Olga Alexandrovna's letter to Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia, dated June 1, 1915

Source:

Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_17993

The letter:

Проскуров. 1 Июня 1915.

Мои душки любимые — Ольга, Татьяна,

Мария и Анастасия!

Так тронута вашими милыми письмами и подарочками... Провожу день своего рождения совершенно в новой обстановке — и как это не странно — мне не кажется что это удивительно. Все утро и до 2 час. дня мы были в перевязочной так что я даже устала!...

Был молебен но я застала лишь кусочек. Приезжал командир моего полка с супругой своей и дочкой (обе уроды) и еще 2 больных офицера и 3 гусара! Крендель от них получила очень трогательно. Почему то мне сегодня грустно очень и если только можно было я бы лежала и плакала бы — сама не знаю зачем... Сижу теперь в собственном садике крошечном спиной к заборчику с одной стороны лежит коза — с другой Дафнэ. Писать ничего не могу. У меня лежат те самые Ахтырцы и Донцы — артилерийцы которых я видела в день их ранения там в Снятыне. Они ужасно рады попасть ко мне.

Я в новых туфлях! Вошел в садик мой Никита (мой деньщик) и коза к нему подбежала и он поит ее водой. Чудный человек Никита и мы любим друг друга! Я никогда столько цветов не получала. Санитары — мне подарили большую вазу для цветов на столе и написано от кого и 1 Июня 1915. Ужасно трогательно. Скажи Мама что я очень очень благодарю за туфли, за "water proof" за скамейки итд. и другой раз напишу. Нежно люблю, целую, обнимаю. Так жаль Швыбзика! Плакала ли?

God bless you all мои душки дорогие. За ваши подарки ужасно благодарю. Очень хорошо нарисовано [...]!

Любящая вас всех Тетя Ольга.

English translation (my own; original English in italics):

Proskurov. June 1, 1915.

My favorite darlings — Olga, Tatiana,

Maria and Anastasia!

So touched by your lovely letters and gifts... I'm spending my birthday in a completely new environment — and strange as it may seem — I don't think it's surprising. All morning until 2 o'clock we were in the dressing room so I was even tired! ...

There was a moleben, but I found only a piece. The commander of my regiment came with his wife and daughter (both freaks) and 2 more sick officers and 3 hussars! The pretzel I received from them is very touching. For some reason, I feel very sad today, and if only I could lie [down] and cry — I don't know why myself... Now I'm sitting in my own tiny garden with my back to the fence on one side lies a goat — on the other Daphne. I can't write anything. I have those same Akhtyrs and Donetses — artillerymen whom I saw on the day they were wounded there in Snyatyn. They are terribly glad to be with me.

I'm in new shoes! My Nikita (my orderly) entered the garden and a goat ran up to him and he gives her water to drink. Wonderful man, that Nikita, and we love each other! I've never received so many flowers. The orderlies — they gave me a large vase for flowers on the table and it is written from whom and June 1, 1915. Terribly touching. Tell Mama that I am very very grateful for the shoes, for the "water proof" for the benches, etc.  and write another time. Gently love, kiss, hug. So sorry for Shvibzik! Did you cry?

God bless you all my dear darlings. Thank you very much for your gifts. Very well drawn [...]!

Loving you all, Aunt Olga.

Above: Alexandra.

Above: Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia. Photo courtesy of Ilya Grigoryev at lastromanovs on VK.

Above: Olga Alexandrovna.

Note: moleben (молебен) = a prayer service in the Russian Orthodox Church.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated May 10, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram, dated May 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=135&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/may15.html

The letter:

No. 78.

Tsarskoje Selo, May 10-th 1915

My own precious One,

A lovely, warm, sunny morning; yesterday too it was fine, but so cold lying on the balkony after the summerweather at Vitebsk.

Our Church is so prettily decorated in green — do you remember last year at Livadia how lovely our little Church was — & once this day on board in Finland too!

Dear me, how much has happened since the peaceful, homely life in the fjords.

