Alix's letter to Nicholas on his 26th birthday, dated May 6 and 7/18 and 19 (New Style), 1894

Sources:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 62 to 64, by George Hawkins, 2023

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

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0BXrfQFzN4Fq3yoNTVSdrqti6JYS4E8r58pXXdK5kegtSQmXM3T62SGSVySP98MmFl&id=100067001081671&mibextid=Nif5oz

I have previously posted an excerpt from this letter here:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2022/08/excerpt-from-alixs-letter-to-nicholas.html

Nicholas's letter of the same day:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2021/12/nicholass-letter-to-alix-dated-may-618.html

Nicholas's reply of the next day:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2021/12/nicholass-letter-to-alix-dated-may-719.html

The letter:

Windsor Castle

May 18th 1894, 12 midnight

My own sweet love, It is your Birthday still a minute or two, so I can yet wish you joy and prosperity. I have longed for you so much all day, and felt happy and yet melancholy at the thought of it being yr. Birthday. Granny and the Aunts raised a glass for Ники dear. I sat between Lord Salisbury and Mr Goschen who never ceased speaking and now the theatre in the drawing room is just over. Duse acted in Locandaria. I am quite thrilled — she is wonderful, so sympathetic that one finds her lovely, what an impression in face and voice and such a soft tone. It was a real treat seeing her, I understood almost all, tho' they spoke so fearfully fast, so don't laugh at the owl with her Italian, you beasty. If I were a man, I could perfectly understand her turning my head — she is delightful and so simple and graceful. Granny spoke afterwards to her when all was over.

This afternoon we went to the review of the Yeomanry wh. was nice and then I drove Sandra in the cart, after which Schneiderlein came and I made Madelaine crimp and do her hair, and I helped, and put flowers in her pretty square dress, she looked so sweet. She had as yet always dined alone.

The weather has been glorious all day, sunny, warm and windy wh. latter made all freeze but I liked it I must say. Aunt Marie Leiningen has come, dear thing, I am so fond of her. Now I must go to bed as I am sitting in my dressing gown, and Madelaine instead of taking down my hair, took the dog for a moment into the courtyard. Que Dieux te bénisse my Ники sweet. Sleep gently and dream sweetly and wake up to-morrow cheerful and joyous. I am looking forward to hearing how you spent this dear day. Thanks so much for having congratulated Miechen from me. Good night my own true love and may His angels keep watch over you now and for ever. Many tender kisses and fervent blessings I shall pray for you. Love is as deep as the sea, and the more one loves, the more one has.

May 19th. Good morning dearie. I have been nearly driven mad this morning, as people have been running into my room the whole time asking questions, it is so perfectly odious. But I am not going out driving with Grandmama, wh. I must say I am glad of, as it takes up so much time.

One of Granny's Ladies has brought a lovely Levre inkstand from her and her Father, so kind. I drove Scheiderlein again this morning. I have unluckily no time for learning anything for her, but I hope in Harrogate.

Your sweet letter has come, tenderest thanks for it. It is again a real sweet one — oh Nicky dear, you are such an angel, so much too good and kind for me, you spoil me. Yes darling, indeed it is bliss to know that at last we have a right to love each other and that these years of trial have ended thus happily. And what a heart full of love you offer, God bless you for it, my beloved One. My whole life I give you in return and the full power of a woman's love. If you only knew what you are to me. I never can thank God Almighty enough for this happiness He has given me, feeling so sure of your true love makes the parting in one day less hard. What I should do without your letters, I don't know.

One of Granny's Maids of Honour has died. I have known her for years, it is too sad. When we were over here in March we saw her, but I left without any of us having said goodbye to her, as her sister was dying. She was unconscious when she came there and died. And now she, poor thing, has died. All who knew her love her, she was such an excellent creature with a very warm heart and with a rough manner. But her life never was a happy one as her mother disliked her and she had much sorrow, so one must be really thankful for her being taken out of this world with all its cares and worrys.

I had tea with the Ladies and we conversed in every possible language under the sun, but before [a page seems to be missing here] Сегодня мы ходили пѣшкомь зъ Итнѣ и Frl. Schneider покупала гобку. She was shocked at this and wishes me only to say разныя вещи. My room looks in a sad state, as the half of my things have been packed up and the rest remain here. My address is: Baroness Starkenburg, Cathcart House, Prospect place, Harrogate, Yorkshire.

But my sweet love I must say Goodbye. With fond love and tender kisses I am My own sweet Nicky dear, yr. Ever loving and truly devoted bride

Аликсъ

God bless you душки I am счастливый (?) in your love.

My next letter will be from Cumberland Lodge and Seihert is my servant and Christle is Louie Aribert's eldest brother. Goodbye love. They give Faust here to-night. Mme Alliani sings Marguerite.

Above: Nicholas and Alix.

Notes: "Owing to the calendar difference increasing by a day from February 29 1900, the correct date is now May 6/19)."

"Que Dieux te bénisse my Ники sweet." = "God bless you my Ники (Nicky) sweet."

"Сегодня мы ходили пѣшкомь зъ Итнѣ и Frl. Schneider покупала гобку" = "We went on foot to Eton and Frl. Schneider bought a robe."

