Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated October 6, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram and letter, dated October 6, 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=241&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/october15.html

The letter:

No. 135.
Tsarskoje Selo, Oct. 6-th 1915
My own beloved Treasure,
A cold foggy morning. Have read through the papers, thank God, the news continues being good. I was glad to see, that one already speaks of changing the stamp money, thats good. — P-ss Gedroitz is happily better, the temperature less high. —

We have just returned from town. The school is really charming — 4 stories high so I was carried up, the lift not being ready; a part of the necessary things are at Archangelsk. — Really the girls have made wonderful progress.

I went through all their work-rooms weaving, carpets, embroidery, paintings, where they prepare the dyes and dye the silk threads and stuffs they make out of blackberry. — Our priest officiated the Te Deum. Bark, Khvostov, Volzhin and Krivoshein etc. were there, the later offered us 24,000 Rubles for keeping up the school one year. — Then we took tea at Elagin, — she looks well and thinks of going for a tiny visit to Kiev to see Olga whilst Xenia is away, wh. I find an excellent idea. — In the morning, I had much to do in the hospital. — Sweety, why did Dzhunkovsky receive the "Preobrasentsi" and "Semenovtsi" — too much honour after his vile behaviour — it spoils the effect of the punishment — he ought to have got army regiments. He has been continuing horrors against our Friend now amongst the nobility — the tail brings me the proofs to-morrow — ah no, thats far too kind already to have given him such a splendid nomination — can imagine the filth he will spread in those two regiments and all will believe him. — I am sending you a very fat letter from the Cow, the lovesick creature could not wait any longer, she must pour out her love otherwise she bursts. My back aches and I feel very tired and long for my own sweet One. One keeps up alright, but there are moments when it is very difficult. — When sanitary trains pass do you sometimes have a look to them? Have you gone over the house, where all the small people of your staff work, take Baby with you and that will be a thanks to them for their hard work and serve as an encouragement; have the different officers of yr. staff been invited to lunch on Sundays? — Has the English Admiral arrived yet? — There is so much to do, people to see etc. that I feel mighty tired and fill myself with medicins. How is your health my Beloved? — Are no troops for you to see near Orsha? or Vitebsk? An afternoon you might give up to that? — You think me a bore but I long for you to see more troops and I am sure young soldiers pass by on their way to fill up regiments — they might march pass you at the station and they will be happy. You know our people often have the false idea of not telling you, as it might prevent your habitual drive as tho' one could not often combine all quite well. — What does Paul do of an evening? And what have you settled about Dmitri? — Oh Deary, how I long for you yearn after you both its horrible how I miss you. But I am sure, all seems different now the little man is with you. Go and have the regiment drill before you and let Baby see it too it will be a nice remembrance for you both my sunshine and sunbeam. The letter must leave. — Good bye my very own Huzy heart of my heart, soul of my life — I clasp you tight in my arms and kiss you with ever such great tenderness, gentleness and devotion. God bless and protect you and keep you from all harm. A thousand kisses fr. yr. own old
Wify.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 6 October, 1915.
My heartfelt thanks to you for your dear letter and to our Friend for his greetings. In thought I am always with you. We have both been very busy, replying to telegrams and thanking for congratulations. The weather is good, somewhat calmer. The new is good. Both kiss you fondly.
NICKY.

Nicholas's letter:

Mogilev. 6 October, 1915.
MY PRECIOUS LITTLE BIRD,
My warmest thanks for your loving letter; I am in despair at not having written once since we left, but really I am occupied here every minute from 2.30 to 6. And the Little One's presence takes up part of my time too, for which, of course I am not sorry. His company gives light and life to all of us, including the foreigners.

It is very cosy sleeping side by side. I say prayers with him every night since the time when we were on the train; he says his prayers too fast, and it is difficult to stop him. He was tremendously pleased with the review; he followed me, and stood the whole time while the troops were marching past, which was splendid. I shall never forget this review. The weather was excellent and the general impression astounding.

Life here goes on as usual. Alexey lunched in his room with Mr. Gilliard only on the first day, and after that he begged hard to be allowed to lunch with all of us. He sits on my left hand and behaves well, but sometimes he becomes inordinately gay and noisy, especially when I am talking with the others in the drawing-room. In any case, it is pleasant for them, and makes them smile.
Before the evening, we go out in a car (in the morning he plays in the garden), either into the wood or on the bank of the river, where we light a fire and I walk about near by.

I am surprised at the amount he is able, and wishes, to walk, without complaining of being tired! He sleeps well, as I do too, in spite of the bright light of his lampadka. He wakes up early in the mornings, between 7-8, sits up in bed and begins to talk quietly to me. I answer him drowsily, he settles down and lies quiet — until I am called.

Paul is very charming and modest; we have had some delightful talks. He knows about his wife's letter and is displeased with it.
God bless you, my Sunny, my beloved Wify! I kiss you and the girls tenderly. A. as well.
Always yours
NICKY.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra with Alexei. Photo courtesy of lastromanovs on VK.

Above: Alexei with Pierre Gilliard.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

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

lampadka (лампадка) = ikon lamp.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 20, 1915, and Nicholas's telegrams, dated September 19 and 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=232&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/september15.html

The letter:

No. 128.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 20-th 1915
My own beloved Darling,
I read the papers this morning with much interest — the promised explanation of our position at the war, clearly put & the work of a month that you are there keeping the enemy at bay. —

A grey, rainy morning again but not cold. — This afternoon we have a Te Deum in the red cross & then I give the diplomas to the ladies who have finished their courses as nurses & received the red cross. We are always in need of nurses, many get tired, ill, or wish to go out to the front positions to receive medals. The work here is monotonous and continual — out there, there is more excitement, constant change, even danger, uncertainty & not always much work to be done; certainly it is far more tempting. One of our Trepov's daughters worked nearly a year in our Invalid's hospital — but after her Mother's death she always felt restless, so off she went — & has already received the medal on the St. George's ribbon. — I send you a letter from Bulatovitch he sent you through Ania & a summary of her talk with Beletzky — that does indeed seem a man who could be most useful to the minister of the Interior, as he knows everything — Dzhunkovsky eat him out; just when one needs to have all the threads in hand. He says everywhere one complains of Stcherbatov's inactivity & not understanding of his work & duties. Has very bad opinion of fat Orlov & feels sure that my long lost letter from the Standart in C.(rimea) to Ania in the country is in Orlov's hands. Says Dzhunkovsky gave over those filthy papers about our Friend to Maklakov's brother, as they intend bringing up that question in the Duma & papers. — But God grant, if you find Khvostov suitable, he will put a stop to all.

Luckily he is still here & even went to Goremykin to place all his ideas before the old man. Andronnikov gave Ania his word of honour, that nobody shall know, that Khvostov comes to Ania (she sees him in her house, not in the palace) or Beletzky, so that her & my name will remain out of this. — Alas Gadon & Sherv. seem to spread very many bad things about Gregory, as Dzhunkovsky's friend of course — & knowing poor Ella's ideas & wishing to help — thus he does mischief — before others' eyes sets Elagin against Tsarskoje Selo & that is bad & wrong — & its he who ennervates Xenia & Motherdear, instead of keeping them up bravely & squashing gossip.

It was with deepest joy that I received your precious, tender letter — your warm words did my yearning heart good. Yes, my treasure, separation draws one yet closer together — one feels so greatly what one misses — & letters are a great consolation. Indeed he foretold most accurately the length of time you would remain out there. Still I am sure you long to have more contact with the troops, & I shall be glad for you when you will be able to move a bit. Of course this month was too serious — you had to get into your work & plans with Alexeiev & the time has been such an anxious out there — but now thank God, all seems going satisfactorily.