Edigarov writes that they have 35 degrees of warmth. —

Sister Olga wrote that all their wounded had to be sent off in full speed with deep sorrow on both sides — the very worse were transferred to another hospital wh. must remain. — God grant still P. & L. wont be taken & that these great feastdays may bring us luck. This journey of yours I get no telegrams alas, & so have to hunt in the papers for news — one lives through a time of grave anxiety — so I am glad you are not here, where everything is taken in a different tone, except by the wounded, who understand all much more normally. —

Drive with A. to Pavlovsk — my first drive since autumn — lovely, only one feels so sad at heart — & my back aches awfully since 3 days — then remained on the balkony & we are drinking tea there too. Thanks for yr. telegram Deary, — thank God the news are better. I saw 3 of Olga's ladies, its the regiment's feast, then Kostia & Commander of Izmail. reg. — Sister Ivanova (Sonia's Aunt) fr. Varsovie — interesting all she told about the hospitals there. —

Miechen heard through the Pss. Oginsky & told Mavra to tell me, that the prisoners (wounded) catholics are allowed to confess to Priests (Vilna) but not have holy Communion — thats quite wrong, but is Tumanov's order — if they are afraid of the Priests, then why allow confession — I suppose those are Bavarians, I don't know how the protestants are treated — can you speak to somebody to enquire into this? Thank old man & bow fr. me, & bow to N. P. — A. sends her love & kisses yr. hand. — Blessings & kisses without end, beloved One.

Ever yr. very, very own

Wify.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram.

Stavka. 10 May, 1915.

Many thanks for letter and news. Thank God the news is better. The weather is also wonderful, not very hot. I am sad because we are not together. I embrace you closely. The old man asks me to send his greetings.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas and Nicholas's telegrams, dated May 6, 1915 (Nicholas's birthday, Old Style date)

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=132&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/may15.html

The letter:

No. 75.

Tsarskoje Selo, May 6-th 1915

My very own precious One,

Many happy returns of this dear day. God grant you may spend it next year in peace and joy, and the nightmare of this war be over. I cover you with tender kisses — alas, only in thoughts — & pray God to protect and quite particularly bless you for all your undertakings.

Such a sunny morning — (tho' fresh) may it be a good omen. — Our Friend's lovely telegram will have given you pleasure — shall I thank him for you? And for Ania's card, wire me a message to give over to her. — We sat with her in the evening as she had spent a lonely day, by chance nobody, except mother & son Karangozov came to see her. — We had a tiring day, so I did not take Olga to town, because of her cold & Becker's visit; Tatiana replaced her at the Committee. At the stores Marie Bariatinsky & Olga were making stockings, the same as they had been doing at Moscou so far. —

Everybody asks for news — I have none to give — but the heart is heavy — through Mekk's telegrams one sees the movements more or less. — Navrusov spoke with us by telephone, the sinner only leaves to-night — as he said to me, he had "fasted" for six months, now he must enjoy town. I called him a hulligan, wh. he did not approve of, — too bad, he says my health is better now, because he has been drinking for my health. I told him Pss. Gedroitz who is very fond of him, calls him our enfant terrible; then I spoke with Amilakhvari by telephone, & he will come to say goodbye to-day. — Bobrinsky has left full speed to Lvov.

They sang beautifully in Church. We had all my ladies, Benkend. & Ressin to lunch, then I received Kotchubey, Kniazhevitch, Amilakhvari then went to Ania & read to her, after wh. to the big palace for 10 m. — Now Xenia & Paul come to tea, so must end, — always a hurry. — Blessings & kisses without end — no news, so anxious.

Sweetheart, yr. very own, longing for you

Wify.

Nicholas's telegrams:

Telegram.

Stavka. 6 May, 1915.

I am very touched by your lovely presents and good wishes. Am sorry that we are not together. I thank Ella. I kiss you and the dear children fondly.

Nicky.

...

Telegram.

Stavka, 6 May, 1915.

Again I thank you tenderly and warmly for your good wishes. Be kind enough to thank our Friend for his moving words. After great heat and a night's downpour it has become much cooler now...

Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Above: Anna Vyrubova.

Above: Olga and Tatiana. Photo courtesy of Ilya Chishko at lastromanovs on VK.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

Above: Olga Alexandrovna.

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

Alexandra and her daughters used "Madame Becker" as a euphemism for their menstrual periods.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated April 18, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram and short letter, dated April 19, 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=128&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/april15.html

The letter:

No. 70.