разныя вещи = different things.

душки = darling.

счастливый (?) = happy (?); in correct Russian the feminine form is счастливая, or счастлива for short.

Alix's letter to Nicholas on her 22nd birthday, June 6 and 7, 1894 (New Style)

Sources:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 130 to 132, 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=pfbid02EjA8hb5Y8dgC6YaY9wc3J12BpNuNfySPN4aqoop5DZ1uG2bc5pcRxEUgxpQ8treBl&id=100067001081671

Nicholas's letter of the same day:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2021/04/nicholass-letter-to-alix-on-her.html

Alix's letter of June 7 to her brother Ernst:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2019/06/alixs-letter-to-her-brother-ernest-year.html

The letter:

No 38

Harrogate

June 6th 1894

My own beloved Darling,

It is late, the others have all gone to bed and I am all alone in the sitting room with one candle burning, and the beautiful moon shedding her silver light. But I must write to you. I could not go to sleep without a little talk to you. Oh my Nicky sweet, how can I thank you enough for having given me that magnificent bracelet — it really is much too good for me, but never the less I wore it as a brooch to-day.

I received many charming presents, from Ernie and Ducky a lovely parasole, fr. Granny a tea basket, fr. Irène a little oil picture of dear Papa's sitting room, fr. Victoria a work bag, silver spoon for tea and two delightful frames for your photos, fr. Schneiderlein one too. I received photos of my beloved horse, not a bit really mine, but all the same one I usually ride and H. v. Riedesel won't let any one else get on. From Toria and Maud a sweet four leaved clover brooch. Then lots of flowers from Gretchen — and from Ernie and amiable Ladies here (Seibert peeped in highly astonished to see me in dressing gown and shawl) and a box with a mass of glorious roses from I don't know whom. The room looks like a garden and smells delicious. I adore flowers. A girl who runs after me in Darmstadt even sent me flowers from home wh touched me deeply. Then from the photographers at D., your head out of the group taken there, enlarged — it is a delightful one and is standing now before me and has got a mischievous look.

Then a person sent me a little drawing a Lady had done of dear Mama from a photograph and wh belonged to this old woman who was poor, so I gave her something, it is charming. How every one did love and honour Mama. For her sweet sake they all take such an interest in me. Fancy the town was even flagged and a large crowd assembled to see us off driving, and had to wait two hours till we were back, as we came home late, and they tore along up to the house. The police could not keep them back. Victoria who arrived last night and I went in two bicycle bathchairs to Knareborough, there we got out and walked through filthy but pretty road to the dropping well. If you put in any object, after a few months it becomes petrified, the [illegible] we did not go to as the walk had hurt my legs excessively. We drove on to St Roberts Cave wh was interesting, but it would be too long to tell you about this all now, when I show you the photos and if it interests you, then more. To the wells for my glass, the people swarmed again, one does feel so shy and foolish being gaped at, as tho' one were some wild animal broken loose from the zoo.

I got such a sweet telegram from your dear Papa wh touched me deeply and many other kind ones from yr Regiment and all our Regiments. I sat answering these for I don't know how long, and all alone, no darling Nicky to help me. Oh, how I missed you! Think, the first Birthday in my life without Orchie, she wrote so sad, poor dear! She is in Kiel looking after Irène's little boy, whose Nurse has gone on leave.

The weather was warm and often sunny, most kind. Let me kiss you now and thank you most heartily for your dear, long letter No. 31, wh has delighted me excessively. So, you think I have nothing to find in your eyes — well there you are greatly mistaken, as worlds are in them, so deep and true and large and sweet. I could gaze at them for ever! You just shut up about the Owl's, do you hear, you good for nothing creature? No, I'll be good and not catch cold if I can help it. Oh, how I envy you your ride, but what an old sinner you are, to make your poor comrades tare like that when they are not accustomed to it!

How nice that Toria has sent you the music to "Wait, Strive and Pray", but I fear I shall not be able to sing it, I have not sung a note for ever so long and I should be frightened before you. But you might bring some Russian songs, we can at least play them. Oh, and what a nice, long letter yours is, such a joy, I devour it and then begin all over again, never enough.

Deary, I spoke to the Dr. to-day [a]nd he allows me to leave on the 20th of June, so that day we meet at Walton, God grant, as I hear through Victoria, [illegible] said you arrive that day. She advises you to send your gentlemen to London, as Gravesend is so ghastly dull and they would be much better at the Russian embassy.

I must write it to Granny still, she still cannot get over my going so far away, poor dear, kind soul. I also dread the moment when I shall have to say Goodbye to her, as who knows whether I may ever meet her on earth again — everything is so uncertain and she is no longer young, it wld be too awful!

I am quite excited when I think of our meeting, if only nothing comes between gain, it is never good to make plans too long beforehand. But then, no letters during your voyage, oh dear oh dear, that will be hard. To see you again and kiss you my own love, what bliss, but i can't help adoring you as I do, my sweet angel, my precious Darling. God bless you now and ever. How I am chattering away again instead of going to bed, but my legs are needing their rest, I must be off and as at 8 my first glass is going to be brought to me already. No, how I have missed Ernie and home, how I should have wished to have been at Darmstadt for my last Birthday before that great change in life. Oh Nicky, never cease to love me. I want love, and all mine you shall have in return. Sweet one, I must flie off now, crawl would be the more correct word with my old lame legs. Many tender kisses and prayers for your happiness. Sleep well душки! Боже, тебя храни!

