The Correspondence of the Empress Alexandra of Russia with Ernst Ludwig and Eleonore, Grand Duke and Duchess of Hesse, 1878-1916, edited by Petra H. Kleinpenning, 2010
The letter:
My darling Ernie
Alix: Thousand thanks for your sweet letter. I was very glad to hear that you had shot 9 stags and a Roebuck. Dear Papa left yesterday afternoon, & I miss him very much. — This morning we four girls went with Uncle Arthur, Aunt Louischen, M. H. J. & H. v. Westerweller to Langen Church. In the morning the Egelsbacher Gesangverein sung, it was better than last time. —
Marie Louise: The weather is not very fine and so we shall go into Darmstadt on Wednesday the 23rd. We are writing each a sheet quite alone as it is Miss M. H. Jackson's birthday. We 3 presented her with a bouquet of roses & poisonous berries which she will wear this evening. Irène & Alix, A. Louischen & Uncle A. gave her each a present. Uncle his photo. Aunt a bracelet like Missy's silver one. Irène & Alix gave her gold beads and a tray for pins. We have been playing cricket a great deal with a tennis raquets & a soft ball. It is great fun & very exciting & hot work. We play in front of the large house, in the sand. We sometimes take walks with Indigo & the dogs, occasionaly the sheep have their turns, wh. is not the most amusing nor the best smell. They are very obstinate & nearly pull you into the ditch, & run between one's legs.
We have singing evenings, wh. are very amusing. All send much love & your beloved Axeli sends many kisses. Please give dear Grdmama my best love & also to Aunty & Liko. Pardon my scrawl, but I am in a great hurry as we are going for a walk & I have to change my dress. Abby wrote that he had hurt his leg again, & so could not do lessons. We expect a letter in return and as there is nothing more to tell you we remain your affectionate cousin Louise
Alix: & loving little Sister Alix.
1885
[P. S.] Do not let any one see this.
Above: Alix and Marie Louise.
Above: Ernst.
