Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 3, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram, dated September 3, 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=188&skin=2021

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

The letter:

No. 111.
Tsarskoje Selo, Sept. 3-rd 1915
My own beloved Nicky dear,
Grey weather. Looking through the papers I saw that Litke has been killed — how sad, he was one of the last who had not once been wounded, & such a good officer. Dear me, what losses, ones heart bleeds — but our Friend says they are torches burning before God's throne, & that is lovely. A beautiful death for Sovereign & country. One must not think too much about that, otherwise it [is] too heartrending. — Paul's Boy left yesterday evening after having taken Holy Communion in the morning. Now her both sons are in the war, poor woman & this one is such a marvelously gifted boy, wh. makes one more anxious — he is sooner ready to be taken from this world of pain. — Wont you get Yussupov & give him instructions & send him off quicker to Moscou, its very wrong his sitting here at such a time when his presence can be needed any moment — she keeps him.

But one must have an eye on Moscou & prepare beforehand & be in harmony with the military, otherwise disorders will again rise. Stcherbatchev being a nullity, not to say worse, wont help when disorders occur, I am sure. Only quicker to get rid of him & for you to get a look a[t] Khvostov, whether he would suit you, or Neidhardt. — (who is such a pedant).

Thank God, you continue feeling energetic — let one feel it in everything & in all yr. orders here in this horrid rear. — We take tea at Miechens.

Here are the names of Maia Plaoutin's sons — she entreats to get news of them — can somebody in yr. staff, or Drenteln try to find out their whereabouts? —

Well, I placed my candles as usual, ran in to kiss A. as she was off to Peterhof — then hospital, operation.

Your Eristov lunched with us, has grown older, limps a little, was wounded in the leg & lay at Kiev. Then I received Ignatiev (minister) & talked long with him about everything & gave him my opinion about all, they shall hear my opinion of them & the Duma. I spoke of the old man, of their ugly behaviour towards him, & turned to him as a former Preobr., what would one do to officers who go behind their commanders back & complain against him & hinder & wont work with him — one sends them flying — he agreed. As he is a good man I know, I launched forth & he I think understood some things more rightly afterwards. — Then I had Css. Adlerberg; after wh. we made bandages in the stores.
O, T. & I took tea at Miechen, Ducky came too, looking old, & ugly even, had a headache & felt cold & was badly coiffée. — We spoke much & they looked at things as one ought to; also angry at the fright & cowardice & that none will take any responsability upon themselves. Furious against the Nov. Vremia, finds one ought to take strong measures against Suvorin. Miechen knows that a correspondence goes on between Militza & Suvorin, make the police clear this up, it becomes treachery.

I send you a cutting about Hermogens — again Nicolasha gave orders about him, it only concerned the Synod & you — what right had he to allow him to go to Moscou — you & Fredericks ought to wire to Samarin that you wish him to be sent straight on to Nicolo Ugretsk — as remaining with Vostorgov, they will again cook against our Friend & me. Please order Fred. to wire this. — I hope they wont make any story to Varnava; you are Lord & Master in Russia, Autocrat remember that. —

Then I saw Gen. Shulmann of Ossovetz — his health is still not yet good, so he cannot yet go to the army. — Uncle Mekk was long with me & we talked a lot about affairs — & then about all the rest. He finds Iussupov no good. Miechen said Felix told him his Father had sent in his demission & got no answer. —

Big strikes in town. God grant Rouzsky's order will be fulfilled energetically. — Mekk is also very much against Gutchkov — he says the other brother also talks too much.

Lovy, have that assembly in Moscou forbidden, its impossible, will be worse than the Duma & there will be endless rows. —

Another thing to think seriously about is the question of wood — there wont be any fuel & little meat & in consequence can have stories & riots.

Mekks railway gives heaps of wood to the town of Moscou, but its not enough & one does not think seriously enough about this. —

Forgive my bothering you Sweetheart, but I try to collect what I think may be of use to you. — Remember about Suvorin's articles wh. must be watched & damped. —

A great misfortune, one cannot get the refugees to work, they wont & thats bad, they expect one to do everything for them & give & do nothing in exchange. —

Now this must go. The Image is fr. Igumen Serafim (fr. whom St. Seraphim came, wh. you held in your hand). The goodies, toffee is from Ania. —

Weather grey & only 8 degr.

Lovy, please send of your suite to the different manufacturies, fabricks to inspect them — your eye — even if they do not understand much, still the people will feel you are watching them, whether they are fulfilling your orders conscientiously — please dear. —

Many a tender kiss, fervent prayer & blessing huzy mine, fr. yr. very own old
Sunny.

God will help — be firm & energetic — right & left, shake & wake all up, & smack firmly when necessary. One must not only love you, but be afraid of you, then all will go well. —

Is it true nice Dimka also goes to Tiflis — a whole suite of yours follow, thats too much, & you need him with the foreigners & for sending about.

All the children kiss you. —

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 3 September, 1915.
Warmest thanks for dear letter, and for Olga's. I hope that you do not tire yourself with all that you do. I feel well and determined. Boris has arrived, sent by the officer commanding the Guards, with the report of their losses...

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

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

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated August 22, 1915

Source:

Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar, 1914-1916, published by Duckworth & Co., 1923

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=165&skin=2021

The letter:

No. 98.
Tsarskoje Selo, Aug. 22-nd 1915
My very own beloved One,
I cannot find words to express all I want to — my heart is far too full. I only long to hold you tight in my arms & whisper words of intense love, courage, strength & endless blessings. More than hard to let you go alone, so completely alone — but God is very near to you, more then ever. You have fought this great fight for your country & throne — alone & with bravery & decision. Never have they seen such firmness in you before & it cannot remain without good fruit.

Do not fear for what remains behind — one must be severe & stop all at once. Lovy, I am here, dont laugh at silly old wify, but she has "trousers" on unseen, & I can get the old man to come & keep him up to be energetic — whenever I can be of the smallest use, tell me what to do — use me — at such a time God will give me the strength to help you — because our souls are fighting for the right against the evil. It is all much deeper than appears to the eye — we, who have been taught to look at all from another side, see what the struggle here really is & means — you showing your mastery, proving yourself the Autocrat without wh. Russia cannot exist. Had you given in now in these different questions, they would have dragged out yet more of you. Being firm is the only saving — I know what it costs you, & have & do suffer hideously for you, forgive me, I beseech you, my Angel, for having left you no peace & worried you so much — but I too well know yr. marvelously gentle character — & you had to shake it off this time, had to win your fight alone against all. It will be a glorious page in yr. reign & Russian history the story of these weeks & days — & God, who is just & near you — will save your country & throne through your firmness.

A harder battle has rarely been fought, than yours & it will be crowned with success, only believe this.

Yr. faith has been tried — your trust — & you remained firm as a rock, for that you will be blessed. God anointed you at your coronation, he placed you were you stand & you have done your duty, be sure, quite sure of this & He forsaketh not His anointed. Our Friend's prayers arise night & day for you to Heaven & God will hear them.

Those who fear & cannot understand your actions, will be brought by events to realise your great wisdom. It is the beginning of the glory of yr. reign, He said so & I absolutely believe it. Your Sun is rising — & to-day it shines so brightly. And so will you charm all those great blunderers, cowards, lead astray, noisy, blind, narrowminded & (dishonest false) beings, this morning.