Tell Grabbe I am delighted with his proposition — Viltchkovsky wanted the new barracks badly & wrote I believe to him & Voyeikov about it — I said I could say nothing until you came. Long ago I had my eye upon it — but discreetly held my tongue — now I can only say I am enchanted — it is near the station — so big & lofty & clean, brand new & we have an red cross station waiting to be placed. Thank him very much from me. — The old man has asked to see me at 6 to-morrow, probably to give over things to you, or to tell about Khvostov's talk. — It will be interesting what he will tell about the sitting at Moghilev. What a beautiful telegram from our Friend & what courage it gives you to act firmly. — Certainly, as soon as Samarin goes, one must clear out the members of the Synod and get others in. Our Friend's wife came, Ania saw her — so sad & says he suffers awfully through calumnies & vile things one writes about him — high time to stop all that — Khvostov & Beletzky are men to do that. — Only one must get the 2 Khvostov to work well together — all must unite. But about Sazonov what do you think, I wonder? I believe, as he is a very good & honest (but obstinate) man, that when he sees a new collection of Ministers who are energetic, he may draw himself up & become once more a man — the atmosphere around him cought hold of him & cretinised him. There are men who become marvels in time of anxiety & great difficulties — & others show a pittiful side of their nature. Sazonov needs a good stimulant — & once he sees things "working well" instead of fomenting & at the same time dropping to pieces — he will feel his backbone grow. I cant believe he is as harmful as Stcherbatov & Samarin or even my friend Krivoshein — what has happened to him? I am bitterly disappointed in him. Lovy, if you have an occasion in the train, speak to N. P. & make him understand, that you are glad to make use of me. He wrote to me once very upset that one mentions my name so much & that Goremykin sees me etc. & he does not understand that its my duty, tho' I am a woman, to help you when & where I can, once you are away, all the more so. Don't say I mentioned it, but bring the conversation onto that topic à deux. He has a cousin's husband in the Duma & perhaps he sometimes tries not rightly to tell him things or influence him. He told Axel Pistolkors that I give officers Gregory prayer belts — such rot, one loves those belts with different prayers & I give them to every officer that leaves to the war fr. here — & two whom I never saw begged for them fr. me with a prayer to Father Seraphim. — One told me that those soldiers that wore them in the last war were not killed.

I see N. P. so rarely to talk to longer, & he is so young & I always lead him all these years — & now he suddenly comes into quite a new life — sees what hard times we are going through & trembles for us. He longs to help & of course does not know how to. I fear Petrograd will fill his ears with horrors — please tell him not to heed what one says, because it can make one wild — & nasty ones drag my name about a good deal. —

We were in Church this morning, later drove & after the red Cross called on Silaiev. — His wife is so like her son Raftopulo, too amusing — their little Children are sweet. Now our 5 Chicks are at Ania's in the big palace, playing with Rita Khitrovo & Irina Tolstaya. —

What intense joy — on three days, God grant, we shall have you back again — its too beautiful. My love, my joy, I await you with such eagerness.

Goodbye, Sweetheart, I bless & kiss you without end with deep & true devotion, better, better every day. Sleep well, agooweeone. — I shall still write to-morrow, if a man goes to meet you, as may have something to tell after my talk with Goremykin.
Ever, precious Nicky mine, yr. own, tenderly loving old wife
Alix.

Nicholas's telegrams:

Telegram. Stavka. 19 September, 1915.
Thanks for dear letter. I remember Khvost. I should like to see him on Wednesday at 6 o'clock; could you not tell him? ...

—

Telegram. Stavka. 20 September, 1915.
Warmest thanks for dear letter and two telegrams. I have given your greetings to Grabbe. Amazing, heavenly weather; for the last three days 16. deg. in the shade. Have had a delightful trip on the river, rowing with my gentlemen, in three boats. I kiss you and the children tenderly.
NICKY.

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

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

Rasputin's wife was Praskovia Dubrovina.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 17, 1915, and Nicholas's letter and telegram, dated September 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=222&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/september15.html

The letter:

No. 125.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 17-th 1915
My very own beloved Darling,
It was with a feeling of intense relief, that I got your dear telegram telling me that the committee went off alright & that you strongly told them your opinion into their faces. God recompense you for this my treasure. You cannot imagine how hard it is not being with you, near you at such times, not knowing what is being discussed, hearing such horrors here.

Deary, Khvostov came to Ania again & entreated to see me, so I shall to-day. From all he told her one sees he thoroughly understands the situation & that with skill & cleverness, he thinks, one can manage to set all to rights. He knows that his Uncle & Goremykin are against him, i. e. they are afraid of him as he is very energetic. But he is above all devoted to you & therefore offers his services to you, to try him & see whether he cannot help. He esteems the old man very much & would not go against him. Once already now he stopped the question in the Duma about our Friend in time — now they intend bringing it up as one of the first questions. Samarin & Stcherbatov spread so much about Gregory & Stcherbatov showed your telegrams, our Friends & Varnava's to heaps of people — fancy the hideousness (about John Maximovitch) of such an act — private telegrams — this Khvostov told — & Varnava too, how did they dare take the telegrams, when the people at the telegr. office have to take oaths — consequently it came through Dzhunkovsky before, the governor, Stcherbatov & Samarin (just as Varnava already told me) — he will put a stop to this, knows all the parties in the Duma & will know how to talk to them. He proposes his Uncle (Minister of Justice) instead of Samarin being a very religious man & knowing much about the Church, & in his place Senator Krasheninnikov, whom you have sent to Moscou to investigate things & they say everybody praises him highly. Now that Gregory advises Khvostov I feel its right & therefore I will see him. He got an awful shock as in the evening papers one said Krizhanovsky (is that the name) had left for the Headquarters, he is a very bad man & you very much always disliked him & I told the old Man so — God forbid him having advised him again.

Did you look through Khvostov book? only as soon as you can come & quickly make the changes, they will go on working against our Friend & that is a great evil. He will not play fast & loose with the press like Stcherbatov but watch it & stop whenever necessary wrong articles. Its madning not to know what you think, what you are deciding — its a cross going through this anguish fr. far — & perhaps you are making no changes until you return & I am uselessly worrying. Only wire a word to quieten me. If no ministers yet changed — simply wire "no changes yet", & if you are thinking about Khvostov say "I remember the tail" & if not "dont need the tail", but God grant you will think well of him — therefore I receive him as he begs for it quicker — why he believes in my wisdom & help I don't know, it only shows he wishes to serve you & yr. dynasty against those brigands & screamers. — Oh my Love, how dear you are to me, how infinitely do I long to help you & be of real use — I do so pray to God always to make me be yr. Guardian Angel & helper in everything — some look at me as that now — & others cannot find nasty enough things to say about me. Some are afraid I am meddling in state affairs (the ministers) & others look upon me as the one to help as you are not here (Andronnikov, Khvostov, Varnava & some others) that shows who is devoted to you in the real sense of the word — they will seek me out & the others will avoid me — is it not true, Sweetheart?

Do read the 36-th Psalm, it is so lovely & strengthening & consoling. — Ah me loves Zoo so, so, so much & so passionately.

Only 6 degrees, but such a glorious, sunny morning — a real gift of Gods. — Slept midling, got off only after 3, sad thoughts haunted me. — Why was Kaluga chosen, so far to the south? Do you pass by Pskov coming here, so as to see Russky & perhaps some troops?

How disgusting that Gutchkov, Riabushinsky, Weinstein (a real Jew for sure) Laptev, Zhunkovsky have been chosen into the Council of the Empire by all those brutes. Indeed one will have nice work with them. Khvostov hopes that in 2, 3 months one can put all into order with cleverness & decision.

Ah, if he could but be the one to do it, even if the old man is against him — from fright. One can be sure he will act carefully, & once he intends standing up for our Friend, God will bless his work & his devotion to you — the others Samarin & Stcherbatov sell us simply — cowards!

I see also Prince Tumanov instead of Frolov will be here — thats surely a good choice. Keep always an eye on Polivanov, please.