Tsarskoje Selo, April 18-th 1915

My own sweet precious One,

A grey, cold, damp morning — the barometer must have fallen, feel such a pressure on my chest. — Yesterday evening Hagentorn took off Ania's gypsum from round her stomach, so that she is enchanted, can sit straight, & back no longer aches. Then she managed to lift her left foot, for the first time since 3 months, wh. shows that the bone is growing together. The flebitis in the other leg is very strong — so massage cannot be done on either leg, wh. is a pitty. She lies on the sopha & looks less of an invalid; she comes to me, as I remain at home on account of my heart. —

This morning I receive Mekk — he will, entre autre, tell me about Lvov, where he saw you in Church. My little flying stores trains have hard & useful work in the Carpathans, & our mules carry the things in the mountains — hard fighting, ones heart aches, — & in the North too again. — There, the kind sun is peeping out. Yr. little plant stands on the piano & I like looking at it — reminds me of the Rosenau 21 years ago!!

Our Friend says if it gets more known that that catastrophy happened from an attempt to set fire, the hatred towards Germany will be great. —

(Hang those aeroplans in the Carpathans now too?) I am going to send money to the poorest families & Images to the wounded. —

Olga wrote you the details; & I suppose others do officially, so I wont say any more. —

My temp. rose to 37.3 in the evening & this morning 37; heart just now not enlarged. — Shall finish this in the afternoon, Xenia & Irina lunch with us, — & perhaps I may find something more interesting to tell you by then.

Well, now they have gone. Irina looked pretty, only much too thin. — It seems there was a fire in Ania's house, the little blind woman's candle fell down & things took fire, so the floor in the back room burned a little & two boxes with books, Ania got a nice fright — bad luck always. —

Now goodbye & God bless you — soon, soon I shall have you back, what joy!! 1000 fond kisses.

Ever yr. old

Wify.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Likhachevo South. 19 April, 1915.

Sincerest thanks for letter No. 301. I thank also all the children. Divine weather. Yesterday I went half-way to Yalta; saw the big landslide. It is much cooler there. The old man is well, sends his thanks. We stopped in Borki. I embrace you tenderly. How is her leg?

Nicky.

Nicholas's letter:

Sajnoe. 19 April, 1915.

MY LOVIE,

These photographs were taken in Sevastopol, when I was playing about with my plastouni. You will return them to me, will you not? when I come back. The heat in the train is terrible — 22 degrees.

I love you immensely and kiss you.

Your Nicky.

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

Above: Anna Vyrubova.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

Above: Olga Alexandrovna.

Above: Xenia.

Above: Irina.

Note: entre autre = among others.

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

Olga Alexandrovna's letter to Tatiana, dated August 1, 1911

Source:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_30055

The letter:

Ольгино 1911. 1 Августа.

Милая моя душка Татьяна,

Спасибо тебе огромное за милое письмо. Конечно я тебе картинку подарю и даже 2 если хочешь. Я оставила несколько — пять, только что сделанных в Петергофе — и написала туда чтобы их переслали тебе. Одна из них в рамке — а 4 так. Если тебе понравятся возьми что хочешь а другие если останется подари на знаменитый базар. Хотя, т. к. ты вероятно выберешь лучшие — то остальные будут слишком скверные для паблики — поэтому подари сестрам — одним словом делай с картинками что хочешь! Я тут наслаждаюсь так что сказать не могу... Рисовать для меня высшее наслаждение — а тут такие аппетитные сюжеты что я кричу от радости...

Громадное поле с подсолнышниками. Я вчера рисовала их и сегодня собираюсь туда же — хотя это довольно далеко — и ближе к Дону. Вчера ко мне принесли крестника Володю — которого я весной крестила. Ему 2 месяца. Он спал крепко так что я мало его видела всущности. Что делает Аня? Наверно тоже скучает по яхте и подушкам и дразнение.

Вечером вчера до 8 ч. я сидела под своими яблонями (пахнет яблоками и сливами) и рисовала большое аппетитное розовое облако — и его отражение в реке — далеко внизу под садом. Довольно мило вышло. Я тебе покажу зимой.

Вы должны ко мне раз приехать в Питер — чай пить — видеть мой уютный дом — которого вы никогда не видели — и все мои картины. Наверно Мама позволит?! Я приеду за вами и отвезу вас сама и буду ужас как рада!

Ну вот. Слив у нас в саду ужас сколько! Все плоские вазы на всех столах переполнены — тем что от ветра падают и мы едим каждый день вкусный "pie" из них кроме тех что целый день приходится есть! ..

Княжна кланяется. Полярная радуется и идет скоро в Англию за Амама и затем в Данию на осень с нею. Скажи Папа что я кончила читать "Жар-цвет" и что страшно интересно было. Прочел ли он, и нравится ли ему?