June 7th — Good morning sweet love. Windy but sunny, if it only would settle down fine now. I heard from Ernie this morning and he sends you much love. From him it is I have got the large photo of you. Dear Boy, such a kind thought. My legs ache much to-day and my toes are swollen and I can scarcely take a step in my shoes — vile — I swear like you Donnerwetter! Well, perhaps my bath this morning will make them better. But that glass of water I got in bed was too vile. The others will be coming to breakfast, sweet love, so I must say goodbye. Many a tender kiss and blessing do I send you, my adored Boy. Ever yr own deeply loving old

Alix

The room is too lovely with all the flowers. I wish I knew from where they came. A person has sent me a book and one for you too. Now tata lovy. Bless you again. I am greedy for this morning's post.

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

Above: St. Robert's Cave in Knaresborough, England. Photo courtesy of Rosser1954 on Wikimedia Commons.

Alix's letter to Nicholas mentioning his 1891 trip to Japan during which he was attacked by a local of Otsu, dated June 2 and 3 (New Style), 1894

Sources:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 114 to 117, 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=pfbid02mM8NeYuKCqDWYea3PbagNNCAF68EBC18rtd7KxGcYGwr5gvTKWR8aVBdfdW5hvdgl&id=100067001081671

Nicholas's letter of the same day:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2022/01/nicholass-letter-to-alix-dated-may_6.html

A letter Alix wrote to her friend Toni Becker about the attack on Nicholas in Otsu in 1891 is here:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2021/02/alixs-letter-to-toni-becker-with.html

Excerpt of the letter:

Don't think you are boasting when you tell about your journey as I am sure you would never do such a thing, but why should not others also have a little pleasure in hearing you tell about foreign countries, where the most will probably never go, and your experiences and impressions. It would even be selfish if you gave them nothing to hear and kept all you had seen and wondered over for yourself, let them learn from you. I am sure in your whole life you will be thankful for having undertaken that journey and how much it must have tought you. Every man ought to travel and see the world, as it enlarges his mind. How Ernie grieves that he never can go so far away, he was intending to do so, when our beloved One died, and now in his position it is impossible — perhaps, God grant, he may do so some day still. What a pleasure it is listening to stories of foreign countries, especially when one will probably never have the chance of going there. Oh my love, how my thoughts followed you there, and what I went through when we suddenly got that terrible news and I had to swallow down the feelings wh were overwhelming me. I am sure sure those five years have made my nerves and leg so bad — oh, they were awful, but God knows best, tho' we often do not understand his ways and have Blindly to go there. God knows why He leads us so and it must be for our best.

The letter in full:

No 34

Harrogate

June 2nd 1894

My own precious Nicky sweet,

A good kiss and most heartfelt thanks for dear No. 27 just received, you darling old thing, it has been such a delight to read, all the dear, kind names, God bless you for them. I am sorry you have also got our bad weather, I can imagine the state you got into out walking, as you ought to have seen the mess the Ladies were in after nearly an hour's walk in pouring rain near my bath chair, I put the hood up and took my hat off as the air was oppressive. I have namely not yet got over my ramolissement, but not withstanding, I had my two hours' Russian. I nearly know the Lord's Prayer by heart. Oh how I wish I were clever, for your dear sake, when I think of you, I feel such a dunce.

Don't think you are boasting when you tell about your journey as I am sure you would never do such a thing, but why should not others also have a little pleasure in hearing you tell about foreign countries, where the most will probably never go, and your experiences and impressions. It would even be selfish if you gave them nothing to hear and kept all you had seen and wondered over for yourself, let them learn from you. I am sure in your whole life you will be thankful for having undertaken that journey and how much it must have tought you. Every man ought to travel and see the world, as it enlarges his mind. How Ernie grieves that he never can go so far away, he was intending to do so, when our beloved One died, and now in his position it is impossible — perhaps, God grant, he may do so some day still. What a pleasure it is listening to stories of foreign countries, especially when one will probably never have the chance of going there. Oh my love, how my thoughts followed you there, and what I went through when we suddenly got that terrible news and I had to swallow down the feelings wh were overwhelming me. I am sure sure those five years have made my nerves and leg so bad — oh, they were awful, but God knows best, tho' we often do not understand his ways and have Blindly to go there. God knows why He leads us so and it must be for our best.

I am so sorry you did not get a letter from me the day you wrote as I send one regularly with the exception of Sundays when the post only goes in the evening, so this letter will make you wait again — it is a nuisance. Yours will no doubt also not come till Monday. I grieve as I know how sad I feel when none no letter comes, well then the others must be read over and devoured again. How I envy your playing on the piano, I have not got one here and by the time you come I shall not be able to play a note. Victoria is now coming alone and from the 5th to 8th so that I shall not spend my birthday alone. To-morrow is Georgie's.