The painter Makovsky has had a horrible accident, his horse bolted & flew into a tram — he lies in a hospital with concussion of the brain & a cut on his head. — Now I must quickly get up & dress for the service of old Arseniev.

Mass begins at 10, so we shall go at 11 — I take Olga & Tatiana too. — Well. Sweetie, I have talked with "the tail" for an hour & am full of the best impressions. I was honestly, rather anxious, as A. is sometimes carried off for a person — but we talked over every possible subject & I came to the conclusion, that to work with such a man would be a pleasure. Such a clear head, understanding so perfectly the gravity of the situation, & understanding how one must fight against it. That is much, as here one criticises & rarely proposes antedotes. He is also of course horrified that Gutchkov & Riabushinsky have got into the Council of the Empire — it is indeed a scandle — & one knows Gutchkov's work is against the dynasty, I wish you could get him for a good talk. — Entre autre he told me, that Stcherbatov shows about all yr. telegr. & our Friends to whomsoever he wishes — many are disgusted & others enchanted. What right has he to potter in his E.'s private affairs & have the telegraphs shown him? How do I know if he wont watch ours to, after that you can, alas, never more call him a gentleman or honest. Krivoshein is too well acquainted with Gutchkov being married to a lady fr. Moscou (also of the merchant families & that makes one). — I have so much in my head, that I don't know what to begin with nor what to tell. —

In any case he finds you must quicker change the ministers, above all Stcherbatov & Samarin as the old man cannot stand with them opposite to the Duma. Now, having spoken with him — I can honestly advise you to take him without any fear. He talks well & does not hide this fact, wh. is a plus, as one needs people to speak easily & be ready with a word to answer back at once & to the point. He could fight that duel with Gutchkov & God would bless him, I think. Of course he had too much tact & was too clever to hint about himself — he only thanked me many times for having allowed him to pour out all that was on his soul, as he puts his hope & trust on me to help for the good cause for you & Baby & Russia. All is in Moscou & Petrograd wh. is bad — but, the government must look ahead & prepare for after the war & this question he finds one of the most serious. And if he stands in the Duma, he must for his country's sake say all this things & then unwillingly again he will show up the weakness & not thinking beforehand (what abominable English) of the Government. When the war is over, all those 1000 of men working in fabrics for the army will sit without work & of course be a discontented lot to do with — therefore already now that must all be thought of, all the places, fabrics written down, the quantity of working hands etc. & be settled what one will give them then to do, not to leave them in the street — & that will take long to prepare & think out & is of greatest gravity wh. of course is absolutely true. Then will be so many discontented elements, now they have money, then the troops return, the men to the villages, many ill & maimed, many whose patriotism & spirit now keep them up, will then be lowspirited & dissatisfied & act badly on the workmen, therefore it is of them one must think — & one sees he would do it. Wonderfully clever, does not matter if he is a bit selfsure, its not offensively noticed — only an energetic devoted man, who yearns to help you & his country. Then the preparations beforehand for the elections into the Duma (later) — the bad prepare, & so must the good "canvas", as one says in England. — He says Mme Stolypin is trying hard for Tatiana's Neidhardt, hoping to play a part again herself — but he finds him quite incapable. You would enjoy working with this man & you would not have to be keeping him up, pushing him on — with you here or there, one feels he wld. work just as honestly. He got safely through in his governments during the revolution (& shot at). It seems it was he who asked to have the relics of Paul Obnorsky arranged, I had quite forgotten. — He says the old man is afraid of him because he is old & cannot bend into new ideas (as you yourself told me) & does not realise that one cannot do without new things & must count with them & cannot ignor them. The Duma exist — there is nothing to be done, & with such a hard worker, the old man would get on alright. — Excellent you did not see Rodzianko, at once their noses went down — you shut the Duma wh. they thought you wld. not dare to — all quite right. Now you dont, thank God, receive the Moscou deputation, all the better — again they intend asking, & don't you give in, else it looks as tho' you acknowledge their existence (whatever you may even say to them). That you went to the war was splendid, & he is horrified that people dared be so blind & unpatriotic & frightened as to be against it. Sees the way how to act with the press, & not as Stcherbatov has been playing with it. —

Now I must end, Lovy, its 7 o'clock — I have written all this in half an hour so excuse atrocious writing.

Really, my Treasure, I think he is the man & our Fr. hinted to A. in his wire; — I am always careful in my choice — but I have not the feeling wh. I had to Stcherbatov when he came to me. And he understands one must watch Polivanov since Gutchkov has got into the Council of the Empire, is not oversure of him. He sees & thinks like us — he did nearly all the talking. — Try him now, because Stcherbatov must leave, a man who openly shows about your telegrams & Gregory's wh. he has kidnapped & Samarin too — are utterly unworthy ministers & no better than Makarov who showed my letter to our Friend, to others too — & Stcherbatov is a rag & stupid. — If the old man grumbles — does not matter — wait & see how he proves himself to be, worse than Stcherbatov he cannot be, but I think 1000 time better, God grant, that I am not mistaken & I honestly believe I am not. I prayed before seeing him, as was rather frightened of the talk. Looks one straight into the eyes. —

I drove with my 5 girls to Pavlovsk, glorious weather.

Were 1½ hour in Church, Nadinka held herself well. — Petia hopes still to see you here, then must go South for his lungs. —

Blessings & kisses without end. Khvostov has refreshed me, my spirit was not down, but I yearned to see a "man" at last — & here I saw & heard him. And you together would keep each other going. —

I bless you my Angel, God bless you & the holy Virgin.
Cover you with longing, loving, tender kisses,
Ever, huzy mine, yr. very own old
Sunny.

Nobody is any the wiser I saw him. —

Anastasia intensely proud & happy with yr. letter. —

Bow to Fredericks & N. P.

Love to Misha & Dimitri.

Nicholas's letter:

Mogilev. 17 September, 1915.
MY BELOVED SUNNY,
The courier leaves before the evening, at such an hour that I never have any time to write quietly. Misha often sits with me, and I lose my free time, and in the evening I am obliged to rummage through my papers. Praise be to God, things go well with us, and our wonderful troops are pushing forward between Dvinsk and another place at Sventzy. It gives me an opportunity for coming home for a week — I hope to arrive on Wednesday morning! That will be a happy day! Alexeiev hopes that perhaps there will now be no necessity to move the Stavka, and that is a good thing, especially from the moral point of view. Yesterday's sitting has clearly shown me that the Ministers do not wish to work with old Gor., in spite of the stern words which I addressed to them; therefore, on my return, some changes must take place.

It is a pity that I have no time to answer all your questions. God bless you, my dear precious Wify; I think incessantly of our meeting. I kiss you and all the children fondly and remain
Ever your old
NICKY.

Misha thanks you and sends his greetings.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 17 September, 1915.
Sincerest thanks for your dear letter, and for Marie's and Anastasia's letters. Misha has gone home, but will come again. I have written to-day. I hope that you are well. Charming weather. The news is still good. I kiss all fondly.
NICKY.

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

Above: Olga and Tatiana accepting donations.

