TSARKOE SELO. Oh! how pleased I am that they have appointed a new Commander-in-Chief of the Baltic Fleet (Admiral Raswosoff). I hope to God it will be better now. He is a real sailor and I hope he will succeed in restoring order now. The heart of a soldier’s daughter and wife is suffering terribly, in seeing what is going on. Cannot get accustomed and do not wish to. They were such hero soldiers, and how they were spoilt just at a time when it was necessary to start to get rid of the enemy (Germans). It will take many years to fight yet. You will understand how he (Tsar) must suffer. He reads, and tears stand in his eyes (newspapers), but I believe they will yet win (the War). We have so many friends in the fighting line. I can imagine how terribly they must suffer. Of course nobody can write. Yesterday we saw quite new people (new guard)--such a difference. It was at last quite a pleasure to see them. Am writing again what I ought not to, but this does not go by post, or you would not have received it. Of course, I have nothing of interest to write. To-day is a prayer at 12 o’clock. Anastasia is to-day 16 years old. How the time flies.... I am remembering the past. It is necessary to look more calmly on everything. What is to be done? Once He sent us such trials, evidently He thinks we are sufficiently prepared for it. It is a sort of examination--it is necessary to prove that we did not go through it in vain. One can find in everything something good and useful--whatever sufferings we go through--let it be, He will give us force and patience and will not leave us. He is merciful. It is only necessary to bow to His wish without murmur and await--there on the other side He is preparing to all who love Him undescribable joy. You are young and so are our children--how many I have besides my own--you will see better times yet here. I believe strongly the bad will pass and there will be clear and cloudless sky. But the thunder-storm has not passed yet and therefore it is stifling--but I know it will be better afterwards. One must have only a little patience--and is it really so difficult? For every day that passes quietly I thank God.... Three months have passed now (since Revolution)!! The people were promised that they would have more food and fuel, but all has become worse and more expensive. They have deceived everybody--I am so sorry for them. How many we have helped, but now it is all finished....