I wonder whether you would get this letter on the 6th. Oh, how I shall long for you. It is one of the days I hate most in the year, it makes me always feel miserable, as one never knows what the coming year will bring, this one brought me great sorrow and inexpressible joy. And it is the time one longs more than ever for all those dear ones gone from this earth. It will be my 3rd birthday without beloved Papa, oh Nicky, what he was to me, none can ever know, but I cannot speak about it, otherwise the tears won't keep back and then inquisitive Ladies stare at one and ask questions. But it is a loss wh makes itself daily felt more and more. God help me!

But enough for to-night. Byby sweet love, your little bride blesses and kisses you most tenderly and passionately.

Good morning my pet! A few words before I go to Church. I am no longer ramolie you will be glad to hear, but who knows how soon I shall be so again. Of course it is raining and so I have ordered cab to take Gretchen and me to St. Mary's Church, where I have not yet been. Schneiderlein has to bathe and drink her water.

No letter from any one. I am sure they will all come of a heap on Wednesday, and then comes the answering. Yesterday Gretchen read to me a short biography of Pushkin, wh was most interesting, and with Schneiderlein I read in Russian Peter the Great's life as a boy — it sounds grand, does it not, but with a great deal of help I can make it out. Madelaine just brought me my medicine, no what I have all to do, killing, my knees get rubbed with a mixture of iodine and belladonna (shall I not use some for my eyes, would you not like to see me appear with glorious eyes, eh?) and now my whole body has to be rubbed with a brush to improve the circulation, it is maddening and I still now feel cribbely from it. Gretchen came very late so she gobbled down a large breakfast, not heeding our imploring words to take it slowly and I am in a fright of her bursting in Church — oh dear, it is a ghastly idea! Now I must be off and get dressed and pop on my bonnet and look sedate and I shall think of you sweety and I am sure our prayers will meet. We all know that we have such our Guardian Angel who watches over us but we must also remember that all the Angels, with one accord care for our wellbeing, for are we not told that the Angels rejoice more over one penitent sinner than many just persons who need no repentance. "Guide us, Truth, thou star refulgent, Travellers through a darksome land. We are weak but thou art mighty to support our social band. Lead us onward, Bending to thy high command."

Here I am out of Church again, it was a nice little one and we are going there next Sunday again, as the Lady and Gentleman allowed us to sit again in their bench. It was very full, so it took us a good time till we got to the porch where our carriage was waiting, to my horror a policeman and a crowd and I heard a Lady saying Prss Alice of Hesse is coming. Then the Gentleman of the bench kindly held his brolly over me. I scrambled in, in a most undignified way, getting the colour of a crab. They make me painfully shy, the dear people, and Gretchen the beast laughs at me. No more for the present as it lasts nearly two hours and I must rest a bit before luncheon. Oh, I prayed so for you and that I might become a better woman and Christian and that God might help me to learn and love your Church and that He should help me in the many great difficulties and that I might become worthier of you. I feel so much quieter after Church that I long to go every morning and evening and pray there.

Here I am back again, it did not rain a drop and we look quite a nice, and the dog too. This coming we are going to the Presbiterian (Scotch) church close by. Now sweet boy I must say Goodbye so as that Seibert can take this letter to the post, he won't rejoice having to do it, fat old lazy thing. No letter for me to-day, but I hope instead two to-morrow.

With many loving kisses and tenderst blessing, ever, my own beloved sweet and precious boysy dear, yr own true love

Alix

Forgive my letters being dull but not seeing ever any one, I have no news to give. You know, to-day is also "Illa's" Birthday, the Landgräfin's marriageable daughter! Our policeman is patiently marching up and down, I hear his footsteps and it reminds me of our centries at home. Give my love to Xenia when you write. I wonder if you have been on the lake to-day and Micha with his brolly. Please when you see Miechen give her my very fondest love. Tea for us three graces is being brought and the hungry Ladies are turning up, so Goodbye once more and believe in your little Girly's unending true devotion and deep love, I never get tired of seeing and I hope you not of hearing it.

Above: Nicholas and Alix.

Above: Nicholas during his trip to Japan in 1891.

Notes: ramolissement = exhaustion.

"when our beloved One died" = Alix's and Ernst's father, Grand Duke Louis of Hesse, had died suddenly from a heart attack in 1892, necessitating Ernst to inherit his important position as Grand Duke.

ramolie = exhausted.

Alix's letter to Nicholas, dated May 27 (New Style), 1894, and the "Truth" newspaper article that made her laugh, from May 24, 1894

Sources:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 90 to 91, 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=pfbid0a27eWU11erVqdbLfxj9B2CkgzkBL6EiHX98HBPCLoGTWM3zSGdcN1637WYKXpQJnl&id=108838347527221

Nicholas's letter from the same day (May 15/27):

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2022/01/nicholass-letter-to-alix-dated-may-1527.html

The letter excerpt:

... Oh, in the papers here they wrote about me and quote something from Truth, that "charming" paper. Describing me and saying also that my chin is too short, alas I have long known it, and I fear even for yr sake I cannot succeed in pulling it longer. Otherwise they were most flattering. But what amused me most was that they said there was no photo of me full length but that all stopped at the calves. Have you ever heard of such an expression to be put in the papers? I roared sweet one...