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

"Weinstein (a real Jew for sure)" = Anti-Semitism was rampant in the Russian Empire, it was wrong then and it is wrong now.

entre autre = among other things.

sitting = conference.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 16, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram, dated September 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=219&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/september15.html

The letter:

No. 124.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 16 th 1915
My very own beloved Darling,
Ever such tender kisses and thanks for your treasure of a letter. Ah, how I love to hear fr. you, over and over I reread your letters and kiss them. Shall we really soon have you here — it seems to be too good to be true. It will then be four weeks we are separated — a rare thing in our lives, we have been such lucky creatures and therefore one feels the parting all the more. And now when times are so very hard and trying, I long quite particularly to be near you with my love and tenderness, to give you cheer and courage and to keep you up to being decided and energetic. — God help you my beloved One, to find the right issue to all the difficult questions — this is my constant earnest prayer. But I fully believe in our Friend's words that the glory of your reign is coming, ever since you stuck to your decision, against everybody's wish — and we see the good result. Continue thus, full of energy and wisdom, feeling more sure of yourself and heeding less to the advice of others. Voyeikov did not rise in my opinion this summer, I thought him cleverer and less frightened. He has never been my weakness, but I appreciate his practical brain for simple affairs and orderliness. But he is too selfsure and that has always aggravated me and his mother in law. All this must have been a good lesson to him, lets hope. Only he sticks too much to Stcherbatov, who is a null — tho' he may be a nice man — but I fear that he and Samarin are one. — Heart and soul I shall be praying for you — may the committee go off well — they made me mad last time, and when I looked through the window I did not like their faces and I blessed you over and over again from far. God give you force, wisdom and power to impress them, and to make them realise how badly they have fulfilled your orders these three weeks. You are the master — and not Gutchkov, Stcherbatov, Krivoshein, Nikolai III (as some dare call Nikolasha) Rodzianko, Savorin — they are nothing and you are all, anointed by God. —

I am too happy that Misha is with you, thats why I had to write to him — your very own brother, its just his place, and the longer he stops with you, away from her bad influence the better it is and you will get him to see things with your eyes. Do speak often about Olga, when you are out together, don't let him think badly of her. As you have much to do, tell him simply to write for you to her to tell her what you are doing — that may break the ice between them. Say it naturally, as tho' you never imagined it could be otherwise. I hope he is at last nice with good Mordvinov and does not cut that devoted, loving soul who tenderly loves him.

I do so wonder what the English wrote after you took over the command, I see no Engl. papers, so have no idea. They and the French really seem continuing to push forwards; thank goodness, that they at last could begin and let us hope it will draw some troops away from our side. After all its colossal what the Germans have to do, and one cannot but admire how well and systematically all is operated — did our "mashene" work as well as theirs wh. is of long training and preparation and had we the same amount of railways, war would for sure already have been over. Our Generals are not well enough prepared — tho' many were at the Japanese war, and the Germans have had no war since ages. How much there is to learn from them, wh. is good and necessary for our nation and other things one can turn away from with horror. There was little news in the papers, and you wired last night that the news was good, so that means that we are firmly keeping them at bay. — There are 9 degr. this morning, and it is grey and rainy, not inviting weather. —

Little Nadinka Arseniev is coming to me this morning — poor girl, she was so touched by my letter and yr. sympathy I expressed them all, that she begged me to see her, as none had written so kindly. Poor, foolish child, what will become of her and her brother with all their old nurses and governesses. Her Father was everything to her in life. —

All my thoughts are with you, Sweetheart and those odious Ministers, whose opposition makes me rage — God help you to impress them with yr. firmness and knowledge of the situation and yr. great disapprouval of their behaviour — wh. at such a moment is nothing else but treacherous. But personally I think you will be obliged to change Stcherbatov, Samarin probably longnosed Sazonov and Krivoshein too — they wont change and you cannot keep such types to fight against a new Duma.

How one is tired of all these questions — the war is quite enough and all the misery it has brought and now one must think and work to set all to rights and see that nothing is wanted for the troops, wounded, cripples, families, and refugees. — I shall anxiously await a telegram fr. you, tho' you wont be able to put much in it. —

I am glad my long letters don't bore you and that you feel cosy reading them. I cannot talk with you on paper at least, otherwise it would be too hard, this separation and all the rest wh. worries one. —

Gregory telegraphed that Suslik shld. return and then made us understand that Khvostov wld. be good. You remember, he went once to see him (I think by yr. wish) to N. Novgorod. — I do so long for at last things to go smoother and let you feel you can quite give yourself up to the war and its interests. — How do you think about what I wrote of Ivanov as aid, so as that Alexeiev wont carry all the responsibility when you are off and on away, here or inspecting the troops, wh. I do wish you could soon do — en passant, without preparation by motor fr. a bigger place — nobody will watch 2 motors or 3 even and you could rejoice yr. heart and theirs. — Xenia and Sandro lunch, Aunt Sasha comes to tea and then, I think, I must go for the carrying out of the body of Arseniev as thats not long and then to-morrow to the funeral at Znamenia.

I am so glad the flowers arrive fresh — they cheer up the room and they come out of my vases with all my love and tenderness. — I wonder, whether you asked Stcherbatov what he meant by telling you that nothing wld. be printed in the papers about the speeches at Moscou, when they wrote whatsoever they wished. Coward that he is! —

I am choosing photos. I made, so as to have an album printed for Xmas (like A. Alex's) for charity, and I think it will sell well, as the small albums with my photos sold at once here this summer — and in the Crimea. —

Went for a drive to Pavlovsk with Anastasia, Marie and Ania, — the weather was lovely, the sun shone and all glittered like gold, a real treat such weather. At first I placed candles before the Virgin's Image, and St. Nicolas at Znamenia and prayed fervently for you. Church was being cleaned up, palms being stood and blue carpets arranged for poor Arseniev. Aunt Sasha took tea and chattered a lot and abused nobody, I could not keep her long as wanted to go with Olga to the funeral procession — of course because of the old woman we were late and they were just carrying him out, so we followed with Nadinka till the street and he was put on the funeral car and then we came home, as I go to-morrow to the funeral. Stepanov, — Ella had sent, — Skariatin, her old brother was there, Balashov; the 2 sons, Benkendorf, Putiatin, Nebolsin and 2 officers of the Naval corps. — Nadinka had been with me in the morning — talked a lot and did not cry, very caressing and grateful. She begs you whether she might remain on living in the little house with her poor brother, as they lived there so long with the Parents and their graves are at Tsarskoje. — Perhaps one might for the present at least, don't you think so? Ella wrote and wishes me to give over how much she thinks of you and with what love and constant prayers. I send you a paper of hers wh. read through and find out the truth about it, please — Voyeikov can do that, or still better from your new staff. — I don't need the paper again. —

How one longs to fly away together and forget all — one gets at times so weary — my spirit is good but so disgusted with all one says. I fear Gadon is playing a bad part at Elagin, because one says the conversations there against our Friend are awfull — old Mme Orlov had heard this — she knows ladies who go there. When you see poor Motherdear, you must rather sharply tell her how pained you are, that she listens to slander and does not stop it, as it makes mischief, and others wld. be delighted, I am sure, to put her against me — people are so mean. — How I wish Misha could be a help in that. — Precious one we met some of the Cosacks riding at Pavlovsk and I loved them not only for themselves, but because they had seen and guarded you and been in battle. —

Beloved, I must end. God Almighty bless and protect, guard and guide you now and ever.
I kiss you with endless tenderness and fathomless love, ever yr. very own
Sunny.

Xenia looks better, they told nothing interesting.

So anxious how all went off.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 16 September, 1915.
Thanks for good wishes. The conference passed off well.

I told them my opinion sternly to their faces. I am sorry that I had no time to write. Lovely weather. The news is much better. I love you and kiss you fondly.
NICKY.

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

Above: Maria and Anastasia.

Above: Anna Vyrubova.

Above: Olga.