Теперь довольно — т. к. почта идет сейчас.

Крепко обнимаю тебя душка милая. Также крепко целую Папа, Мама, Ольгу и маленьких.

Любящая тебя нежно

Твоя Тетя Ольга.

English translation (my own):

Olgino 1911. August 1.

My sweet darling Tatiana,

Thank you very much for your lovely letter. Of course I'll give you a picture and even 2 if you want. I left a few — five, just made in Peterhof — and wrote there to send them to you. One of them is framed — and 4 are like that. If you like it, take what you want, and if there are others, donate to the famous bazaar. Although, since you will probably choose the best ones, the rest will be too bad for the public — so give it to your sisters — in a word, do what you want with the pictures! I am enjoying myself here, so much so that I can't say... Drawing is the highest pleasure for me — and here are such mouth-watering subjects that I scream with joy...

Huge field with sunflowers. I drew them yesterday and today I'm going to the same place — although it's quite far away — and closer to the Don. Yesterday they brought my godson Volodya to me — whom I baptised in the spring. He is 2 months old. He slept soundly, so I saw little of him. What is Anya doing? Probably also misses the yacht and pillows and teasing.

Yesterday evening until 8 o'clock I sat under my apple trees (it smells of apples and plums) and drew a big appetising pink cloud — and its reflection in the river — far below under the garden. Turned out pretty nice. I'll show you in winter.

You should come to me sometime in St. Petersburg — drink tea — see my cozy house — which you have never seen — and all my paintings. Surely Mama would allow it? I will come for you and take you myself and I will be terribly glad!

Here you go. How many drains we have in the garden! All the flat vases on all the tables are overflowing with the fact that they fall from the wind and we eat every day a delicious "pie" of them, except for those that we have to eat all day! ..

Princess bows. The Polar Star rejoices and soon goes to England for Amama and then to Denmark for the autumn with her. Tell Papa that I have finished reading "Fire-Colour" and that it was terribly interesting. Has he read it and does he like it?

Now that's enough — because the mail is coming now.

I hug you tight, my dear. I also firmly kiss Papa, Mama, Olga and the little ones.

Your tenderly loving

Aunt Olga.

Above: Alexandra with Tatiana.

Above: Olga Alexandrovna.

Notes: Amama = the Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna, Olga's mother, Alexandra's mother-in-law and Tatiana's paternal grandmother.

The book "Fire-Colour" is by Alexander Amfiteatrov.

Olga Alexandrovna's letter to Tatiana, dated July 30, 1911

Source:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_33227

The letter:

Ольгино. 1911.

30 Июля.

Dearest little sweet Татьяна,

Thank you awfully for your dear letter. I was so delighted and pleased to get. Я тебя так хорошо понимаю, и понимаю твое чувство пустоты после жизни на яхте и дружбы со всеми офицерами — и вдруг никого из них нет около — да, очень скучно теперь вам всем. Пожалуйста попроси и напомни чтобы Мама прислала мне фотографии тебя и Ольги в формах — я так их хотела и не получила в конце концов.

Уехали мои Ахтырцы! Они были так милы и просты и наслаждались глубоко здесь; даже вахмистр Аралкин имел свое маленькое удовольствие — поехал на охоту и убил одну утку — которую я съем в свое время! Каждое утро в 7½ я еду в степь со своими красками — с Ник. Алек. (он правит) и найдя красивое место с желтеющею рожью и цветами около — рисую — а он с лошадьми пасется и разговаривает с мужичками. Теперь они все в поле на уборке хлеба — и так красиво в степи — яркие рубашки и платки.

Смешно подумать что когда твой юбилей 10ти летнего шефства — тебе только будет 24 года! Я загораю здесь еще лучше. Я Ольге вчера писала как я кутила всю ночь на Полярной — до 4 ч. утра. Солнце вышло пока мы еще не разошлись и мы стояли на самой корме около флага и смотрели на дивное небо и розовое солнце!

Мичман Сем. Тян Шанский теперь совсем и бесповоротно мой — и я не боюсь Анастасии — он мне это сказал и повторял на пикнике и после ночью на Полярной. Я была еще тогда же на парусной яхте "Зизи". Так уютно и мило — там 4 койки, 2 каютки, стол, W.C. и ванна...