And your Sunbeam will appear to help you, your very own Child — won't that touch those hearts & make them realise what you are doing, & what they dared to wish to do, to shake your throne, to frighten you with internal black forebodings — only a bit of success out there & they will change. They will (?) disperse home into clean air & their minds will be purified & they carry the picture of you & yr. Son in their hearts with them. —

I do hope Goremykin will agree to yr. choice of Khvostov — you need an energetic minister of the interior — should he be the wrong man, he can later be changed — no harm in that, at such times — but if energetic he may help splendidly & then the old man does not matter.

If you take him, then only wire to me "tail (Khvostov) alright" & I shall understand. —
Let no talks worry you — am glad Dmitri wont be there — snap up Voyeikov if he is stupid — am sure he is afraid meeting people there who may think he was against Nikolasha & Orlov & to smoothe things, he begs you for Nikolasha — that would be the greatest fault & undo all you have so courageously done & the great internal fight would have been for nothing. Too kind, don't be, I mean not specially, as otherwise it would be dishonest, as still there have been things you were discontented with him about. Remind others about Misha, the Emperor's brother & then there is war there too. —

All is for the good, as our Friend says, the worst is over. — Now you speak to the Minister of war & he will take energetic measures, as soon as needed — but Khvostov, will see to that too if you name him. — When you leave, shall wire to Friend to-night through Ania — & He will particularly think of you. Only get Nikolasha's nomination quicker done — no dawdling, its bad for the cause & for Alexejev too — & a settled thing quieten minds, even if against their wish, sooner than that waiting & uncertainty & trying to influence you — it tires out ones heart.
I feel completely done up & only keep myself going with force — they shall not think that I am downhearted or frightened — but confident & calm. —

Joy we went to those holy places to-gether — for sure yr. dear Father quite particularly prays for you. —

Give me some news as soon as you can — now am afraid for the moment N. P. wiring to Ania until am sure nobody watches again.

Tell me the impression, if you can. Be firm to the end, let me be sure of that otherwise shall get quite ill from anxiety.

Bitter pain not to be with you — know what you feel, & the meeting with N. wont be agreeable — you did trust him & now you know, what months ago our Friend said, that he was acting wrongly towards you & your country & wife — its not the people who would do harm to your people, but Nikolasha & set Gutchkov, Rodzianko, Samarin etc. —

Lovy, if you hear I am not so well, don't be anxious, I have suffered so terribly, & phisically overtired myself these 2 days, & morally worried (& worry still till all is done at the Headquarters & Nikolasha gone) only then shall I feel calm — near you all is well — when out of sight others at once profit — you are they are affraid of me & so come to you when alone — they know I have a will of my own when I feel I am in the right — & you are now — we know it, so you make them tremble before your courage & will. God is with you & our Friend for you — all is well — & later all will thank you for having saved your country. Don't doubt — believe, & all will be well & the army is everything — a few strikes nothing, in comparison, as can & shall be suppressed. The left are furious because all slips through their hands & their cards are clear to us & the game they wished to use Nikolasha for — even Shvedov knows it fr. there.

Now goodnight lovy, go straight to bed without tea with the rest & their long faces. Sleep long & well, you need rest after this strain & your heart needs calm hours. — God Almighty bless your undertaking, His holy Angels guard & guide you & bless the work of your hands. — Please give this little Image of St. John the Warrior to Alexeiev with my blessing & fervent wishes. You have my Image I blessed you with last year — I give no other as that carries my blessing & you have Gregory's St. Nicolas to guard & guide you. I always place a candle before St. Nicolas at Znamenje for you — & shall do, so to-morrow at 3 o'clock & before the Virgin. You will feel my soul near you.

I clasp you tenderly to my heart, kiss and caress you without end — want to show you all the intense love I have for you, warm, cheer, console, strengthen you, & make you sure of yourself. Sleep well my Sunshine, Russia's Saviour. Remember last night, how tenderly we clung to-gether. I shall yearn for yr. caresses — I never can have enough of them. And I still have the children, & you are all alone. Another time I must give you Baby for a bit to cheer you up. —

I kiss you without end & bless you. Holy Angels guard your slumber — I am near & with you for ever & ever & none shall seperate us. —
Yr. very own wife
Sunny.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

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

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

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

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated June 16 and 17, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram and letter, dated June 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=148&skin=2021

https://www.alexanderpalace.org/letters/june15.html

The letter:

No. 88.

Tsarskoje Selo, June 16-th 1915

My beloved One,

Just a few words before the night. Your sweet smelling jasmin I put in my gospel — it reminded me of Peterhof. Its not like summer not being there. We dined out this evening, but came in after 9 as it was so damp. The afternoon I remained on the balkony — I wanted to go to Church in the evening, but felt too tired. The heart is, oh, so heavy & sad — I always remember what our Friend says & how often we do not enough heed His words.

He was so much against yr. going to the Headquarters, because people get round you there & make you do things, wh. would have been better not done — here the atmosphere in your own house is a healthier one & you would see things more rightly — if only you would come back quicker. I am not speaking because of a selfish feeling, but that here I feel quieter about you & there am in a constant dread what one is concocting — you see, I have absolutely no faith in N. — know him to be far fr. clever & having gone against a Man of God's, his work cant be blessed, nor his advice be good. — When Gr. heard in town yesterday before He left, that Samarin was named, already then people knew it — He was in utter despair, as He, the last evening here, a week ago to-day, begged you not to change him Sabler just now, but that soon one might perhaps find the right man — & now the Moscou set will be like a spiders net around us, our Friend's enemies are ours, & Schtcherbatov will make one with them, I feel sure. I beg your pardon for writing all this, but I am so wretched ever since I heard it & cant get calm — I see now why Gr. did not wish you to go there — here I might have helped you. People are affraid of my influence, Gr. said it (not to me) & Voyeikov, because they know I have a strong will & sooner see through them & help you being firm. I should have left nothing untried to dissuade you, had you been here, & I think God would have helped me & you would have remembered our Friend's words. When He says not to do a thing & one does not listen, one sees ones fault always afterwards. Only if he does accept, N. will try & get round him too against our Fr. thats N.'s campaign.

I entreat you, at the first talk with S. & when you see him, to speak very firmly — do my Love, for Russia's sake — Russia will not be blessed if her Sovereign lets a man of God's sent to help him — be persecuted, I am sure.

Tell him severely, with a strong & decided voice, that you forbid any intrigues against our Friend or talks about Him, or the slightest persecution, otherwise you will not keep him. That a true Servant dare not go against a man his Sovereign respects & venerates.

You know the bad part Moscou plays, tell it him all, his bosom friend S. I. Tiutchev spreads lies about the children, repeat this & that her poisonous untruths did much harm & you will not allow a repetition of it. Do not laugh at me, if you know the tears I have cried to-day, you would understand the gravity of it all. Its not woman's nonsense — but straight forward truth — I adore you far too deeply to tire you at such a time with [a] letter like this one, if it were not that soul & heart prompt me. We women have the instinct of the right sometimes Deary, & you know my love for yr. country wh. has become mine. You know what this war is to me in every sense — & that the man of God's who prays incessantly for you, might be in danger again of persecution — that God would not forgive us our weakness & sin in not protecting Him. — You know N's hatred for G. is intense. Speak once to Vojeikov, Deary, he understands such things because he is honestly devoted to you.