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

en passant = in passing.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 11, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram, dated September 11, 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=207&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/september15.html

The letter:

No. 119.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 11-th 1915
My own beloved Darling,
It was so grey, that I felt quite sad, but now the sun is trying to pierce its way through the clouds. The colouring of the trees is so lovely now, many have turned yellow, red & copper. Sad to think summer is over & endless winter awaits us soon. It was strange to see the beloved sea, but so dirty — pain filled my heart when I saw the Alexandrie from far & remembered with what joy we always saw her, knowing that she was the means for taking us to our beloved "Standart" & fiords! Now all but a dream. What are the Bulgarians up to, why is Sazonov such a pancake? It seems to me that the people want to side with us & only the Minister & rotten Ferdinand mobilize to join the other countrys so as to squash Servia & throw themselves greedily upon Greece. Get rid of our Minister at Buccarest & the Rumaniens cld. be got to march with us, I am sure. — Is it true that they intend sending Gutchkov & some others from Moscou, as a deputation to you? A strong railwayaccident in wh. he alone wld. suffer wld. be a real punishment fr. God & well deserved, they go too far, & that fool Stcherbatov gained nothing by only blotching out parts of what they said — indeed a rotten governement — wh. wont work with, but against its leader. — I am remaining in bed till luncheon, the motordrive shook me too much & I am tired from seeing i. e. visiting hospitals three days running. — Do so much wonder when you will be able to return & for how many days — how you have arranged with Alexeiev, when you leave? — The old man has asked to see me this evening, & as I know he must see you, I have already wired to you. He finds it absolutely indispensible Sazonov should at once leave, he told it to Andronnikov — another man they propose is Makarov, but that won't do, as he did not show himself at all well in the story of Hermogen. Now another is the editor of the "Government Bulletin" Marshal of the Horse, Prince Urussov an other man, very loyal to you, religious (made our Friend's acquaintance) — that would be best I think & at once. I write all this for you to have it clearly in yr. head — now I suppose he may bring yet candidates. The story of Varnava is going too far — he did not go again to the Synod, because he will not hear yr. orders mocked at — the Metropolitan calls yr. telegram "foolish telegram" — such impertinence cannot be borne — you must set yr. broom working & clear out the dirts that has accumulated at the Synod. — All this row about Varnava is only so as to drag our Friend's name into the Duma. When Samarin accepted this place he told his set at Moscou that he takes it only because he intends to get rid of Gregory & that he will do all in his power to succeed. — One betted in the Duma, that they would prevent you fr. going to the war. — you did go — they said nobody dare close the Duma — you did — now they have betted that you cannot send Samarin away — & you will. The Bishops too, that sat there & mocked at yr. orders — you have not had time no doubt to read the articles about the accusations against Varnava at the Synod about the worship. You show yourself the master. We cleared S. I. out & her friends shall flie too & with this ridiculous, unloyal, mad idea of saving Russia. Lots of grand words. Goremykin must tell him, that you chose him believing him to be a man, who would work for you & the Church & he has turned out a spy upon the doings & telegr.: of Varnava & Gregory & has posed as an accusing advocate & persecutor — & doubter of your wishes & orders. You are the head & protector of the Church & he tries to undermine you in the eyes of the Church. At once my Love, clear him out & Stcherbatov too. This night he sent out a circular to all the papers, that they may print anything they like against the Governement (your governement) — how dare he — only not against you. But they do all in a hidden way, des sousentendu — and he plays fast & loose a very fool indeed. — Please take Khvostov in his place. Did you look through his book? He wants very much to see me, looks upon me as the one to save the situation whilst you are away (told it Andronnikov) & wants to pour out his heart to me & tell me all his ideas. — He is very energetic, fears no one & is colossaly devoted to you, wh. is the chief thing now a days. — His gaffes, one can warn him against making them — he knows the Duma people well, will not allow them to attack one, he knows how to speak; please Sweetheart seriously think of him, he is not such a coward & rag as Stcherbatov. The Government must be set to right & the old man needs good, devoted & energetic men to help him in his old age; he cannot go on like this.

You must tell him all, ask everything — he is too discreet & generally waits to be asked & then says his impressions or what he knows. Keep him up, show him you need & trust him & will give him new workers — & God will bless the work. — Take a slip of paper & note down what to talk over, last time you forgot about Khvostov, & then let the old man have it as a help to remember all questions. — 1) Samarin, 2) Stcherbatov-Synod, 3) Sazonov, 4) Krivoshein who is an underhand enemy & false to the old man the whole time. — 5) How to let the Barons know that it was a great untruth Nikolasha told them, that he got the orders from Tsarskoje to persecute the Barons — that must be cleared up cleverly, delicately. — The old man begs always you should hasten & be decisive; when you give him categoric answers or orders to fulfil its far easier for him & they are forced to listen. — I do bother you, poor wee one, but they come to me & I cant do otherwise for your sake, Baby's & Russias. Being out there, your mind can see all clearly & calmly — I am too calm & firm, only when changes must be made to save further horrors & filth, as that at the Synod headed by the soi disant "gentleman" Samarin — then I get wild & beg you to hasten. He dare not treat your words like dust, none of the Ministers dare behave as they do after the way you spoke to them. I told you Samarin is stupid insolent fellow — remember how impertinently he behaved to me at Peterhof last summer about the evacuation question & his opinion of Petersburg in comparison to Moscou etc., he had no right to speak to his Empress as he did — had he wished my good, he would have done all in his power for me, to take it as I wished, & he would have guided & helped me & it would have been a big & popular thing — but I felt his antagonism — as S. I.'s friend; & that [is] why he was proposed to you, & not for the Churches good. — I am inconvenient to such times, because I am energetic & stick to my friends wherever they may be. When the Duma closed, in a private sitting there, they said filth about Gregory Ania & her poor father — so loathsome.

Is that devotion, I ask you? Show yr. fist, chastisen, be the master & lord, you are the Autocrat & they dare not forget it, when they do, as now, woe into them. — Over & over let me thank you for your very sweet & dear letter, I was overjoyed to receive it & devoured it up. How glad I am you get lots of nice telegrams. — Thats the proof & your recompense, God will bless you for it, you saved Russia & the throne by that action. — I wish you could have a real good talk with Shavelsky about all that has been & about our Friend — get him to tea à 2. — Ania spoke to him once, but he had his ears filled with horrors & I am sure Nikolasha continued thus. —

Olga thanks Mordvinov for his letter. — I fear Misha will ask for his wife to get a title — she cant — she left two husbands already & he is yr. only Brother, Paul is of no consequence. — Why is Boris still with you, he ought to be back with his regiment, not so? Gregory wrote despairing wires about his son & begged him to be taken into the United Regiment wh. we said was impossible, Ania begged Voyeikov to do something, as he promised to before & he answered he could not. I understand the boy had to be called in, but he might have got him to a train as sanitary or anything — he always had to do with his hous in the country, an only son, its awfully hard of course. One longs to help without harming Father or Son. — What lovely telegrams he wrote again. — I had old Rauchfuss — we have got masses of cribs in these three last months all over Russia for our Society for Mothers & Babies — its a great joy to me to see how all have taken to it so quickly & have realised the gravity of the question, now especially every Baby must be cared for, as the losses are so heavy at the war.

One says the guard has again lost colossally now. —

We drove to Pavlovsk, lovely air & so sunny, the beautiful Cosacks with St. George's Crosses follow one. —

Now I must end, Sunshine my beloved One. I long for you. kiss you without end, hold you tightly clasped in my arms.

God bless you & protect you, give you strength, health, courage, surety of your opinion, wisdom & peace.
Ever Nicky mine yr. very own old Wify
Alice.

The Children's joy over your letters is intense, they are all well, thank God.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 11 September, 1915.
Thanks for dear letters, yours and Tatiana's. Fine and warm. Misha has just arrived, he [...]. To-day I inspected some troops. I am writing. [Kiss] all tenderly. Thank her for the ikon.

It is again [...] looks well.
I kiss you
NICKY

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

Notes: Servia = the old name for Serbia.

Alexandra almost always referred to Grigori Rasputin as "our Friend".