Чего же более? Мы сидели там — у самого трапа Поляр. Зв. Итак у вас больше не было пикников. Я рада — потому что очень завидовала вам, я знаю как это нехорошо завидовать чужому счастью — но иногда изредка приходится! Крестники мои — больше парни 10ти лет — уже работают в поле и помогают своим родителям — и издали орут мне при встречах: "Здравствуй Мама крестная!" и бегут "shake-hands" со мною.

Княжна очень благодарит тебя и Ольгу за поклоны и очень приветствует.

Одна моя кума была у меня сегодня утром — она овдовела недавно — и осталась с 9-ю детьми — шестью дочерьми и 3мя сыновьями.

Она кажется не горюет очень о "покойнике" т. к. он пил, бил ее — и умер от пьянства — еще молодым совсем человеком.

Мой локоть тоже черный и до сих пор болит т. к. трескается и сгибать локоть больно. Nana сидит передо мною и читает свою газетку.

Пожалуйста пиши мне часто. Ты говоришь что нечего будет писать — всегда приятно вспоминать прошедшее хорошее время — об этом можешь писать — да и так всегда много. Пришли пожалуйста карточки которые вы все поснимали — для моего альбома.

Досвиданья милая душка. Господь с тобою.

Целую всех ужасно крепко.

Твоя Тетя Ольга.

English translation (my own; original English in italics):

Olgino. 1911.

July 30.

Dearest little sweet Tatiana,

Thank you awfully for your dear letter. I was so delighted and pleased to get. I understand you so well, and I understand your feeling of emptiness after life on a yacht and friendship with all the officers — and suddenly none of them are around — yes, you are all very bored now. Please ask and remind Mama to send me photos of you and Olga in your uniforms — I wanted them so much and didn't get them in the end.

My Akhtyrs have left! They were so sweet and simple and enjoyed deeply here; even the sergeant-major Aralkin had his little pleasure — he went hunting and killed one duck — which I will eat in due time! Every morning at 7½ I go to the steppe with my paints — with Nik. Alex. (he rules) and finding a beautiful place with yellowing rye and flowers around — I draw — and he grazes with horses and talks with peasants. Now they are all in the field harvesting grain — and it is so beautiful in the steppe — bright shirts and scarves.

It's funny to think that on your anniversary of 10 years of patronage — you will only be 24 years old! I sunbathe here even better. I wrote to Olga yesterday about how I spent the whole night on Polar Star — until 4 o'clock in the morning. The sun came out before we parted and we stood at the very stern near the flag and looked at the marvelous sky and the pink sun!

Midshipman Sem. Tyan Shansky is now completely and irrevocably mine — and I'm not afraid of Anastasia — he told me this and repeated it to me at the picnic and later at night on Polar Star. I was still on the sailing yacht "Zizi". So cozy and cute — there are 4 berths, 2 cabins, a table, W.C. and bath...

What more? We were sitting there - at the gangway of Polar Star. So you didn't have any more picnics. I am glad — because I envied you very much, I know how bad it is to envy someone else's happiness — but sometimes you have to occasionally! My godchildren — more than 10-year-olds — are already working in the field and helping their parents — and from a distance they shout at me when they meet: "Hello, Mama Godmother!" and run "shake-hands" with me.

Princess thanks you and Olga very much for your regards and greets you very much.

One of my godmothers was with me this morning — she was recently widowed — and left with 9 children — six daughters and 3 sons.

She does not seem to grieve very much about the "deceased", because he drank, beat her — and died of drunkenness — while still a very young man.

My elbow is also black and still hurts because it cracks and bending the elbow hurts. Nana is sitting in front of me and reading her newspaper.

Please write to me often. You say that there will be nothing to write — it is always nice to remember the past good time — you can write about it — and there is always a lot of it. Please send the cards that you all took off — for my album.

Goodbye sweet darling. The Lord be with you.

I kiss everyone very firmly.

Your Aunt Olga.

Above: Alexandra.

Above: Olga Alexandrovna.

Above: Tatiana.

Olga Alexandrovna's letter to Olga and Tatiana, dated November 21, 1910

Source:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_30413

The letter:

Петербург.