S. is a very conceited man, in summer I had occasion to see it, when I had that talk with him about the evacuation question — Rostov. & I carried off a most unpleasant impression of his selfsufficiency — blind adoration of Moscou & looking down upon Petersburg. The tone in wh. he spoke shocked Rost. greatly. That showed me him in another light, & I realised how unpleasant it wld. be to have to do with him. — When one proposed him for Alexei before, I unhesitatingly said no; for nothing such a narrowminded man. Our Church just needs the contrary — soul & not brain. — God Almighty may He help & put things aright, & hear our prayers and give you at last more confidence in yr. own wisdom, not listening to others, but to our Friend & yr. soul. Once more excuse this letter written with an aching heart & smarting eyes. Nothing is trivial now — all is grave. I venerate & love old Goremykin had I seen him, I know how I should have spoken — he is so franck with our Friend & does not grasp, that S. is your enemy if he goes & speaks against Gr. —

I am sure your poor dear heart aches more, is enlarged & needs drops. Please deary, walk less — I ruined mine walking at the shooting & in Finland before speaking to the Drs. & suffering mad pain, want of air, heartbeating. Take care of yourself — agoo wee one I hate being away fr. you, its my greatest punishment at this time especially — our first Friend gave me that Image with the bell to warn me against those, that are not right & it will keep them fr. approaching, I shall feel it & thus guard you from them — Even the family feel this & therefore try & get at you alone, when they know its something not right & I wont approve of. Its none of my doing, God wishes your poor wify to be your help, Gr. always says so & Mr. Ph. too — & I might warn you in time if I knew things. Well, now I can only pray & suffer. I press you tightly to my heart, gently stroke your brow, press my lips upon yr. eyes & mouth, kiss with love those dear hands wh. always are pulled away. I love you, love you & want yr. good, happiness & blessing. Sleep well & calm[l]y — I must try & sleep too, its nearly one oclock.

My train brought many wounded — Babys has fetched a lot from Varsovie where they empty out the hospitals. Oh God help. —

Lovy, remember, quicker the church procession, now during lent is just the most propicious moment, & absolutely from you, not by the new Chief Procurator of the Synod — I hope to go to holy Communion this lent, if B. does not prevent me. — Reading this letter you will say — one sees she is Ella's sister. But I cant put all in three words, I need heaps of pages to pour all out & poor Sunshine has to read this long yarn — but Sweetheart knows & loves his very own old wife. —

The boys from the college come & make bandages every morning at our stores here from 10-12½ & now will make the newest masks wh. are far more complicated but can be used often. — Our little officer with tetanos is recovering, looks decidedly better — his parents we sent for fr. the Caucasus & they live also under the colonnades — we have such a lot living there now. —

The exhibition-bazar goes very well, the first day there were over 2000, yesterday 800 — our things are bought before they appear — beforehand already people write down for them & we manage to work a cushion or cover each, daily. — Tatiana rode this evening 5½-7 — the others acted at Anias — the latter sends you the enclosed card she bought to-day at our exhibition — tell me to thank her. —

Poor Mitia Den is quite bad again & cannot walk at all, Sonia is going to take him near Odessa, Liman for a cure — so sad. —

June 17-th. Good morning, my Pet. Slept badly & heart enlarged, so lie the morning on bed & balkony — alas, no hospital, head too rather achy again. Churchbells ringing. — Shall finish after luncheon. Big girls go to town, Olga receives money then go to a hospital & tea at Elagin.

It is very hot & heavy air, but a colossal wind on the balkony, probably a thunderstorm in the air & that makes it difficult to breathe. I brought out roses, lilies of the valley & sweet peas to enjoy their perfume. I embroider all day for our exhibition-bazar. — Ah my Boy, my Boy, how I wish we were together — one is so tired at times, so weary from pain & anxiety — nigh upon 11 months — but then it was only the war, & now the interior questions wh. absorb one & the bad luck at the war, but God will help, when all seems blackest, I am sure better, sunnier days will come.

May the ministers only seriously work to-gether, fulfill your wishes & orders, & not their own — harmony under your guidance. Think more of Gr. Sweetheart, before every difficult moment, ask Him to intercede before God to guide you aright. —

A few days ago I wrote to you about Paul's conversation, to-day the Css. H. sends me Paleologue's answer: »Les impressions que S. A. S. le Gr. D. a rapportées de son entretien & que vous voulez bien me communiquer de sa part me touchent vivement. Elles confirment avec toute l'autorité possible, ce dont j'étais moralement certain, ce dont je n'ai jamais douté, ce dont je me suis toujours porté garant envers mon Gouvernement. A un pessimiste qui essayait récemment d'ébranler ma foi, j'ai répondu: «Ma conviction est d'autant plus forte qu'elle ne repose sur aucune promesse, sur aucun engagement. Dans les rares occasions, ou ces graves sujets ont été abordés devant moi, on ne m'a rien promis, on ne s'est engagé a rien; parceque toute assurance positive eut été superflue; parceque l'on se sentait compris, comme j'ose esperer avoir été compris moi-même. A certaines minutes solennelles, il y a des sincérités d'accent, des droitures de regard, où toute une conscience se révèle & qui valent tous les serments.« — Je n'en attache pas moins un très-haut prix au témoignage direct qui me vient de S. A. S. le Gr. D. Ma certitude personnelle n'en avait pas besoin. Mais, si je rencontre encore des incrédules, j'aurai désormais le droit de leur dire, non plus seulement: »Je crois, mais je sais.« — This was about the question of a separate peace negotiation. Have you spoken to Vojeikov about Danilov, please do so — only not to fat Orlov, who is N. kolossal friend — they correspond the whole time when you are here, B. knows it. That can mean no good. He grudges no doubt about Gr.'s visits to our house, & therefore wants you away from him, at the Head-Quarters. If they only knew how they harm instead of helping you, blind people with their hatred against Gr.! You remember dans »Les Amis de Dieu« it says, a country cannot be lost whose Sovereign is guided by a man of God's. Oh let Him guide you more.

Dmitri is feeling better, tho' his leg hurts him still. — The poor little Kazbek one answered, does not suffer from her broken arm too much, but is I think in a rather dazed state, therefore one has not yet told her about her husband's death. How full of life they were when N. P. was at their Wedding. — Now this letter has become volumes & will bore you to read, so I better end it. God bless & protect you & keep you from all harm, give you strength, courage & consolation in all trying moments. Am in thoughts living with you my Love, my one & all. I cover you with kisses & remain ever yr. tenderly & deeply loving old

Sunny.

All the Children kiss you. — Many messages to the old man & N. P. Khan Nahitchevanski comes to say goodbye to-morrow. —

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 16 June, 1915.

I thank you most warmly for your letter, also Marie and Alexey. It is very hot, but not sultry. Nothing new, but they are still pressing in some places. I kiss you all fondly.

Nicky.

Nicholas's letter:

Stavka. 16 June, 1915.

MY BELOVED SUNNY,

I thank you with all my heart for your sweet, long letter, in which you give me an account of your conversation with Paul. You gave perfectly correct answers on the questions of peace. That is precisely the chief point of my rescript to old Goremykin, which will be published.

With regard to Danilov, I think that the idea of his being a spy is not worth an empty eggshell. I am quite aware, too, that he is not liked, that he is even hated in the army, beginning with Ivanov and ending with the last officer. He has a terrible character, and is very harsh with his subordinates.

N. knows this, and from time to time puts him in his place; but he considers it impossible to dismiss him after 11 months of hard work — so well does this man know his duties.

Even Krivoshein spoke to me on this subject — he thinks, for instance, that N. ought to make alterations among his Staff, and choose other men in place of Yanoushkevitch and Danilov. I advised him to tell N. of it, which he did from his own point of view, naturally. He told me later that N. had obviously not liked his frankness.

The conference, which was held some days ago, dealt with three problems: the regime for the German and Austrian nationals who are still domiciled in Russia; the prisoners of war; the text of the above-mentioned rescript; and finally the soldiers of the Second Category. When I told them of my wish, that the men of 1917 should be called up, all the Ministers heaved a sigh of relief. N. agreed at once. Yanoushkevitch only asked that he might be allowed to work out the preparatory measures in case of necessity.