S. I. = Sofia Ivanova Tyutcheva.

des sous-entendu = implications.

soi disant = so-called.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 10, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram, dated September 10, 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=205&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/september15.html

The letter:

No. 118.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 10-th 1915
My own Sweetheart,
Yes, indeed the news is better — I just looked through the papers. What a blessing if the reinforcements from the south can soon get to their destination; one prays and prays. —

The article about Varnava in the papers is untrue, he gave exact answers to all questions and showed yr. telegram about the salutation. Last year the Synod had all the papers about the miracles and Sabler would not have the salutation this summer. Your will and order count, make them feel it. Varnava implores you to hurry with clearing out Samarin as he and Synod are intending to do more horrors and he has to go there again, poor man, to be tortured. Goremykin also finds one must hasten (alas, no list from him yet). One praises the redfaced Prutchenko too — only his brother and wife horrid about our Friend. Goremykin wants quickly to see you, and before any others when you return, but if you dont soon — he wants to go to you, he is ready to scream at the bishops, Varnava said and to send them off. You better send for the old Man. — As one wants a firm Government, instead of the old Man going; clear out the others and get strong ones in. Please, speak seriously about Khvostov as Minister of the Interior to Goremykin am sure he is the man for the moment, as fears nobody and is devoted to you.

Again an ugly thing about Nikolasha I am obliged to tell you. All the Barons sent to the Headquarters a B. Benkern to Nikolasha. He begged in all their names that these persecutions should cease, because they could not bear them any more. Nikolasha answered that he agreed with them, but could do nothing as the orders came from Tsarskoje Selo. Is not this too vile. S. Rebinder of the Artillery told it to Alia — Reutern was astonished to see Suvorin being received by Nikolasha. This must be cleared up, such a lie dare not lie upon you; they must be told that you are just to those that are loyal and never persecute the innocent. A man who wrote against Nikolasha was shut up for 8 months now, there they know how to stop the press, when it touches Nikolasha. — When the prayers for you were being read those 3 fasting days, fr. the Synod, in front of the Kazan Cathedral, 1000 of portraits of Nikolasha were being devided out to the crowds. What does that mean? They had intended quite another game, our Friend read their cards in time, and came to save you by entreating you to clear out Nikolasha and take over the Command yourself. One hears always more and more of their hideous, treacherous game. M. and S. spread horrors about me in Kiev and that I was going to be shut up in a Convent — the married daughter of one of the Trepovs was so hurt when they spoke, that she begged to leave the room. He wrote this to the Css. Schulenburg. Oh Lovy, Ivanov's army (some) heard these rumours — is that not a mean scandal? I see Dzhunkovsky has gone for an unfixed time to the Caucasus — there: "birds of one feather flock together" what new sin are they preparing? They better take care of their skin there. —

We, i. e. Olga, Ressin, Ania and I went to Peterhof — we left her at her Parents and drove on to the local hospital — clean this time and no very heavy wounded — then to the tiny red cross station near the English Embassy, where there were a few officers — then to the new Rathhouse near the lake, where were also wounded — nothing very bad. Took a cup of coffee at the Taneyev's and came home. Then Tatiana Andreievna came to say goodbye, after wh. Mère Catherine and the Abbess, and talked without end. She brought a paper about flying machines wh. the inventor showed before at the Headquarters — it was approved and the papers now stick somewhere, so I enclose a paper about it and can you have the thing hurried up. There is a Rubinstein who has given 1000's already, who is willing to give 500.000 for this invention being made, if he receives the same as Manus — pretty these beggings at such a time, charity cant go unbought — so ugly. — Then Mary came and now I am writing and quite gaga — the road tired me in motor. The sea, my sea! Felt, oh, so sad, reminded me of happy peaceful times, our house without you — we passed it — pain in my heart and full of remembrances. — I received sweet letters from Ernie, Onor and Frl. Textor. He gave them Sister Baroness Uxkull who came — he hoped I would see and help her — yr. Mama did not receive her and then I was not asked — a great mistake of hers. These Sisters could have told us about our Prisoners. Ernie thinks so much of you too — I enclose his letter. — Frl. Textor lives at W. to give the children German and English lessons. The heather blooms and it is lovely they say — I will show you his letter, when you come — asks for nothing only full of love. Yr. regiment has better luck than the red Dragoons, who have only one officer not wounded. Moritz youngest son is slowly recovering fr. wounds. V. Giedesel (who was with Sandro in Bulgaria — a dear) has lost 3 sons already. — Onors nephew has also been killed. — The weather was divine to day. I was in the hospital this morning — another Crimean is coming. —

Now must send off my letter, high time. —

Every blessing and fondest, tenderest, warmest kisses and endless love fr. yr. own old
Sunny.

Am glad you will see Misha. —

Have you a list of the losses in the guard? All are so anxious, the wives anxious about their husbands — cannot somebody copy them out and send them me. — Tell Fredericksy that young Mme Baranov (he was just killed) is fearfully poor, you kept him in the regiment by paying him, now she looses that and Shulgin begged me whether something could be done for her, as he was such a good officer. Mme Lütke thanks for the flowers I had sent from us both. —

Maria Plautin thanks colossaly. —

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 10 September, 1915
I thank you, the girls and Alexey, heartily for your last dear letters and for the telegram, I am glad that you went to Peterhof. I hope you are none the worse. Here it is also fine and a little warmer. I kiss all fondly.
NICKY.

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

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

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

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 9, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram and letter, dated September 9, 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=202&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/september15.html

The letter:

No. 117.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 9-th 1915
My very own Sweet One,
At last a sunny morning & "of course we go to town", as Olga says; but I must go to hospitals, there is nothing to be done. Yesterday we went to the Invalid-hospital, I spoke to 120 men 1½, & the rest en gros as they stood in one room, — why I told you all this yesterday, I am quite foolish. Thank God the news is a bit better, I find, to the north, i. e. Vilna-Dvinsk, You said we left Vilna the other night, but they have not yet entered, have they? Am eagerly awaiting your promised letter to-day, such a joy always. —

There! I have got your precious letter & I thank you for it from the depths of my heart, I hold it in my left hand & kiss it, Sweetheart. Wont Mme Plautin be mad with joy to have news that her sons are safe, thanks so much for enquiring. What a lovely telegr. from our Friend. —

Thats good you use Kirill now after Georgie, so that each goes in turn, only don't send Dmitri, he is too young & it makes him conceited — wish you would send him off! — Only don't say its I who ask this. — Well, you have a lot to do. You had a better impression of Stcherbatov, but he is not good, I fear at all, so weak and wont work properly with the old man. Well look what they spoke about at Moscou, again those questions, wh. they had come to the conclusion to drop, & asking for an answerable minister wh. is quite impossible, even Kulomzin sees this clearly — did they really have the impertinence of sending you the intended telegram? How they all need to feel an iron will & hand — it has been a reign of gentleness & now must be the one of power & firmness — you are the Lord & Master in Russia & God Almighty placed you there & they shall bow down before your wisdom & firmness, enough of kindness, wh. they were not worthy of & thought they could hoist you round their finger. What they said at Moscow was printed yesterday — I saw poor Varnava to-day my dear, its abominable how Samarin behaved to him in the hotel & then in the Synod — such cross-examination as is unheard of & spoke so meanly about Gregory using vile words in speaking of Him. He makes the Gov. watch all their telegrams & send them to him — vicious about the salutation that you have no right to allow such a thing — upon wh. Varnava answered him soundly & said that you were the chief protector of the Church, & Samarin impertinently said you were its servant. Colossal insolence & more than ungentlemanlike — lolling back in his chair with crossed legs crossexamining a Bishop about our Friend. When Peter the Great of his own accord also ordered a "salutation", it was at once done, in the place & round about. After the salutation, the funeral services cease (as when we were at Sarov, the salutation & glorification, were done together) — & they have reordered funeral services & said they would not heed what you said. Lovy, you must be firm & give the strict order to the Synod that you insist upon your order being fulfilled & the salutation is to continue — more than ever one needs those prayers now. They ought to know that you are most displeased with them. And please do not allow Varnava to be sent away, he stood up splendidly for us & Gregory & showed them how they on purpose go against us in all this. Old Goremykin was more than hurt & horrified & beyond words shocked, wenn he heard that the Gov. (whom Dzhunkovsky had made change his opinion & instigated) said to Varnava that I was a crazy woman & Ania a nasty woman etc. — how can he remain after that? You cannot allow such things. These are the devil's last trials to make a mess everywhere & he shant succeed. Samarin said highest praise of Feofan & Hermogen, & wants to put the latter in Varnava's place. You see the rotten game of theirs. Some while ago I begged you to change the Gov. he spies upon them, every step Varnava took at Pokrosvk and what our Fr. does & what telegrams are written, thats Dzhunkovsky's work & Samarin's excited on through Nikolasha by the black women. — Agafangel spoke so badly (fr. Yaroslavl) — he ought to be sent away on the retiring list & replaced by Sergei F. who must leave & get out of the Synod — Nikon ought to be cleaned out of the Council of the Empire, where he is a member & also out of the Synod, he has besides the sin of Mt. Athos on his soul. This Suslik rightly all said, so as to give the Synod a good lesson & strong reprimand for their behaviour, therefore quickly change Samarin. Every day he remains, he is dangerous & does mischief, old man is of the same opinion, it is not woman's stupidity — therefore I cried so awfully when I heard they had forced you to name him at the Headquarters & I wrote to you in my misery, knowing Nikolasha proposed him because he was my enemy & Gregory's & through that yours. —

