Alexandra's second letter to Nicholas, dated August 28, 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=177&skin=2021

The letter:

No. 105.

Tsarskoje Selo, August 28-th 1915

Beloved One,

I just saw the old man, he must see you, so will leave to-morrow. He has thought about a minister of the Interior, he finds no one except perhaps Neidhardt & I think he would not be bad (Papa Taneiev mentioned him too) — of Tatiana's committee, he is a splendid worker, has shown it now, most clear-headed energetic — that he is snob, cant be helped, his "grandness" may be effective towards the Duma — then you know him well, can speak as you like with him, you need not se gêner with him — hope he is only not in the Dzhunk.-Drent. set. I think he wld. hold the other ministers in hand & thus help the old man. He finds it almost impossible to work with the ministers who wont agree with him, but also finds like us, that now he ought not to be sent away because they wish it — & once one gives in they will become worse — if you wish, them of your own accord a little later. You are Autocrat & they dare not forget it. He says alright shutting Duma, but Sunday holiday, so better Tuesday, he sees you before. Fiends ministers, worse than Duma. Infections about censure — one allows rot to be printed, also says "canards" about the 2 attempts against Nikolasha. Finds Schtcherbatov is impossible to keep, better quick to change him. I think Neidhardt would be possible to trust — his rather german name I dont think would matter, as one praises him everywhere about Tatianas committee. Cons. de l'Emp. can finish the question about refugees. Will do dear old Goremyk. good to see you — he is such a dear. Just back fr. confession in Common — most emotioning, touching & all prayed so, so hard for you — Must quickly send this off. Blessings kisses without end — pray incessantly for you — such a joy in one's soul all these days — one feels God near you my Sweetheart. Ever Y. very own

Sunny.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev on Flickr.

Note: se gêner = to embarrass oneself.