Of course, should the war continue for another year, we shall be obliged to call up some of the younger ages of the Second Category, but now it is not required. Yussoupov, whom I sent for, was present at the conference on the first question; we cooled his ardour slightly, and gave him some clear instructions. He caused some amusing moments when he was reading his reports of the Moscow riots — he became excited, shook his fists and banged them on the table.

I hope soon to go to Beloveje by car for a whole day, and to do it quite unexpectedly. The old man and Voeikov thank you very much. Well, I must break off this letter. God bless you, my darling Wify. Fondly I kiss you and the dear children.

Your

Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Above: Grigori Rasputin.

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

"our first Friend" = Philippe Nizier Vachot.

B. = Becker, a euphemism that Alexandra and her daughters used to refer to their menstrual periods.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated April 11, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram and letter, dated April 12, 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=122&skin=2021

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

The letter (written in response to the letter below this):

No. 63.

Tsarskoje Selo, April 11-th 1915

My very own Darling,

Your dear telegram yesterday made us all so happy. Thank God, that you have such beautiful impressions — that you could see the Caucas. corps & that summer weather blesses your journey. — In the papers I read Fred: short telegram fr. Lvov, telling about the Cathedral, peasants etc. dinner, and nomination of Bobr. into yr. suite — what great historical moments. Our Friend is delighted and blesses you. — Now I have read in the Novoie Vremia all about you, & feel so touched & proud for my Sweetheart. And your few words on the balkony — just the thing. God bless & unite in the fully deep, historical & religious sense of the word, these Slavonic Countries to their old Mother Russia. All comes in its right time & now we are strong enough to uphold them, before we should not have been able to — nevertheless we must in the "interior" become yet stronger & more united in every way, so as to govern stronger & with more authority. — Wont E. N. I. be glad! He sees his greatgrandson reconquering those provinces of the long bygone — & the revenge for Austria's treachery towards him. And you have personally conquered thousands of hearts. I feel, by your sweet, gentle, humble being & shining, pure eyes — each conquers with what God endows him — each in his way. God bless yr. journey on — I am sure it will revive the strength of our troops — if they need this. I am glad Xenia & Olga saw this great moment! — How nice you went to Olga's hospital — a recompense for her infatigable work! —

This moment got yr. wire fr. Perem. & plans for to-day — & now yr. sweet letter fr. the 8-th, for wh. 1000 of tender thanks; such joy to get a letter from you, love them so!! — Here is Ella's telegram unciphered; I return it, in case you wish to mention anything about it, or find out from the railway officials, whether true. — Had masses of report[s] to read through, & now must get up & finish later on. —

I received an awfully touching telegram from Babys' Georgian regiment. Akhmisury arrived back & told them he had seen you, & gave over our messages — & thanking for my looking after their officers etc. —

Mme Zizi came after luncheon with papers — then my Siberian Geleznoi to say goodbye. Then I lay on the balkony ¾ of an hour, & the eldest sister (Liubusha) of the big Palace, sat with me. Ania came from 12-1 as usual. — My train No: 66 has just been to Brody to fetch wounded — lots of men, over 400, but only two officers. —

Goodbye Lovy mine — I do so wonder when you are going to see Ivanov and Aleksejev & can you get at them this time. — Goodbye & God bless and keep you. Very tenderest kisses fr. yr. very own old

Wify.

The Children all kiss you, & with me send love to the old man & N. P. —

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Brody. 12 April, 1915.

Arrived here already last night; have found two letters. Many thanks. I am leaving now for the South; am carrying away the happiest impressions...

Nicky.

Nicholas's letter:

Imperial Train. Proshourov. 12 April, 1915

MY PRECIOUS DARLING,

First of all, my warmest thanks for your two letters, and the ikon of St. Simeon the Holy, and for Baby's photograph, which I have, alas I dropped out of the box and broken the glass. That happened in Przemysl. Well — how difficult it is to describe rapidly all that I have seen, or, more correctly, lived through, in the last three days!

On the 9th of April I arrived in Brody, after having crossed the old frontier. N. was already there with his Staff. When the reports were over I finished my last letter and papers, had lunch and went out in a motor with N. It was hot and windy. The dust we raised covered us like a white shroud. You cannot imagine what we looked like! We stopped twice and got out of the car to look at our positions and those of the Austrians at the time of the first great battles in August of last year; there are a great number of crosses on the common graves and on the single ones. It is amazing what long marches the army then made every day, in addition to fighting! About half-past five we cleaned up a little — Bobrinsky met us on the hill and we drove straight to Lvov. It is a very handsome town, slightly resembling Warsaw, a great number of gardens and monuments, full of troops and Russians! The first thing I did was to go to an enormous riding school, which has been converted into our church, and can hold 10,000 people; here, in the guard of honour, I saw both my sisters. Then I went to Olga's hospital; there are not many wounded there now; saw Tam. Andr. — and other acquaintances from Rovno, doctors, sisters, and so forth — and just before the sun set drove up to the Governor-General's palace. A squadron of my Life-Guard Cossacks was drawn up in front. Bobrinsky led me to his rooms, ugly and uncomfortable, rather like a big railway station, in the same style, without doors, if you do not count the doors into the bedroom. You may be interested to know that I slept in old Franz Joseph's bed.

10 April. I left Lvov by rail, in Austrian carriages, and arrived at Sambor at 3 o'clock in the afternoon; there I was met by Broussilov and, to my great astonishment, by a guard of honour of my splendid Rifles of the 16th Odessa Regiment. The company was commanded by my friend the Sergeant-Major, as all the officers were wounded and the captain killed. While they were passing, the band played the march which we liked so much at Livadia, and I could not hold back my tears. I went to Broussilov's house; he presented the whole of his Staff to me, and then we had lunch. Later, I returned to my train, and arrived at Khyrov, situated picturesquely in the mountains, at 4 o'clock. Here, on a large field, were drawn up all the troops of the 3rd Caucasian Corps. What magnificent regiments they are! Among them were my Shirvantzi and Alexeiev's Saliantzi. I recognised only one officer and one ensign. They had arrived there only a day or two before from Osovetz, and were very pleased at getting into a warmer climate and being able to see the mountains. I went down three long lines on a ploughed field, and nearly fell several times, because the ground was very uneven, and I had to think of Dmitry. As we had very little time left, I passed along the troops in a car, thanking them for their faithful service. I and N. were frightfully shaken up. I returned to the train quite hoarse, but I am very pleased and happy at having seen them. An hour later we arrived in Przemysl.

It is a small town, with narrow streets and dull grey houses, filled with troops and Orenberg Cossacks. N. and I stayed, with several gentlemen, in a fairly clean house, the owner of which had fled before the fall of the fortress. The little place is surrounded by mountains and looks very picturesque. We dined in the garrison mess, where everything has remained untouched. Slept badly.

11 April. I got up early and went with the whole of our army to look over the defences. They are most interesting, colossal works — terribly fortified. Not an inch of ground remained undefended. Charming views open out from the forts; they are completely covered with grass and fresh flowers. I am sending you a flower which I dug up with Grabbe's dagger. At 12 o'clock I returned to the town, lunched at the mess, and drove by another route to Lvov, via Radymno and Yavorov, again past the fields of the September battles. The weather was beautiful the whole time.

Ksenia and Olga came to me before dinner. I left Lvov at 9.30 by rail and arrived in Brody at 12.30 at night. Here I changed over to our train. To-day I got up late, heard the usual reports and left N. at 2 o'clock.

