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