In conversation Metropolitan Vladimir said (they have made him mad too), when Varnava said that Samarin was breaking his neck by behaving thus, & that he is not Over-Procurator yet. "The Emperor is no boy and ought to know what he is doing" & "that you earnestly begged Samarin to accept" (I told Goremykin then that it was wrong) — well let them see & feel that you are not a boy & who calumniates people you respect & insults them — insults you, that they dare not call a Bishop to account for knowing Gregory — I cant repeat to you all the names they gave our Friend. Pardon my boring you again with all this, but its to show you, that you must quickly change Samarin. — I shall have to suffer for it if he remains, as I shall get it onto my head, you heard what the Governor said, & here one is not kindly intentioned towards me in some sets & its not the time to drag ones Sovereign or his wife down. Only be firm (he begged not to remain long, you remember) & don't put him into the Council of the Empire as a bonbons after he behaved & spoke openly like that about whom we receive & such a tone about you & yr. wishes — that cannot be borne, you have not the right to overlook it. These are the last fights for yr. internal Victory, show them yr. mastery.

Remember, in 6 days he kicked out old Damansky (because of Gregory) & gave 60.000 for his successor to arrange the appartments — hideous actions.

I invented to-day the aid to the new one — Prince Zhivakha you remember him, quite young, knows all about the Church questions, most loyal & religious (Bari-Bielgorod) don't you agree?

Clean out all, give Goremykin new ministers to work with & God will bless you & their work.

Please Lovebird, and quickly, I wrote to him to give a list, as you asked but he begged you to think of Sazonov's successor & Stcherbatov he is far too weak, tho' you liked him better this time. I am sure Voyeikov (his bosom friend) told him how to be — dont listen to Voyeikov, he has been wrong all this heavy time & a bad adviser. — it will pass, he is conceited & got a fright for his own skin. — Oh dear, humanity!

My Image of yesterday, of 1911 with the bell has indeed helped me to "feel" the people — at first I did not pay enough attention, did not trust to my opinion, but now I see the Image & our Friend have helped me grasp people quickly. And the bell would ring if they came with bad intentions & wld. keep them fr. approaching me — there, Orlov, Dshunkovsky, Drenteln who have that "strange" fright of me are those to have a special eye upon.

And you my love, try to heed what I say, its not my wisdom, but a certain instinct given by God beyond myself so as to be your help. —

Precious one, I send you the paper one of our wounded wrote by my request, as I was afraid of giving over the wish wrongly — It wld. be good if the regiment could get that bit of ground for building a mausoleum for their fallen officers. —

Perhaps you would tell Fred. to give the order from you to Stcherbatov you have not the time for doing all yourself. — The little Image is fr. Ania she went to the Chapel today whilst we were visiting hospitals, both under my protection. The one for 60 officers on the Horse. Guards Boulevard, very nice indeed & then to the Vyborg suburb between the prisons (a new hospital for the prisoners) wh. was now at once used for 130 men. — so nice & clean — several Semenovtsi fr. Kholm & rifles etc. & one who had been for a year in Germany. The pavement was atrocious. You see I choose the smart & quite poor places to turn up in — they shall see that I don't care what one says & shall go about as always. Now that I am feeling better, I can do it. — Such sunny weather. From Znamenia I went in my Droshki round the Boulevard to the hospital to get good air in the morning. — Is there a chance of your coming now? — I was thinking about Novgorod (don't tell Voyeikov) & Ressin is making inquiries. By boat, or motor even fr. the broad railway too far, 60 Verst — so one must get into the narrow gauged waggon. Sleeping here in the train — reaching there in the morning, lunching there etc. back by 10½ in the evening — because must look at the Cathedral. The new soldiers are there & that makes me doubt whether I ought not rather await yr. return. If so, wire to me, "wait about Novgorod" & I shall then. — Our Friend wants me to go about more, but where to? —

Did you copy out his telegr. for yourself on the extra sheet? If not, here it is again:

"Sept. 7, 1915. Do not fall when in trouble God will glorify by his appearance." — Olga has a committee this evening. — Alexei's train (Schulenburg) sticks at Opukliki since 4 days, was stopped there until called to Polotzk; he asked the Comm. of Polotzk by wire, but received no answer yet — are we cut off from there? —

My train returned, said there were lots of sanitaries waiting out there without being able to move, I hope it means that our troops are being brought up there? Then masses of women were brought to work near the lakes, but not told for how long, so that they had no time to take warm clothes, got wages per day for the journey, 30 Kopeeks & the journey lasted 5 days — are the Governors mad. Never any order here, it drives me to distraction — that lesson we ought to learn fr. the Germans.

Sister Olga's train is bringing many wounded officers & men & 90 refugees. I told them always to pick them up on the way. —

Dear me, what a lot one might do — I long to poke my nose into everything (Ella does it with success) — to wake up people, put order into all & unite all forces. All goes by fits & starts — so irregular — so very little energy (my despair, as have enough, no matter if I feel ill even, wh. thank God I don't just now) — am wise & don't do too much. — Now the endless letter must be finished. Do I write too much? Courage — energy — firmness will be rewarded by success, you remember what He said, that the glory of yr. reign is coming & we shall fight for it together, as it means the glory of Russia — you & Russia are one. —

Beloved one, yes, my bed is much softer than yr. camp-bed — how I wish you were here to share it. Only when you are away I dream. 2 weeks & ½ since you left. I bless you & cover you with kisses, my Angel, & press you to my heart. God be with you.
For ever yr. very own old
Sunny.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 9 September, 1915.
I thank you heartily, my love, Tatiana and the Little One. I hope that you are not tiring yourself out. Misha has asked for permission to come here. I shall be very glad to see him in the near future. The news is a trifle better. God grant that in a few days it may be really comforting. The weather is cold, clearer. ...

Nicholas's letter:

Mogilev. 9 September, 1915.
MY OWN DEAR, BELOVED SUNNY,
I thank you, I thank you for your dear, long letters, which now come more regularly — about 9.30 in the evening. You write just as you speak. The behaviour of some of the Ministers continues to amaze me! After all that I told them at that famous evening sitting, I thought they understood both me and the fact that I was seriously explaining precisely what I thought. What matter? — so much the worse for them! They were afraid to close the Duma — it was done! I came away here and replaced N., in spite of their advice; the people accepted this move as a natural thing and understood it, as we did. The proof-numbers of telegrams which I receive from all sides, with the most touching expressions. All this shows me clearly one thing: that the Ministers, always living in town, know terribly little of what is happening in the country as a whole. Here I can judge correctly the real mood among the various classes of the people: everything must be done to bring the war to a victorious ending, and no doubts are expressed on that score. I was told this officially by all the deputations which I received some days ago, and so it is all over Russia. Petrograd and Moscow constitute the only exceptions — two minute points on the map of the fatherland!