Forgive me for this short and dry account, but I have no time for more. God bless you, my beloved Sunny, and the children. I kiss you all fondly.

Ever your old hubby

Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Baroness Sophie Buxhoeveden's account of Russia entering World War One and Alexandra's reaction to it, late July to August 2 (New Style), 1914

Sources:

The Life and Tragedy of Alexandra Feodorovna, pages 185 to 188, by Baroness Sophie Buxhoeveden, 1928

https://archive.org/details/lifetragedyofale00sofi/page/n223/mode/2up

The account:

The outbreak of the world war came as a terrible blow to the Empress. She seemed to have a presentiment of coming events; for she was most depressed when they left the Standart, on which she had gone with the Emperor to recover from the fatigues of the Presidential visit, and said to some of those with her that she knew it would be the last cruise they would all take together. She had a horror of war. The memories of the Russo-Japanese War, and of the troubles that had followed, were yet too fresh in her mind. The Emperor and she hoped to the last that some agreement might be reached. Though the Emperor did not distress her by giving her all the details of the Governmental discussion, she felt very anxious, but she still did not realise how tense the situation had become.

On the first of August the Empress and her daughters waited a long time for the Emperor to come down to dinner. As a rule he was very punctual, and the Empress felt that something serious must have happened. He was receiving the Minister for Foreign Affairs, M. Sazonoff, and the audience seemed to last inordinately long. When the Emperor came, it was with the news that Germany had declared war. At first the Empress could not grasp it. War! her nightmare! She knew the completeness of German organisation; she knew that Russia was not prepared for war at that moment; and that England had not yet joined Russia and France. She was in despair, but, then and always, she had the conviction that Russia would win in the end.

The moment of the declaration of war made her set up a wall in her heart between Germany and Russia. She was the Empress of Russia — Russian always in heart and soul. "Twenty years have I spent in Russia, half my life, and the happiest, fullest part of it. It is the country of my husband and son. I have lived the life of a happy wife and mother in Russia. All my heart is bound to this country I love," she once said to me during the war. People in Germany do not understand how the Empress came to adopt the Russian standpoint so completely, and became so thoroughly Russian in her views. The reason for it was her intense, passionate love for the Emperor. She considered herself as wholly belonging to him. His country was her country, as also his religion had completely become hers. She always gave herself up entirely to those she loved, and identified herself with them.

The thought of her brother and of his feelings at having to take part in a war where he would be in the other camp gave her acute pain, but she brought her will-power to bear to face the inevitable. She regarded the inexplicable telegram sent by the Emperor William, after his ambassador, Count Pourtales, had already handed the declaration of war to the Russian Foreign Minister, as an attempt to shift the responsibility for the outbreak of war on to the Emperor Nicholas, and was very indignant. The mystery of that telegram has never been explained. She expressed her opinion on the matter to the Cesarevitch's Swiss tutor, M. Pierre Gilliard, who quotes the conversation fully in his book, Thirteen Years at the Russian Court. According to her wont, the Empress did not remain content with lamentations. At ten o'clock at night on the day of the declaration of war, I came back from a drive, not knowing what had happened. My maid told me that a woman's voice from the Imperial villa had rung me up three times during the last hour, that it was either one of the Grand Duchesses or the Empress herself. I immediately rang up "Alexandria," the Emperor's villa, and found the Empress already at the telephone. In a voice broken by suppressed sobs, she told me of the event. "War is declared," she said. "Good Heavens, so Austria has done it!" I exclaimed. "No, no," she said, "Germany. It is ghastly, terrible — but God will help and will save Russia... But we must work... go at once to Mme. E. and speak to her about opening the workshop at the Hermitage. Then talk to my secretary and ring me up — no matter how late, or come round." She entered into details, getting calmer as she spoke, giving minute instructions. I spoke to the Empress again later. She was perfectly calm, having got over her momentary weakness.

The next day, August 2nd, the Emperor and Empress with their daughters — the little Cesarevitch was ill — went to St. Petersburg to attend a solemn Te Deum at the Winter Palace. This was an old custom that had been followed at the outbreak of the Japanese War. Crowds of people thronged the Winter Palace; they were in a very frenzy of patriotism. Ladies clung to the Emperor, kissing his hands. No one alive had seen such enthusiasm, which was reminiscent of 1812. At the outbreak of the Japanese War there had been some street demonstrations of students in the early days, but now the whole country was roused. The climax was reached when the Emperor, addressing the officers present, repeated Alexander I's promise of 1812 — not to conclude peace while a single enemy still remained on Russian soil. Sir George Buchanan, in his book, My Mission to Russia, quotes the words: "I solemnly swear not to make peace, as long as there is a single enemy on Russia's soil." Multitudes cheered in the streets, and when the Emperor and Empress appeared at the Palace windows, the whole crowd that thronged the huge square spontaneously knelt down and sang the National Anthem. ...

When the mobilisation was announced in the St. Petersburg military district, the Guards were the first to go. The Empress went to a Te Deum before her Lancer regiment left for the front, and said goodbye in person to all the officers and men. All through the war she followed the actions of this regiment, and after every battle in which the Lancers took part she helped all the families to get news. ...

Above: Alexandra.

Above: Baroness Sophie Buxhoeveden.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated April 5, 1915, and Nicholas's telegram and letter, dated April 6, 1915

Sources:

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=inu.30000011396573&view=1up&seq=115

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

The letter:

No. 57.

Tsarskoe Selo, April 5-th 1915

My own huzy darling,

Just got your telegram. This is wonderful. You left at 2 and arrived at 9. When you leave at 10 you reach there only at 12! Bright, sunny weather, I hear the birdies chirping away. Wonder why you changed your plans. — The girls have just gone to church; baby moves the arms better, tho' water in elbows still he says. Yesterday he went with Vladimir Nikolaievitch to Ania and she was mad with joy, he goes again today to see Rodionov and Kozhevikov. Now she has Vladimir Nikolaievilch to show how to electrify her leg — every day a new Doctor. Tatiana and Anastasia were there in the day and found our Friend with her. He said the old story that she cries and sorrows as gets so few caresses. So Tatiana was much surprised and He answered that she receives many, only to her they seem few. Her humour seems not famous (the chief mourner) and notes cold, so mine too. —

I did sleep alright, as so awfully tired — but feel the same so far. Yesterday again 37.3, this morning 36.7, and morning's headache — the empty cushion beside me makes me, oh so sad! Dear sweet One, how is all aranging itself? You will let me have telegrams through fat Orlov when there are news, won't you? — Spent the evening lying quietly and the girls each reading a book. Olga and Tatiana went for ½ an hour to the hospital to see how all were. — I hear Shot barking before the house. — I send you your Image from our Friend of St. John the Warrior, wh. I forgot to give yesterday morning.

I have been rereading what our Friend wrote when he was at Constantinopel, it is doubly interesting now — quite short impressions. Oh, what a day when mass will again be served at St. Sophie. Only give orders that nothing should be destroyed or spoiled belonging to the mahomedans, they can use all again for their religion, as we are Christians, and not barbarians, thank God! How one would love to be there at such a moment! The amount of churches everywhere used or destroyed by the Turks is awful because the Greeks were not worthy to officiate and have such temples. May the Orthodox Church be more worthy now and be purified again. — This war can mean so colossaly much in the moral regeneration of our Country and Church — only to find the men to fulfil all your orders and to help you, in all your immense tasks! —

Here I am back again — lay two hours on the sopha, had Mme Zizi half an hour with petition — feel rottenly weak and tired and she did not approve of my looks. — My dear, Ania has been wheeled by Shuk as far as Voyeikov's house, Dr. Korenev near her and was not a bit tired — now tomorrow she wants to come to me! Oh dear, and I was so glad that for a long time we should not have her in the house, I am selfish after 9 years, and want you to myself at last and this means, she is preparing to invade upon us often when you return or she will beg to be wheeled in the garden, as the park is shut (so as to meet you) and I wont be there to disturb. Shall give Putiatin the order to let her in to the big park, her chair wont spoil the roads. — I should never have ventured out — what a sight! Covered by a shuba and shawl on her head — I said better a tennis cap and her hair plaited tidily will strike less. The man is needed in the Feodorov hospital and she uses him constantly. I told her to go to Znamenia before coming to me — I foresee lots of bother with her; all hysteria! Pretends to faint when one pushes the bed, but can be banged about in the streets in a chair.