The letter in full:

No. 27

Harrogate

May 27th 1894

Darling Nicky dear,

My most loving, tender thanks for your sweet letter, I received to-day — now I understand why it did not come yesterday as you sent it to Walton, but why on earth there as two letters ago you spoke about Harrogate.

The wind is terrific, howling, raging, and one can scarcely stand on one's feet so it blows, and then after 10 minutes the sun shines most gloriously. It is extraordinary weather.

Well yesterday afternoon Schneiderlein and I went in the bycicle bath chair wh was quite amusing as they are very comfortable and longer than the other ones. Then I took my baths, after wh tea and I rested. They make one's back ache so. I did not feel quite well, so did not read to the Ladies in the evening, but read a novel and they played Halma.

This morning I went with Gretchen to St. Peter's Church (High Church) and heard lovely singing, the sermon was not worth much. We sat rather behind amongst all sorts of people as I preferred it and a man behind me sang most beautifully. It lasted an hour and a half and I was rather stiff afterwards as the bench was hard and narrow. I feel so ashamed of myself for not kneeling, but I can't with my legs and now that the knees are bandaged still less. At 7 I am going with Gretchen to the Church next door (Congregational Church) two steps in. There are an amount of churches here and a great many belonging to sects as baptists, methodists, free church and so on.

In a simple bath chair with hood up, Schneiderlein promenading near me, I went out for a bit in storm and rain, out of spite the sun is of course shining now. I only had a needlebath this morning after wh I was wrapped up in hot towels and had to rest for ¼ of an hour before dressing and going home. I am sure it would shock Gretchen and Granny my writing all of this. And perhaps it does you. But I want you to know all your old owl is doing during your absence wh I hope will not last much longer.

What a sweet letter yrs was again, you dear old thing. I long to give you a good long hug for it and to peep into those big dark eyes. You will be one day without a letter as to-night the post only goes out, it being Sunday none went this morning and so this letter cannot reach London in time for the foreign post.

Oh, in the papers here they wrote about me and quote something from Truth, that "charming" paper. Describing me and saying also that my chin is too short, alas I have long known it, and I fear even for yr sake I cannot succeed in pulling it longer. Otherwise they were most flattering. But what amused me most was that they said there was no photo of me full length but that all stopped at the calves. Have you ever heard of such an expression to be put in the papers? I roared sweet one, I fear indeed you must be feeling very lonely now, especially have had Sandro so close by, so think how I feel without one relation but I am nevertheless contented. You must excuse this vile writing but I am lying on the sopha.

I have been writing a Russian epistle to Ella with the help of Schneiderlein. What a dear little Woman she is, I only hope she is not too much bored here and has not too great Heimweh. I am longing for some Relation or other, the first time without any is sad. But anything to get well for my Лаусбуб's sake. Thanks for the cutting. Beloved boysy, I prayed fervently for you in Church this morning, did our prayers meet, and now in an hour I shall again and implore Him to make me a better, more worthy creature for your love. But I must do a little Russian otherwise you will scold yr lazy girly.

Goodbye, beloved One, my own precious Nicky dear, my sunlight. Many tender kisses so I send you from tho far away and many tender blessings. Ever yr deeply loving old

Alix

God bless you! True unto Death. Do tell me always all about yr soldiers, I like it so much, loving soldiers as I do. Oh, how well I know when they sing on their homeward march and how often I have stopped to listen to them. And now I shall learn to love yours too and you must in return have a little corner open for my beloved Hessian ones, will sweet Dove?

The article that made Alix laugh:

There is a subject for a Christmas pantomime in the intrigues set on foot a few years ago to prevent the Czarewitch devoting himself to the Princess Alix of Hesse. A number of her sister's household was engaged to give information as to the steps taken to bring about an engagement. Another influence thought to be a potent one was set to work at Copenhagen. One who was charged to pull this wire tells me that, had it not been for the death of the Grand Duchess Paul, the hidden efforts would probably have succeeded. They tended to bring about a marriage between the second daughter of King George and the Czarewitch. But the Queen of Greece thought the sudden death of the Grand Duchess Paul a judgment of Heaven because she married a near relative. When she had made up her mind on this point, the Queen of Denmark invited the Princess Alix to Copenhagen, there to meet the Imperial family, and, as my informant says, the match was arranged en principe.

A great variety of photos of the future Czarina and her fiancé are on view in the windows of the printshops here. None are full-length, the largest stopping at the calf of the leg. She must be the taller, though they are made by the photographers to appear the same height. Ample justice is done to her. The different likenesses show her to have not mere physical beauty, but a face that interests by its power to express moods and fleeting feelings. An almost smiling bust-photo is delicious from the impression that it gives of inward joy. Others convey the idea of a pensive disposition and are more than charming. The figure is slim and elegant. An artlessly-made princesse-dress of light material and trimmed with coarse fur somehow does not spoil it. The fur is applied as if it were braid. If there is anything in the youthful face that just misses perfect beauty it is the chin, which is rather short and not sufficiently forward. But who could pay attention to this slight defect when there are such soulful eyes to look at!

Above: Nicholas and Alix.

