, I told him my opinion about him & Stcheglovitov & then he pleasantly surprised me by saying that you had told him yr. intention to change him — he thinks Khvostov will be a good choice. — He sees & understands all so clearly, that its a pleasure speaking to him — we spoke about the question of the Germans & Jews & the wrong way all had been managed & orders given by generals & Nikolasha. The way they have treated Ekesparre for instance. — I wish others had his sound mind. — Am very tired, so will end & try to sleep. God bless yr. slumber. —

19-th. Goodmorning my Treasure. Lovely weather again, such a Godsend after the late summer & much rain. The "Enginaer Mechanic" has come to me, & I should like to send him flying. — I wonder what news from the war, one hears so little. Our steady retreat will in the long run make the line very long & complicated for them & that be our gain, I hope. How about Varsovie? The hospitals are being emptied out & even some quite evacuated — is that only as an extreme precaution, because surely in months one has had time to well fortify the town; they seem to be rebeginning their autumn move, only now they will bring their very best troops & it will be easier, as they know the coming in upon them — & may they once more save Varsovie. All lies in God's hands — & as long as we can drag on till sufficient amunition comes & then fall upon them with full force. Only the perpetual great losses make the heart very heavy — they goe as martyrs straight to their heavenly home, its true, but still its ever so hard. —

Pay attention to Baby's signature in his letter — its his own invention & it seems his mood at his lesson this morning was somewhat wild, & he only got 3. — The girls have some of their lessons on the balkony. — Benkendorf suddenly had a fainting fit in town & hurt himself when he fell — they say it may be fr. his stomach, but I fear worse things — we shall see what the Drs. say this morning. It would be a loss, as he is far more worth than Valia — & one of the old style still wh. now, alas, no longer exist. —

I have an immense bunch of jasmin standing near me on the balkony — Mme Viltchkovsky picked it in the hospital garden. —

Goodbye Sweetheart, my light, my joy. I bless, & kiss you incessantly with deepest love.

Ever yr. very own

Wify.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra with Alexei.