The children went out before one, and I shant see them till 5 for quite short, then they go off to Ania to see our officers, Baby after his dinner. I was up fr. 1-3. — Fancy your having had snow in the night! Sweetest treasure — how I miss you! Long and lonely days - so when head aches less copy out things of our friends, and then the time passes quicker. Please give my love to N. P. & Grabbe.

What a lot of prisoners we have taken again! Now this must go. — Goodbye, Nicky love, I bless and kiss you over and over again with all the tenderness of wh. I am capable.

Ever yr. very own old

Wify.

Nicholas's telegram:

Telegram. Stavka. 6 April, 1915.

Warm thanks for dear letter and telegram; thank Marie also. There is no special news. I saw Engalychev. The weather is much better and warmer. Fond kisses.

Nicky.

Nicholas's letter:

Stavka. 6 April, 1915.

MY PRECIOUS SUNNY,

Countless loving thanks for your sweet letter, which has arrived this morning. Yes, it is curious setting off at 2 o'clock by the Warsaw line, one arrives here at 9 o'clock in the morning; whereas, leaving at 10 o'clock in the morning one gets here only at about 12 by the Vindavo-Rybinsk railway; it is a bad line and the trains move slowly on it.

Yesterday, after lengthy discussions, it was decided that we should start from the Stavka on Wednesday evening and arrive at the old frontier station of Brody on Thursday morning. Thence, N., I and some of our suite will drive in cars to Lvov, and the rest with Fredericks will go by train. In this way we shall follow the route which was taken in August by our Third Army, and shall see the battlefields, spend the night in Lvov and in the morning proceed via Sambor, where Broussilov is, to Przemysl. — Here we shall spend the night and return by the same route. Between those two places I shall perhaps manage to get in touch with the Third Caucasian Corps, who are concentrating in the reserve.

Think what a delight it would be if I should really succeed in doing so! All these changes will add only one extra day to the whole of my journey, so I hope that my Wify will not be very cross with me.

I was glad to see dear Olga. To-day the weather is really delightfully warm. We had a fairly long walk in the fields and got into an evil-smelling swamp. Some amusing scenes occurred here, especially when Grabbe, having tucked tip his skirts, tried with all his might to pull himself out of the deep mud. You can imagine in what a charming condition we returned! Well, my love, my little bird, I must finish; it is time to dispatch the courier. We are all going to the cinematograph.

Ever, beloved mine,

Your hubby

Nicky.

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Above: Anna Vyrubova.

Above: Grigori Rasputin, whom Alexandra called "our Friend".

Note: shuba (шуба) = a fur coat.

Alexandra's letter to M. M. Syroboyarskaya, dated October 17, 1917

Source:

http://docs.historyrussia.org/ru/nodes/31599-pismo-aleksandry-fedorovny-m-m-syroboyarskoy-tobolsk-17-oktyabrya-1917-g

The letter:

Тобольск.

17 октября 1917 г.

Мои мысли Вас много окружают. Столько месяцев ничего о Вас не знала, и Вы мои 7 писем не получили. Только 2. Письмо последний раз в конце июля. Перестала почти писать, только изредка. Боюсь другим повредить. Выдумают опять какую-нибудь глупость.

Никто никому не верит, все следят друг за другом. Во всем видят что-то ужасное и опасное. О, люди, люди! Мелкие тряпки. Без характера, без любви к Родине, к Богу. Оттого Он и страну наказывает.

Но не хочу и не буду верить, что Он ей даст погибнуть. Как родители наказывают своих непослушных детей, так и Он поступает с Россией. Она грешила и грешит перед Ним и не достойна Его любви. Но Он всемогущий — все может. Услышит наконец молитвы страдающих, простит и спасет, когда кажется, что конец уже всего.

Кто свою Родину больше всего любит, тот не должен веру потерять в то, что она спасется от гибели, хотя все идет хуже. Надо непоколебимо верить. Грустно, что рука его не поправилась, что не придется вернуться на старое место — но это лучше. Невыносимо тяжело и не по силам было бы. Будьте бодрой. Оба не падайте духом. Что же делать, придется страдать, и чем больше здесь, тем лучше там. После дождя — солнце, надо только терпеть и верить. Бог милостив, своих не оставит. И Вы увидите еще лучшие дни. Александр Владим. молод — много впереди. Надо перенести смертельную болезнь, потом организм окрепнет и легче живется и светлее. Молюсь всем сердцем, нежно обнимаю.

Сестра А.

English translation (my own):

Tobolsk

17 October 1917.

My thoughts surround You so much. For so many months I knew nothing of you, and you did not receive my 7 letters. Only 2. The last letter is at the end of July. I almost stopped writing, only occasionally. I am afraid of hurting others. Will come up with some nonsense again.

No one trusts anyone, everyone is watching each other. They see something terrible and dangerous in everything. Oh people, people! Little milksops. Without character, without love for the Motherland, for God. That is why He punishes the country too.

But I do not want to and will not believe that He will let her perish. As parents punish their disobedient children, so He does Russia. She has sinned and is sinning before Him and is not worthy of His love. But He is almighty — He can do everything. He will finally hear the prayers of the suffering, forgive and save when it seems that it is already the end of everything.

Whoever loves his Motherland most of all should not lose faith in the fact that it will be saved from death, although everything is getting worse. One must believe unwaveringly. It is sad that his hand did not get better, that he would not have to return to the old place — but it is better. It would be unbearably hard and he would not be able to go on. Be cheerful. Do not both be discouraged. What to do, you have to suffer, and the more here [on Earth], the better there [in Heaven]. After rain comes sun, one must only endure and believe. God is merciful, He will not leave His own. And You will see even better days. Alexander Vladim[ir] is young — there is a lot ahead of him. It is necessary to endure a fatal illness, then the body will get stronger and live easier and brighter. I pray with all my heart, embrace You tenderly.

Sister A.

Above: Alexandra.

Alexandra's letter to her sister Victoria about the Bloody Sunday incident, dated January 27, 1905

Source:

The Life and Tragedy of Alexandra Feodorovna by Baroness Sophie Buxhoeveden, 1928

My 700th post on this blog...