Note: Heimweh = homesickness.

Alix's letter to Nicholas, dated May 25 (New Style), 1894

Sources:

Alexandra Feodorovna: Diaries and Correspondence, volume 2: Engagement and Marriage, 1894, pages 81 to 83, 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=pfbid0Y7hdtA8G2nEDTvuNQ1c6gMsz6eUa26nsKMcg48WQ5hoDY5a3gTgSQgST2oH7DobVl&id=108838347527221

Nicholas's letter from the same day:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2022/01/nicholass-letter-to-alix-dated-may-1325.html

Alix's letter of June 1 to the Bishop of Ripon is here:

https://empressalix.blogspot.com/2022/02/alixs-letter-to-william-boyd-carpenter.html

The letter excerpt:

... I am improving in my carving the chickens. Курина are the easiest, but when parts of other four legged beasts come, I feel rather lost.

The Dr. from here is coming at 11.30 and he will tell me when I am to begin drinking the waters and then about 12 I shall plunge into the rotten egg bath. Now the sun is coming out again.

You know whenever I am in the midst of a Russian lesson, marvelous musicians turn up at the corner of the улица. It is such a nuisance I have such a mass of letters still to answer, it makes me frantic and inclined to use your sort of shocking language.

My ноги are still very painful, that is why I hope he will allow me to take many baths in a week.

How awfully kind of your Father allowing you to come over in his yacht, as it is such a much nicer way of traveling than by land. Gretchen is learning away with Schneiderlein, and I hear tscha tscha tschi going on, as if so many cats were spitting.

I got a most touching letter from Friedrich August of Oldenburg to-day, he is such a nice fellow, tho' a little cracked.

I read about the Russian rivers to the Ladies last night and we stared our eyes nearly out over the maps, a weakness of yours, is it not, sweet one? Then I had my head washed, which takes an hour, as one's hair will never dry. Shall I cut mine off and appear like you? Eh? Wld that not look imposing? Of course it is in all the papers that I am here and all the tradespeople send epistles and beg of you to order things, even a piano and tea were offered. The rude people stand at the corner and stare; I shall stick my tongue out at them another time...

The letter in full:

No. 25

Harrogate

May 25th 1894

My own darling Boysy,

Most loving tender thanks for your dear long letter I received this morning and for the cutting from the papers wh. interested me muchly. I shall try and get a frame for the photo, but I fear none is to be got for that size, if not I shall cut the three heads out and put them separately into frames. No, Sandro may be handsome but won't be a 3rd R as you old wretch dared to propose. How unpleasant always having to go to funeral services. I wonder if it is the wife of one of my old neighbours at St. Petersburg, the dinners at the balls at the Winterpalace, the one was the nice old Admiral who had a beautiful ring, and one was rather deaf. You cannot make out how it is that the number of my letters is greater than yours. Why I wrote sometimes twice a day and before you had arrived. Yours are the greatest joy possible.

I am trying hard to learn more now — yesterday we read an anecdote about Lisa and her canary bird wh she let starve till it died, I am only so stupid and я всегда забываю слова. Мы уже пили кофе и теперь я буду писать. There, I hope this is correct. By the by, the Bishop of Ripon sent me his sermon this morning, wh he has especially written down for me as he really otherwise never does it. When you come you must read it, only it is written so small it will take one a good time to read it. He has proposed to me to go to Ripon wh is only 20 minutes by rail and he will show us all that is interesting — it is most kind and we shall certainly go.

Yesterday morning after an hour's lesson I was driven in a bathchair, into wh the others forced me to go, and they walked along side. We went a very pretty road, but warm, and later got higher up and stopped under a tree where the air was perfectly delicious and fresh and thought the sea must be quite close. After luncheon I read a novel and then drove with Gretchen as Schneiderlein had to write, through a very pretty town and Park, then learned again an hour and wrote to A. Helena whose birthday is to-day [illegible] arrives.

I am improving in my carving the chickens. Курина are the easiest, but when parts of other four legged beasts come, I feel rather lost.

The Dr. from here is coming at 11.30 and he will tell me when I am to begin drinking the waters and then about 12 I shall plunge into the rotten egg bath. Now the sun is coming out again.

You know whenever I am in the midst of a Russian lesson, marvelous musicians turn up at the corner of the улица. It is such a nuisance I have such a mass of letters still to answer, it makes me frantic and inclined to use your sort of shocking language.

My ноги are still very painful, that is why I hope he will allow me to take many baths in a week.

How awfully kind of your Father allowing you to come over in his yacht, as it is such a much nicer way of traveling than by land. Gretchen is learning away with Schneiderlein, and I hear tscha tscha tschi going on, as if so many cats were spitting.

I got a most touching letter from Friedrich August of Oldenburg to-day, he is such a nice fellow, tho' a little cracked.

I read about the Russian rivers to the Ladies last night and we stared our eyes nearly out over the maps, a weakness of yours, is it not, sweet one? Then I had my head washed, which takes an hour, as one's hair will never dry. Shall I cut mine off and appear like you? Eh? Wld that not look imposing?

Of course it is in all the papers that I am here and all the tradespeople send epistles and beg of you to order things, even a piano and tea were offered. The rude people stand at the corner and stare; I shall stick my tongue out at them another time.

