Alexandra, Empress, consort of Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia, 1872-1918
It is terrible to think about it! How many people depended on us.
But now? But one does not speak about such things, but I am writing
about it because I feel so sadly about those who will have it more
difficult now to live. But it is God’s will! My dear own, I must
finish now. Am kissing you and Titi most tenderly. Christ be with
you.
“Most hearty greetings”--(from the Czar).
Yours loving,
AUNT BABY.
_30th July, 1917._
TSARKOE SELO.
MY DEAREST,
Heartiest thanks for letter of the 21st. Cannot write--he has no
time to read (“he”--Colonel Kobilinsky, Revolutionary Commandant of
the Palace), the poor man is so busy all the time that he is often
without lunch and dinner. Am pleased have made his acquaintance. E.
S. has seen you (“E. S.”--Doctor Botkin). I am so pleased that you
know all about us.
Will remember your last year’s trip. Do you remember? Have not been
quite well lately--often had head and heartache. My heart was
enlarged. Am sleeping very badly. But never mind--God gives me His
strength. Have brought the ikon of Snameni (of God Mother). How
thankful I am that this was possible, at this day dear to me
(birthday of Tsarevitch). I prayed hard for you and remembered how
we used to pray together before it. How Tina (Anna Virouboff) will
now suffer--without anybody in the town and her sister in Finland
and her friends going so far away (meaning herself)--how much
people have to suffer--the path of life is so hard. Please write to
A. W. (Colonel Siroboyarski--one of the wounded officers) and send
him heartfelt greetings and
[Illustration: I.--PART OF THE LETTER DATED JUNE 5/18, 1917
(Time of Kerensky’s first unsuccessful offensive)]
[Illustration: II.--PART OF THE LETTER DATED JUNE 5/18, 1917]
blessings ✠--kiss you most tenderly and the darling Titi (my son).
God preserve you and the Holy Mother.
Always yours,
AUNT BABY.
Kindest regards (meaning the Czar).
I remember--Faith, Hope, Love--that is all, all in life. You
understand my feelings. Be brave. Thank you most heartily. All
touched by your little ikons--will just put it on. Ask Rita (Miss
Hitrovo) to write to the mother of your countryman (Colonel
Siroboyarski).
[Illustration: PART OF LETTER OF 30TH JULY, 1917.
(_Day of removal from Tsarkoe Selo to Tobolsk. The upper portion is
written by the Grand Duchess Olga, the postscript is in the
handwriting of Her Imperial Majesty._)]
Added by Tsarevitch:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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