1910

21го Ноября

Милые мои Ольга и Татьяна,

Я получила ваши письма вчера и позовчера и страшно благодарю. Я не писала вам раньше т. к. думала что из-за карантина вы боитесь всякого сношения со мною — но теперь можно писать, карантин кончается 28го и я решила что если моя Мама приедет даже 2мя днями раньше я вполне могу ехать в Гатчину и никого уже не заражу. Дядя Петя чувствует себя хорошо. К нему хожу ежедневно 2 или 3 раза но не трогаю. Даже сижу в открытой двери — двух комнат и не вхожу в его "аппартаменты"... Мне очень и очень жаль что не могу вас видеть — так глупо быть так близко и нельзя увидеть вас всех! Как поживает Мама? Целую её очень сердечно и крепко и Папа тоже. Nana со мною живёт. Мы раз с нею вдвоем поехали вечером в цирк зная что туда в нашу ложу никто не ходит. Было очень весело в особенности Nana которая 16 лет не была в цирке! Ко мне часто ходит Храбрый и пьет по 4 или 5 чашек чая и много говорит и рассказывает. Сер. Сер. был раз, и то под большим секретом от брата и матери которые боятся оспы до безумия!

Княжна и я гуляем по 3 часа в день по улицам и тоже на островах с собаками... Николай Александрович часто приходит навещать. В общем я ничего против нашего карантина не имею. Только жаль что вас всех и Ксениных мальчиков — не могу видеть так долго.

Кланяюсь Софии Ивановне и благодарю за ея поклон.

Имею грамофон к которому покупаю симпатичные ноты и наслаждаюсь музыкой. Ирина за последнее время — написала 2 раза и просила ответа но т. к. я не имею понятия где она — никак не могу ей ответить. Они должны были приехать 19го но не приехали почему то! Завтра день рождения дяди Миши и его нет и мне скучно и грустно и не знаю даже где он!

Досвиданья мои душки милые. Целую вас очень крепко как люблю Тетя Ольга.

English translation (my own):

St. Petersburg.

1910

21st November

My darlings Olga and Tatiana,

I received your letters yesterday and the day before yesterday and I thank you very much. I didn't write to you before because I thought that because of the quarantine you would be afraid of any interaction with me — but now you can write, the quarantine ends on the 28th and I have decided that if my Mama arrives even 2 days earlier, I can go to Gatchina and won't infect anyone. Uncle Petya feels well. I go to him daily 2 or 3 times but do not touch. I even sit in the open door — two rooms and do not enter his "apartment"... I am very, very sorry that I can't see you — it is so stupid to be so close and you can't see all of you! How is [your] Mama doing? I kiss her very heartily and firmly, and Papa too. Nana is living with me. We once went with her together in the evening to the circus, knowing that no one goes there to our box. It was a lot of fun especially for Nana who hasn't been to the circus in 16 years! Brave often comes to me and drinks 4 or 5 cups of tea and talks and tells a lot. Ser. Ser. was [here] once, and then under the big secret from the brother and mother who are afraid of smallpox to the point of madness!

Princess and I walk for 3 hours a day along the streets and also on the islands with dogs... Nikolai Alexandrovich often comes to visit. In general, I have nothing against our quarantine. It's just a pity that I can't see you all and Xenia's boys for so long.

I bow to Sofia Ivanovna and thank her for her regards.

I have a gramophone from which I buy nice notes and enjoy the music. Irina lately — wrote 2 times and asked for an answer, but since I have no idea where she is — I can't answer her in any way. They were supposed to arrive on the 19th but didn't come for some reason! Tomorrow is Uncle Misha's birthday and he's gone and I'm bored and sad and don't even know where he is!

Goodbye my dear darlings. I kiss you very much, as I love [you] Aunt Olga.

Above: Alexandra.

Above: Olga Alexandrovna.

Above: Olga and Tatiana. Photo courtesy of Ilya Chishko.

Olga Alexandrovna's letter to Tatiana, dated August 23, 1910

Source:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_32954

The letter:

1910. Ольгино.

23го Авг.

Nana и Княжна благодарят и кланяются тебе.

Моя душка Татьяна,

Я страшно была обрадована твоим милым и подробным письмом. Ты пишешь что Ирина так сперва конфузилась на яхте, ну вот, я только что прочла письмо Сер. Сер. Мне пишет, что "ваша племянница повидимому очень скучает, офицеры с ней почти что не знакомы так как она держится совсем отдельно". Ах жаль что или меня или кого-нибудь из вас — нет с нею — мы бы живо растормошили Ирину! Жаль за нее т. к. она могла бы страшно веселиться а так одна ей наверно скучно и никого нет кто бы помог ей! Гораздо лучше если ее прислали сюда. Тут я ручаюсь что она живо бы обошлась. Она совсем не конфузится моего Ник. Ал. ибо часто его видит и кажется очень любит — и других мальчиков знает и Княжну мою. Мы бы ее верхом катали и в лес за грибами водили и т. д. Конечно веселее чем жизнь которую она ведёт в Дании — не правда ли?