Now my beloved Child, I must say Goodbye. God bless and keep you, my own beloved Nicky. Ever yr own, true, loving and devoted girly

Alix

Many loving kisses.

Севодня тёплая погода. Какъ ваше здоровы? Я дурнь говорю мнѣ трудно произносить (выговаривать) русскій слова. Я уже немняъ понимаю, надѣюсь скоро восучиться. Прощайте, душки.

Above: Nicholas and Alix.

Notes: "я всегда забываю слова. Мы уже пили кофе и теперь я буду писать" = "I always forget the words. We have already had tea and now I shall write."

курина = chickens.

улица = street.

ноги = legs.

"Севодня тёплая погода. Какъ ваше здоровы? Я дурнь говорю мнѣ трудно произносить (выговаривать) русскій слова. Я уже немняъ понимаю, надѣюсь скоро восучиться. Прощайте, душки." = "It's warm weather today. How is your health? I'm talking nonsense, it's hard for me to pronounce (say) Russian words. I already understand a little, I hope to learn soon. Farewell, darling."

Alix's letter to Polly Radcliffe, dated June 14, 1894

Source:

Louise Mountbatten: Queen of Sweden, page 75, by Margit Fjellman, 1968, via "Princess Alix was always extremely homely": Visit to Harrogate, 1894, article written by Marion Wynn for the August 2001 issue of Royalty Digest, itself via Personal Messages on the Zehngraf Miniatures: 1896 Egg with Revolving Miniatures, by DeeAnn Hoff, Independent Researcher, FabergéResearch.com

https://www.fabergeresearch.com/downloads/2listofbuildsillust.pdf

The letter:

Harrogate

up on the Marlow Moors

in a bath chair

June 14, 1894

Darling Pollie,

I am staying up here and hasten to use the occasion to send you a few lines of love and tender thanks for your dear birthday letter which touched me deeply and gave me much pleasure. It really is the first warm day again though a strong wind is blowing up here. The view is lovely. A blue haze over the distant hills and a delicious breeze. Little Louise Battenberg is with me. I had begged Victoria to spare her for eight days and really she looks better since she is here and taking one of the waters. It makes such a difference having a child in the room.

The twins which turned up the day before we arrived were christened yesterday and I was Godmother to both Nicholas and Alix. Of course there was a crowd when we went to church though we tried to keep it secret.

The people are a nuisance staring at one so. One feels such a fool. I bathe daily and take my water.

What a disappointment you cannot come to England this year. It would have been such fun if we had met. I am leaving on the 19th or 20th for Walton when you can guess who is coming. After about three days we go then again to Windsor probably till the Queen goes to Osborne.

A loving kiss

Ever your devoted friend

Alix

Above: Alix. Photo courtesy of Ilya Chishko at lastromanovs on VK.

Alix's letter to William Boyd Carpenter, Bishop of Ripon, dated June 1, 1894

Source:

https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/the-tsarinas-letters-to-william-boyd-carpenter-bishop-of-ripon-126623/

The letter:

Harrogate, June 1st 1894

Dear Sir,

I send you my very best thanks for your kind letter and the sermon you preached at Windsor. I am greatly touched that you remembered my expressing the wish of having your delightful sermon. It made a deep impression on me, and I am so glad now to be able to read it whenever I like; — and I am sure it will be a great help to me in many ways.

I cannot tell you how gladly I would have accepted your kind invitation to go to Ripon, and see the cathedral under your guidance, but the doctor has forbidden me to go on any long excursions, as the baths are very tiring. In case he should allow me a longer drive before I leave, may I venture to ask whether it would suit you then to see us?

Thanking you again for your sermon, which I am so glad and proud to possess, I remain,

yours very sincerely,

Alix of Hesse.

Above: Alix.

Above: William Boyd Carpenter, Bishop of Ripon.

Alix's letter to her brother Ernst, dated June 7, 1894

Alix wrote the following letter to her brother, Grand Duke Ernst of Hesse, on June 7, 1894 during her stay at the spa town of Harrogate.

Source (what I have):

mashkaromanova on Tumblr

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/185426487455/crop-of-princess-alix-sunny-of-hesse-1894

The letter:

My own darling Ernie dear,
A good kiss & blessing for your dear letter, which made me so happy, & for the photo of my darling Nicky, which you were an angel to have enlarged for me. It is an excellent one, & the expression so nice & natural. Really, darling, that beautiful parasole is much too good for me, you spoil me always with your presents. I took it out with me of course yesterday morning, but did not open it, it was so beautifully rolled up. No, it is too sweet & that splendid saphire on the top, I feel I must hide it with my hand & not let any one see it, & yet I am so proud of it, I want all to see it. —

But how I missed you, sweet One, is not to be described. Oh, I missed you sadly, but felt yr thoughts were at least with yr Sunny. It was a great joy having at least Victoria here, as I should have felt too miserable without one relation on my last birthday as a young girl. — Poor Orchie, she had never been away from me on the day before, & I think she felt rather low, from her letter. — But the weather was amiable & fine, after four days incessant rain. To-day it is also beautiful — really we deserve it after all this time. —