The letter:

… You understand the crisis we are going through! It is a time full of trials indeed. My poor Nicky's cross is a heavy one to bear, all the more as he has nobody on whom he can thoroughly rely and who can be a real help to him. He has had so many bitter disappointments, but through it all he remains brave and full of faith in God's mercy. He tries so hard, works with such perseverance, but the lack of what I call "real" men is great. Of course they must exist somewhere, but it is difficult to get at them. The bad are always close at hand, the others through false humility keep in the background. We shall try to see more people, but it is difficult. On my knees I pray to God to give me wisdom to help him in his heavy task. I rack my brain to pieces to find a man and cannot; it is a despairing feeling. One is too weak, the other too Liberal, the third too narrow-minded and so forth. Two very clever men we have, and both are more than dangerous and unloyal. The Minister of the Interior is doing the greatest harm — he proclaims grand things without having prepared them. It's like a horse that has been held very tight in hand, and then suddenly one lets the reins go. It bolts, falls, and it is more than difficult to pull it up again before it has dragged others with it into the ditch. Reforms can only be made gently with the greatest care and forethought. Now we have precipitately been launched forth and cannot retrace our steps. All these disorders are thanks to his unpardonable folly and he won't believe what Nicky tells him, does not agree with his point of view. Things are in a bad state and it's abominably unpatriotic at the time when we are plunged into war to break forth with revolutionary ideas. The poor workmen, who had been utterly misled, had to suffer, and the organisers have hidden as usual behind them. Don't believe all the horrors the foreign papers say. They make one's hair stand on end — foul exaggerations. Yes, the troops, alas, were obliged to fire. Repeatedly the crowd was told to retreat and that Nicky was not in town (as we are living here this winter) and that one would be forced to shoot, but they would not heed and so blood was shed. On the whole 92 killed and between 200-300 wounded. It is a ghastly thing, but had one not done it the crowd would have grown colossal and 1000 would have been crushed. All over the country, of course, it is spreading. The Petition had only two questions concerning the workmen and all the rest was atrocious: separation of the Church from the Government, etc., etc. Had a small deputation brought, calmly, a real petition for the workmen's good, all would have been otherwise. Many of the workmen were in despair, when they heard later what the petition contained, and begged to work again under the protection of the troops. Petersburg is a rotten town, not an atom Russian. The Russian people are deeply and truly devoted to their Sovereign and the revolutionaries use his name for provoking them against landlords, etc., but I don't know how. How I wish I were clever and could be of real use! I love my new country. It's so young, powerful, and has so much good in it, only utterly unbalanced and childlike. Poor Nicky, he has a bitter hard life to lead. Had his father seen more people, drawn them around him, we should have had lots to fill the necessary posts; now only old men or quite young ones, nobody to turn to. The uncles no good, Mischa, a darling child still. …

Above: Alexandra.

Above: Nicholas.

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Description of Alexandra's character from the memoirs of Tatiana Botkina

Source:

Memories of the Imperial Family before and after the Revolution, by Tatiana Melnik-Botkina, 1921

http://emalkrest.narod.ru/txt/botkina.htm

The description:

Теперь об Ее Величестве. Я утверждаю, что не было ни одной более русской женщины, чем была Ее Величество, и это с особенной яркостью высказывалось во время революции. Глубоко православная, Она никогда и не была немкой иначе как по рождению. Воспитание, полученное Ее Величеством, было чисто английского характера, и все бывшие при Дворе знали, как мало общего у Ее Величества с Ее немецкими родственниками, которых Она очень редко видела, из которых некоторых, как, например, дядю - Императора Вильгельма - прямо не любила, считая его фальшивым человеком. Не будь Ее Величество такая русская душой, разве смогла бы Она внушить такую горячую любовь ко всему русскому, какую Она вложила в своих августейших детей.

После революции особенно сказалось отношение Ее Величества ко всему русскому. Пожелай Она, намекни Она одним словом, и Император Вильгельм обеспечил бы Им мирное и тихое существование на родине Ее Величества, но, уже будучи в заключении в холодном Тобольске и терпя всякие ограничения и неудобства, Ее Величество говорила:

- Я лучше буду поломойкой, но я буду в России.

Это - доподлинные слова Ее Величества, сказанные моему отцу. Я думаю, что этого не скажет ни одна русская женщина, так как ни одна из них не обладает той горячей любовью и верой в русского человека, какими была проникнута Государыня Императрица, несмотря на то, что от нас, русских, Она ничего не видала, кроме насмешек и оскорблений. Нет тех кар, которыми русский народ может искупить свой великий, несмываемый грех перед Царской Семьей, и, переживая теперь все нескончаемые несчастья нашей родины, я могу сказать, что продолжайся они еще 10, 20, 30 лет, это будет вполне заслуженное нами наказание.

English translation (my own):

Now about Her Majesty. I affirm that there was not a single more Russian woman than Her Majesty was, and this was expressed with particular vividness during the revolution. Deeply Orthodox, she was never German except by birth. The upbringing received by Her Majesty was of a purely English character, and all those who were at the Court knew how little Her Majesty had in common with Her German relatives, whom she very rarely saw, some of whom, such as, for example, her uncle - Emperor Wilhelm - were not directly loved, considering him a false person. If Her Majesty had not been such a Russian soul, she would not have been able to instill such an ardent love for everything Russian that she put into her august children.

After the revolution, Her Majesty's attitude towards everything Russian was especially pronounced. Had she wished, she hinted it in one word, and Emperor Wilhelm would have ensured them a peaceful and quiet existence in Her Majesty's homeland, but, already being imprisoned in cold Tobolsk and enduring all sorts of restrictions and inconveniences, Her Majesty said:

"I would rather be a charwoman, but I will be in Russia."

These are the true words of Her Majesty to my father. I think that not a single Russian woman will say this, since not one of them possesses that ardent love and faith in a Russian person that the Empress was imbued with, despite the fact that she did not see anything from us Russians except ridicule and insults. There are no punishments with which the Russian people can atone for their great, indelible sin before the Imperial Family, and, now experiencing all the endless misfortunes of our homeland, I can say that if they continue for another 10, 20, 30 years, this will be a well-deserved punishment for us.

Above: Alexandra.

Alexandra's letter to Anna Vyrubova, 1918

Source:

https://brbl-dl.library.yale.edu/vufind/Record/4424727

Partial English translation:

2/14 March, 1918
No. 9.

My darling child,
I send you thanks from all of us. How you spoil us all by your dear letters and gifts. I was very anxious without news of you for so long, and rumors came that you were gone. Alas, I can't write you as I could wish for fear that this may fall into other hands. We have not yet received all you have sent (contraband); it comes to us little by little. Dear child, do be careful of the people who come to see you...

We are all right... The weather is sunny — they are even sunburned, and even when the frost comes it is warm in the sun. I have sat twice on the balcony and sometimes sit in the yard. I worry so much. My God, how Russia suffers! You know that I love it even more than you do, miserable country, demolished from within and by the Germans from without. Since the Revolution, they have conquered a great deal of it without even a battle... If they created order now in Russia how dreadful would be the country's debasement — to have to be grateful to the enemy.

We hope to go to Communion next week, if they allow us to go to church. On the whole we are better off than you. It will soon be a year since we parted, but what is time? Life here is nothing, eternity everything, and what we are doing by suffering is preparing our souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus nothing, after all, is terrible, and if they do take everything from us they cannot take our souls..

(Later:) What a nightmare it is that it is the Germans who are saving Russia and are restoring order. What could be more humiliating for us? With one hand the Germans give, and with the other they take away. Already they have seized an enormous territory. God help and save this unhappy country. Probably He wills us to endure all these insults, but that we must take them from the Germans almost kills me. Now Batoum has been taken — our country is disintegrating into bits. I cannot think calmly about it. Such hideous pain in heart and soul. Yet I am sure God will not leave it like this. He will send wisdom and save Russia, I am sure...
(etc.)

Above: Alexandra and Anna in happier times.

Alexandra's letter to Nicholas, dated September 25, 1914

Alexandra wrote this letter to Nicholas on September 25, 1914.