Я очень тоже желаю тебя и вообще всех — видеть. Ты не пишешь как Мама себя чувствует после путешествия?

Сер. Сер. говорит что скучно на яхте потому что меня нет. Еще бы! Я их всех так тормозила в прошлом году — с утра всегда кто нибудь из молодежи ходили со мной по магазинам — и мы шоколад пили где нибудь до завтрака и днем гуляли или катались в "Taxi-motor"ах а вечером веселились в саду "Tivoli" — вообще было оживленно до нельзя. Пиши мне часто я тоже буду писать часто. Только что ездила с Ник. Алек. верхом по степи и в дубовый лес на склоне большой горы. Красивые места здесь. До чая катались все и Nana тоже и собирали цветы для ваз. Вообще весело ужасно. Досвиданья милая моя Татьяна. Надеюсь Мама и Ольга получили мои письма и крестница — открытку?

Целую и обнимаю всех очень крепко! Господь с тобою. Любящая тебя Тетя Ольга.

English translation (my own):

1910. Olgino.

23rd Aug.

Nana and Princess thank you and send you their regards.

My darling Tatiana

I was overjoyed by your sweet and detailed letter. You write that Irina was so embarrassed at first on the yacht, well, I just read Ser. Ser.'s letter. He writes to me that "your niece is apparently very bored, the officers almost do not know her, since she keeps almost completely to herself." Oh, it's a pity that either me or one of you — not with her — we would quickly stir up Irina! It's a pity for her, because she could have a lot of fun, but she is probably bored alone and there is no one to help her! It would be much better if she was sent here. Here I vouch that she would have done well. She is not at all embarrassed by my Nik. Al. for he often sees him and seems to love him very much — and knows other boys and my Princess. We would take her riding and take her to the forest for mushrooms, etc. Certainly more fun than the life she leads in Denmark, isn't it?

I also want to see you and everyone in general. You do not write how Mama feels after the trip?

Ser. Ser. says that he is bored on the yacht because I am not there. Still! I slowed them all down so much last year — in the morning some of the young people always went shopping with me — and we drank chocolate somewhere before breakfast and walked or rode in the "Taxi-motor" in the afternoon and had fun in the "Tivoli" garden in the evening — in general, it was lively to the point of impossibility. Write to me often, I will write often too. Just went with Nik. Alek. riding across the steppe and into the oak forest on the slope of a large mountain. Beautiful places here. Everyone rode until tea, including Nana, and picked flowers for vases. Really awful fun. Goodbye, my darling Tatiana. I hope Mama and Olga have received my letters and goddaughter — the postcard?

I kiss and hug everyone very tightly! The Lord be with you. Your loving Aunt Olga.

Above: Olga Alexandrovna.

Above: Tatiana.

Above: Alexandra.

Nicholas's telegram to Alexandra, dated October 29, 1914

Source:

http://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/october14.html

The telegram:

Telegram. Army in the Field. 29 October 1914.
Am very glad to be here again and to see Olga. Have been to her hospital; now I am going to see the military hospitals. The weather is splendidly warm. Am staying here till to-night. Thanks for letter. Embrace you closely.
Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Above: Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, Nicholas's sister and Alexandra's sister-in-law.

Alexandra, Irène, Olga Alexandrovna with OTMA and Alexei on the steps of the Catherine Palace on the occasion of the parade of His Majesty's Cuirassier Life-Guards regiment, year 1910 or 1911

Source:

http://photo.rgakfd.ru/photo/52096

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 23, 1914, and his telegrammed reply, dated September 24, 1914

Alexandra wrote this letter to Nicholas on September 23, 1914. He replied via telegram the next day.

Sources:

http://www.alexanderpalace.org/letterstsaritsa/september14.html

http://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/september14.html

The letter:

Tsarskoe Selo, 23rd Sept. 1914

My own beloved Darling,
I was so sorry not to be able to write to you yesterday, but my head ached hideously & I lay all the evening in the dark. In the morning we went to the Grotto church for half of the service & it was lovely; I had been before to see Baby! Then we fetched the Pss. G. at Ania's.