Grandmama gave me a delightful teabasket for four. Victoria gave me frames for photos of Nicky & a workbag & silver spoon to put the tea leaves in, like the egg I gave you last year at the Wolfsgarten. — Nicky gave me a magnificent bracelet in diamonds with a clasp of diamonds & two rubies, to be worn & a brooch too. — The cake with the pink roses was a great success, & reminded me so of home, — & all the flowers to decorate the table. —

I got a box sent me from I don't know whom from London with glorious roses — the room is full of flowers now & smells gloriously. I am so happy as I adore flowers so, & in thoughts I bless the kind angel who sent them — if I could only find out who it was — Irene sent me a little picture in oils of dear Papa's sitting room, which I am delighted to have. —

Then some amiable Ladies sent me glorious flowers, & one a little book written by her brother, & so on, kind little attentions & great crowds running to see us go out driving & the town flagged — most touching — oh, & they had to wait so long, as we came home much later than usual. — A pencil drawing by a lady (now dead) had done of Mama was sent me by a poor old servant, so I accepted & gave some money as an Unterstützung. — I was enchanted with photos of Fatinitza & the two little Jucker, Winky sent me; so nice. —

Victoria & I went for a delightful drive in our two tricycle bathchairs, & looked at a dropping well — if you put in anything, it turns to stone in a few months. — We had to walk a bit, & the consequence is more pain, so it is no good, I must not do it again; — I drink now to glasses a day, vile — one gets brought me at 8 in the morning, like hot salt water, loathsome — then at 11 I go in my bathchair & drink it at the wells, & the crowd gazes to see it run down my throat, very vulgar of them, & then to view me get into my chair bundled up — enshying as Irene would say. —

I am glad you are at last at Auerbach, & I hope you will enjoy your stay there & the neighbourhood of Schönberg. Give dear Marie my love when you see her, & tell her how often my thoughts run back to last year, & I see us sitting in Alexi's room burning & painting away as tho' to earn our daily bread. — And your hey cocks — I can imagine the length of Mino's face when you returned after midnight, you 3 mad hatters, what will you be up to next? —

I feel for you when the time of yr visite to Mainz comes. I hear the town is already being gradually decorated — I fear it will not be quite easy for you the whole thing, but I am sure it will be a fine sight. — I may leave here on the 20th of June, wh. day U want to go to Walton & meet Nicky there, who would be arriving that day at Gravesend in his Father's yatch, & would go straight on to Walton. About four days we should be there and then go to Windsor.

Grandmama would be too disappointed if I did not remain with her till she goes to Osborne, about the 15th of July, but one cannot settle it quite. She is still upset I am going so far away, & grumbles at us in each letter, poor dear. — I must say I too dread the moment when I shall have to say goodbye to her, as who knows when we shall ever meet again — she is no longer young, poor darling Grandmama. —

I am going to be good & do all Dr. Oliver says, so as to be as well as possible when I at last shall be home, at beloved Wolfsgarten, the dearest place on earth, & yet where I miss beloved Papa the most. — I heard from Nicky, he sends you his fondest love; — we hear from each other daily. — Will you thank Ducky & Mino for dear letters & presents — how charming she worked the basket. I shall write to them to-morrow, I cannot write much at a time on the sopha, it is too tiring, & I must be off to my water. —

So Goodbye & God bless you, my own beloved Ernie dear. Many tender kisses, Ever yr own loving old Sister Sunny. —

P. S. Zwilling sent me a touching telegram — he is always so kind to me, it nearly makes me cry. Oh, how I thank God you have got such a true friend, who I think would do anything for you. — By the by, Irene asked in a humble way, whether she might venture to come to Wolfsgarten about the 20th of July. — Toddie would be away at a bath, Harry away, & she all alone, & I know it is a sehnliche Wunsch of hers to come to the Wolfsgarten. You know she has never lived there since she married. — Won't you or Ducky write & ask her, I can't now; it must come from you. —

Aunt Helena of course begged for you to invite Thora whilst she is at Nauheim — Thora got quite red, as she I know hates inviting himself, but I know she is dying to come for one night, only is afraid Ducky might not care to have her. If she is not in your way —mind you don't do it for my sake — then one of you will and ask her, & perhaps you could put in a word to her & Christie about their present which you never thanked them for personally. —

Louie is in C. Lodge you know. Well, if she asks, should I not better say there is no room, or I don't know whom you have invited, & that she must write to Ducky, & then she can answer how sorry you are there is no place, because I am sure it would not be good for her to come. — Poor Thora is mad about L.'s behaviour towards Zwilling; — I wish she would go back to Aribert, those seperations I am sure are bad for her. — The amount of telegrams I got yesterday was appalling, just now one came from Aunt Minny from Abastouman. —

To-day a year ago poor Sahl came to us from Kranichstein. Did you write to him, I am so sorry I gave you unintentionally all that trouble. And what was his answer — please write it to me, I am so anxious to know, because he is so nice, poor boy. — Schneiderlein is there, I must fly to my water. — Many kisses. —

Above: Alix, year 1894.

Above: Ernest, year 1894.

Note: "Unterstützung" = support