Source:

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

The letter:

25-th. Good morning my treasure. To-day the Feldjeger fetches the letter later so I can write still a little. This may be the last letter if Fredericks is right, that you are returning to-morrow, but it seems to me you won't, as you are sure to be seeing the hussars, lancers, artillery and other troops resting at Vilna. There were 2 degrees of frost this night — now there is again glorious sunshine. —

We shall be at 11 at the hospital, I still cannot take medecins wh. is a great nuisance, as my head daily aches tho' not very strongly and I feel my heart, tho it is not enlarged, but I must keep still rather quiet today. I have not been for a real airing since you left. — Sergei is a little better — Pss. Orlov too feels quite alright, only weak. — Baby slept and feels well.

One continues speaking of that property in the Baltic provinces where the place is marked white and a hydroplane rested upon their lake there — as, tho' officers, ours, had dressed in plain clothes and seen it — nobody is allowed to go there. — I do wish one could have it seriously enquired into. There are so many spies everywhere that it may be true, but it would be very sad, as there are still many very loyal subjects in the Baltic provinces. This miserable war, when will it ever end? William, I feel sure must at times pass through hideous moments of despair, when he grasps that it was he, and especially his anti-Russian set, wh. began the war and is dragging his country into ruin. All those little states, for years they will continue suffering from the after effects. It makes my heart bleed when I think how hard Papa and Ernie struggled to bring our little country to its present state of prosperity in every sense.

With God's help here all will go well and end gloriously, and it has lifted up spirits, cleansed the many stagnant minds, brought unity in feelings and is a "healthy war" in the moral sense. Only one thing I long that our troops should behave exemplarily in every sense, and not rob and pillage — leave that horror to the Prussian troops. It is demoralising, and then one loses the real control over the men they fight for personal gain and not for the country's glory, when they reach the stage of high-way robbers. — No reason to follow bad examples — the rearguard, "obozy" are the curse, in this case all speak in despair of them, nobody to hold them in hand. — There are always ugly sides and beautiful ones to everything, and so is it here. Such a war ought to cleanse the spirits and not defile them, is it not so? Some regiments are very severe I know and try to keep order — but a word from above would do no harm, this is my very own idea, Darling; because I want the name of our Russian troops to be remembered hereafter in the countries with awe and respect — and admiration. Here people do not ever quite grasp the idea that other people's property is sacred, and not to be touched — victory does not mean pillage. Let the priests in the regiments say a word to the men too on this topic.

Now I am bothering you with things that do not concern me, but only out of love for your soldiers and their reputation.

Sweetest treasure, I must be ending now, and get up. All my prayers and tenderest thoughts follow you; may God give you courage, strength, and patience, faith you have more than ever and it is this wh. keeps you up — yes prayers and implicit trust in God's mercy alone give one strength to bear all. And our Friend helps you carry yr. heavy cross and great responsibilities — and all will come right, as the right is on our side. I bless you, kiss your precious face, sweet neck and dear loving handies with all the fervour of a great loving heart. How lovely to have you soon back again. Your very own old
Wify

Above: Nicholas and Alexandra.

Alexandra's letter to Ernst, dated April 17/30, 1915

Alexandra wrote this letter to her brother Ernst on April 17/30, 1915.

Source:

mashkaromanova on Tumblr (see source for annotations)

https://mashkaromanova.tumblr.com/post/184547001305/alexandra-feodorovna-with-wounded-officers-1915

The letter:

My beloved Ernie dear,
I have just now received yr precious letter through Daisy. N. is away & wont return before 4 days, so shall send this to your Gentleman & ask him not to wait. Alas, there is nothing to be done, & from this side one cannot begin. One can only pray that this heartrending bloodshed may soon end. Deary, you are mistaken, it is grossly exagerated 500,000 prisoners, why the losses of dead & prisoners only make that about. But we shall not go into any details — it all hurts too much for words. —

Yes, our love will never change, & we feel that & our prayers for each other continue. Tell Moritz (Riedesel, Oberstallmeister) I pray morning & evening for his boys — one poor dear alas has fallen. One’s heart bleeds — the whole world sorrows. Certainly all the best sides are brought to the front. Its difficult writing, the heart is too full — & there are things wh. hurt beyond words — & I thank God your dear men are on the other side — they would never be cruel, as the Pr. are. —

Beloved Boy, heart & soul think of you & yr precious family — am sure sweet Onor is perfection & the real mother to your people — understand all you go through. — Only in prayer & work one can get on.

Since the very beginning the two big girls & I went through a course of Sisters passed our exams & nurse the wounded, clean, tend & bind their wounds & give the instruments at operations & amputations. I have been 6 weeks quite ill again now & miss my work, & twice before was long laid up with my heart — one forgets everything in looking after those heroes & their appalling wounds & then my health invariably breaks down — but the girlies work on.

We have masses to do — they too have their committees at wh. they preside — visit hospitals daily & work every morning in our hospital. (Ella works hard with her committees, shall send her your letter — have not seen her since Dec: we are all too buisy). Sister Olga we have not seen since the beginning, she is away working hard with her hospital. — Marie too. All are working in unison, big & small. —

This being cut off from each other is fearful, but its true one does not know what to write one does not wish to hurt each other involuntarily. But our hearts beat together. — As yours stand firm, so do ours. The Children keep well. — Yes, all seems like a horrible dream! Thank God Papa did not live to see all — all against each other, friends & relations on all sides. — Yes, one daily learns from those brave fellows — never a complaint, stoically resignedly hearing all — only longing to get quicker back again. I pittied one fellow once, he suffered so — he answered me — its nothing, Christ suffered, so we must to; always such answers — such deep, deep faith. I receive lovely letters fr. the soldiers of all different regiments out at the front, thanking for things, & they write so beautiful letters sometimes & so sure. —

And the bravery, heroism of wives, widows, mothers who loose son after the other, — & never a complaint! Our dear 'Monkey' Бутаков, fell before V. — Many a dear friend has gone — but their deaths are glorious & yonder they are all together, no strife, no difference, all fell for their countries & are heroes around God’s throne. All sides are sure of success — all sides think alike — some have luck at first, others at the end - so one can say nothing — all lies in God’s hands & He will decide aright. —

I am glad you say its rubbish about hunger — because alas our prisoners, in some places have scarcely any food they write. In some places well cared for, in others not — their families send money, they never get it. Of course all depends upon the individual at the head — who is more humane, who less. All sides have their faults. One could write on for days, — but no good — this is to be a letter of love and full understanding. How one’s heart is torn, you know — & to hear nothing from home is awful — but one puts ones trust in God.

— When he returns I shall give him your dear letter to read. — To all at home my endless love. Thank Toots for her letter. Poor Toni Ehrhardt — Pollie (v. Ungern-Sternberg) — I live through all with them in prayer. — Shall send this letter through Daisy to your Gentleman — think its safest.

Goodbye my Ernie, my very own Brother, precious Treasure. I bless & kiss you four with my fervour & tenderness — my thoughts so constantly wonder to the Rosenhöhe, one lives in the past & present. — In his name I kiss you, as I know he would. — May God on high hearken unto all prayers — we all suffer & trust unto His mercy. — Know, my Boy, that when you wander alone, Sunny is near you, sharing yr sorrow. — Her wee old home is never forgotten tho’ she is entirely one with her new one. —

Onor & I know more than ever now, what it is to be the Mother to all & to see, hear & daily feel it — the heart goes out in boundless love to those tender, trusting, grateful hearts — yes, we women have now so much to give & proove. Once more God bless & protect you now & ever. A long kiss, love fr. yr. old Sunny. [P. S.] The Children kiss you 4 tenderly. — V[ictoria]. & all are well — she lives at Kent House.

Above: Alexandra in her nurse's uniform.

Above: Ernst.