The charming Shavelsky has returned from his journey to the 2nd Corps at Dvinsk and from the 3rd behind Riga. He communicated a great many consoling things to me — naturally sad ones too — but a brave spirit pervades all. I hear the same thing from George, Mordvinov and the fat Kakhovsky, who accompanied him. They are still waiting here for the first opportunity of going to other troops in the North. Misha inquired by telegraph whether he might come towards the end of the week; I shall be very glad to see him here.

Well, my precious little bird, I must finish. God bless you and the children! I love you so much and pray for you fervently every day. I am sending our Friend's telegram — his son is taken, then. I bless and kiss you ardently.
Always your
NICKY.

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.

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

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 8, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram, dated September 8, 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=199&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/september15.html

The letter:

No. 116.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 8-th 1915
My own beloved One,
Am so anxious what news — its 10½ & the "Novoye Vremya" has not come & I don't know what is going on, as never get the telegr. any more as before were sent me, when you were at the Headquarters. So cold, 3 degr. only in the night, grey & windy. The eldest went to mass at 9 & the little ones now, I shall follow, have been reading through an immense fat report fr. Rostovtsev. — There is Prince Ukhtomsky in the 4-th rifles & his wife is terribly worried, as some of the comrades said they had seen him fallen, wounded, whereas no sanitary has yet brought him. Did Boris bring the lists? But it may have happened since. In town one says all the guard was surrounded, but I wont believe anything that is not official. I must dress for Church. Service was nice last night & they sang well. —

Dear one, it is so difficult when there are things one must tell you directly — & I dont know whether anybody reads our telegrams. Again I have had to wire an unpleasant thing to you, but there was no time to loose. I have asked her, as well as she can, to write out Suslik's conversation in the Synod. Really the little man has behaved with marvelous energy, standing up for us & our Friend, & gave back slapping answers to their questions. Tho' the Metropolitan is very displeased with Samarin, yet at this interrogation he was feeble & held his tongue, alas. — They want to clear Varnava out & put Hermogen in his place, have you ever heard such an impudence! They dare not do it without yr. sanction, as by yr. order he was punished. Its once more Nikolasha's doing (egged on by the women) he made him come out of his place, without any right, to Vilna to live with Agafangel & of course this latter, S. Philip & Nikon (the awful harmbringer to Athos) attacked Varnava about our Friend for 3 hours; Samarin went to Moscou for 3 days I think, no doubt to see Hermogen — I sent you the cutting about his having been allowed to spend 2 days in Moscou at Vostokov's by Nikolasha's order — since when was he allowed to mix in such questions, knowing that by yr. order the punishment was inflicted upon Hermogen! How dare they go against yr. permission of the "salutation" — what have they come to, even there anarchy reigns & once more Nikolasha's fault, as he (purposely) proposed Samarin, knowing that that man would do all in his power against Gregory & me, but here you are dragged in, & that is criminal, & at such a time quite particularly. Several times the old man told Samarin not to touch that subject, therefore he is fearfully hurt & said to Varnava & that he found Samarin must at once leave, other-wise they will drag it into the public. I find those 2 bishops ought at once to be taken out of the Synod — let Pitirim come & sit there, as our Friend feared Nikolasha would harm him if he heard that Piritim venerates our Friend. Get other, more worthy Bishops in. Strike of the Synod — at such a time, too unpatriotic, unloyal — what does it concern anybody — may they now pay for it & learn who is their master. Here is a cutting "again" you will say, but V. J. Gurko says (I will write it better out instead of sending you the paper). In Moscou, Lvov allowed him to speak: "We want a strong authority — we mean an authority armed with extraordinary powers, authority with a horse-whip (now you show it them in every way, where you can, you are their autocrat master) but not such an authority which it itself under whip." A slandering pun, directed against you & our Friend, God punish them for this; — its not Christian to write this, then better, God forgive them, but above all make them repent. —

Varnava told Goremykin all about the Governor — how nice he was with Gregory until he came here & got horrid orders fr. Stcherbatov, i. e. Samarin. About me he said to Suslik "a foolish woman" & about Ania abominable things wh. he cld. not even repeat. Goremykin says he must at once be changed. Look through my letters of about 5 days ago, there I named one, our Friend would have liked to have. Only all this must be done quickly, the effect is all the greater. Samarin knows yr. opinion & wishes & so does Stcherbatov & they don't care, thats the vile part of it. Give orders to the old man, that is then easy for him to fulfil. He told Varnava how hard it was to have all against him, if only you would give him new ministers to work with. — Samarin had ordered Varnava to go to you — now it would have been good, he could have told you all, only it will take up your time & one must hurry with ones decisions. You see he is like S. I. incorrigible & narrowminded. He ought to think of his churches, clergy & convents & not of whom we receive. That is his bad conscience now. Once more "who digs a pit for others, falls into it himself", like Nikolasha. — Quicker also change the ministers, he cannot work with them — if you give him categorical orders, then he can give them over, thats easier — but to talk with them he cant. Excellent to send several flying & keep him, serves them right, please think of it.

Despairing not to be with you & talk all over quietly together. —

About the war news our Friend writes (add it to yr. list of telegrams) Sept. 8: "Don't fear it will not be worse than it was, faith and the banner will favor us." — I enclose a telegram of E. Wittgenstein, born Nabokova (Groten's great friend, was in Marie's train). She wants medals, perhaps you would give Fred. the order — & the telegram too. The Images I can send her straight. — Here my love is Khvostov's speech in reading you will understand why Paul disapproved because he openly speaks against Dzhunkovsky. You better keep it in case one makes remarks about him, you can always fall back upon it; its clever & honest & energetic — a man longing to be of use to you. — Are you having more justice done in the Baltic provinces, one would like that, I must say poor people suffer enough. — Khvostov's speech I have just read through, very clear & interesting, but I must say our own lazy slave natures without any initiative have been at fault, we ought to have kept the bank in hand before — earlier nobody paid attention, now all eyes hunt for the German influence, but we brought it on ourselves, I assure you by our lazyness. Pay attention to page 21, 22 about Dzhunkovsky, what right had he to telegraph such a thing, it was only possible in quite particular cases — & that sounds rotten. I think it will interest you as it shows you his ideas about the banks etc. Then Ania's paper I enclose about Varnava & the Synod. Anastasia kisses you & begs pardon for not having written but we went for a little drive (of course the girls froze) & then to the Invalid-house where it lasted 1½ hour talking to all. We picked up Ania again at Css. Schulenberg's ideal little cottage. Then they went to their hospital & after tea to Ania's to play with some young girls. — One's head is ramolished fr. conversations — but the spirit is good, Lovy, & ready for anything you need. Varnava comes to me to-morrow. Go on being energetic Sweetheart, use your broom — show them your energetic, sure, firm side wh. they have not seen enough. Now is the fight to show them who you are, & that you have enough — you tried with gentleness & kindness, but that did not take, now you will show the contrary — the Master-will. Kussov wrote to Ania amongst other things, sad that a man like Miheyev came in yr. name as he represents nothing & does not know how to represent — nor to speak.

Manny mine, Angel Sweetheart, so sorry to daily bore you with things, but I cant otherwise. — I long to kiss & gaze into yr. beloved eyes. I bless & kiss you without end in true & deep devotion. God bless, guard, guide & protect you.
Ever yr. very own old
Wify.

Are you thinking of sending Dmitri back to the regiment? Dont let him dawdle about doing nothing, its his ruin, he will be worth nothing, if his caracter does not get formed at the war — he was not out more than one or 2 months.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram.
Stavka. 8 September 1915.
Thanks for telegram. It is difficult to dismiss him without having chosen somebody in his place. Could not the old man give you a list to choose from, and send it on to me? To-day, Mordvinov, who is accompanying George, told me a great deal of good news about the army. I kiss you tenderly.
NICKY.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Above: Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia and Alexei.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

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

"him" = Samarin, the Procurator of the Synod.