My head already ached & I can't take any medecins now, neither for the heart. We worked from 10-1, as there was an operation wh. lasted long.

After luncheon I had Schulenburg who left again to-day, as Rennenkampf told him to hurry back. Then I came up to kiss Baby & went down & lay on my bed till tea-time, after wh. I received Sandra Schouvalov's otriad, after wh. to bed with a splitting headache. Ania was offended I did not go to her, but she had lots of guests, & our Friend for three hours. The night was not famous & I feel my head all day — heart enlarged — generally I take drops 3 or 4 times a day, as otherwise I could not keep up, & now I can't these days. — I read Doklady in bed & got on to the sopha for luncheon. Then received the couple Rebinder from Kharkhov they have my stores there & she had come from Vilna where she had been to bid goodbye to her brother Kutaissov. He showed her the Image I had sent the battery from Baby & it looked already quite used it seems they daily have it out for prayers & before every battle they pray before it — so touching. —

Then I came to Baby & lay near him in the half dark whilst Vlad. Nik. was reading to him, now they are playing together, the girls too, we have had tea up here too. — The weather is bright, in the night almost frost. —

Thank God the news continues being good & the Prussians retire. The mud hunted them away. Mekk writes that there are a good many cases of cholera & dissentry in Lvov but they are taking sanitary measures. — There have been difficult moments there, according to the papers; but I trust there won't be anything serious — one cannot trust those Poles — after all we are their enemies & the Catholics must hate us. — I shall finish in the evening, can't write much at a time. — Sweet Angel, soul & heart are ever with you.

I am writing on Anastasia's paper, Baby kisses you very much — he has no pains at all, lies, because the knee is still swollen, do hope he can be up then by your return. — I got a letter from old Mme Orlova, to whom Ivan wrote that he wants to continue the military service after war — he told me as much too — he is Flyer Orlov, 20th Corps, active Army — he received the St. George's cross, has the right to another decoration, but perhaps he might receive the grade of praporstchik (or podporoutchik). He did his "reconnoitring under heavy fire of the enemy" — one day he flew alone particularly high up & the cold was so intense, he did not know what to do — the hands freezing — machine stopped working — he did not care what would become of him, so numbed he felt — then he began praying & all of a sudden the machine went off working again alright. When it pours they cannot fly so sleep & sleep. Plucky boy to fly so often alone — what nerves one needs; indeed his father would have been proud of him therefore the Grandmama asks for him. — I write abominably to-day, but my brain is tired & heavy. —

Oh my sweetheart, what an intense joy it was when your precious letter was brought to me, & I thank you for it from all my heart. It was good of you writing — I read parts of it to the girls & Ania, who had been permitted to come to dinner & remained till 10½. How interesting it must all have been. — Rouzsky for sure was deeply moved that you made him general adj. Won't Agooweeone* be happy you wrote! He has no more pain, thank God. You are probably now off in the train again — but how short you remain with Olga. What a recompense to the brave garrison of Ossowetz if you go there; — perhaps of Grodno, if some troops are still residing there. — Schulenburg saw the lancers, their horses are completely done up, the backs sore to blood — hours in the saddle — & their legs quite weak. As the train stood near Vilna several of the officers came & slept change about several hours on his bed, & they enjoyed this luxury of a train-bed even, & to find a real W.C. was exquisite joy to them, Kniaievitch did not want to come out any more he was so comfortable there! (this Sch's wife related to Ania).

And beloved huzy misses his little Wify! And do I not you too! But I have the nice family to cheer me up. — Do you go into my compartment sometimes? Please give Fred. many kind messages. Have you spoken to Feodorov about the military students & Drs? No telegram from you to-day, that means that you did nothing in particular, I suppose.

Now my own sweetest one my Nicky dear, I must be trying to sleep & lay this letter out to be taken at 8½. —

I had no more ink in my pen, so had to take another. Goodbye, my Angel, God bless & protect you & bring you safe & sound back again. Every possible tender kiss & caress fr. yr. foundly loving & truly devoted little Wify. Ania thanks for your message & sends much love.

Nicholas's telegram reply:

Telegram. Brest. 24 September, 1914.
Am very grateful for news. Was so glad to see Olga in Rovno. Inspected her hospital and the local one, Not many wounded left. The weather is cold, bad. Embrace all closely.
Nicky

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Above: Alexei.

Above: Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, Nicholas's sister and Alexandra's sister-in-law.

Note: Agooweeone was another nickname for Alexei.