Letters of the Tsaritsa to the Tsar

No. 109
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 1-st 1915
My own sweet Nicky dear,
Grey and dark & I am. writing by lamp light, Slept badly. - Looked through the papers - what terrible hard work for our troups, such concentrated strength against us but God will help on. It is pleasure to read how much clearer better the news is written now & it strikes all - it explains everything easier. - is the Duma being closed? Every day articles, that its impossible one will send it away when so much needed etc, but you see the papers too - high time 2 weeks ago to have closed it. -
But they do go on persecuting the German names, Stcherbatov, who told me he would be just and not harm them, now bows down to the wishes of the Duma, clears away all German names, - poor Gilhen hunted away one, two, three from Bessarabia, he came crying to old Mme Orlov. Really be is a mad coward - all those honest people, completely Russian besides - kicked out - why, Lovy, did you give the sanction?
Change him quicker, one only gains enemies instead of loyal subjects - the mess he makes in a day will take years to correct. A. got a charming telegram from Kussov intensely happy having heard the news about you. - She saw Bezak at Nini's, & he spoke splendidly, enchanted that Dg. Orl. & Nik. have left & Nikolai agrees too, says it right & left, & spoke so well about Goremykin, - One says the prorogation of the Duma till Oct. 15, pitty date is fixed so early again , but thank goodness it now dispersed - only one must work firmly now to prevent them doing harm when they return. The press must really be taken better in hand - they intend launching forth things soon against Ania - that means me again, our Friend was for me too, so A. sent a letter she received to Voielkov to-day, that he must insist Frolov should forbid any articles about our Friend or A. being written, they have the military power & its easy for them Voieik. must take it upon himself, yr. name has not got to be mentioned in his place, V. has to guard our lives & anything that harms us, & these articles are against us; nothing at all to be afraid of, only very energetic measures must be taken - you have shown yr . will & no slacking in any direction - once begun its easy to continue. -
The operation went off well & then I did some dressing. Little Ivan Orlov was very interesting, he has 3 St. George's crosses is presented to the officers cross & has St. Stanislav with Swords. He was a little contusioned & two men killed, bombs were thrown on his mashene, when it was as on the ground. He has come for another. Throws bombs & arrows & Papers warning them. - Kniazhevitch came for a few days -- looks well. -
Then we drove, became sunny & nice. Met Baby in Pavlovsk park in his big motor with the boys. -
Thats nice Kirill is now too at the H.-Q., can have good talks with him. Egg him on to get rid of Nic. Vass.
I shall go with the big girls to town to-morrow to see our wounded, who returned from Germany, & then to tea to Elagin, & hope to place a candle at the Saviour Church for your. - We were yesterday evening at Anias to see Shourik & Yusik. - I have nothing interesting to tell you my Sweetheart. God bless & protect you & help you in your very hard work & send force & success to our troops. A thousand kisses, Nicky mine, fr. yr. very own deeply loving old
Wify.
Our Friend is in despair his boy has to go to the war, - the only boy, who looks after all when he is away. -
Fat Orlov says he has been told not to leave before you return & he still hopes to remain. - His amour propre is hideously wounded forgets all he has said & done no doubt, & all his dirty money affairs. Zinaida one says rages, that the 3 have left, & in the next room Papa Felix tells Bezak he is delighted they have gone. -
Tell the old man I saw his wife & 2 daughters at the door & they look well & have left for Siverskaia. -

No. 110
Tsarskoie Selo, September 2-nd 1915
My Own beloved One,
Such a glorious sunny morning, both windows were wide open all-the night & now too. I have new ink now, it seems the other is at an end now, it was not Russian. - It always grieves me to see how bad things one makes here, all comes from abroad, the very simplest things, as nails for instance, wool for knitting, knitting needles in metal & any amount of necessary things. God grant, that after this terrible war is ended, one can get the fabrics to make leather things, & prepare the fur themselves - such an immense country dependant upon others. Young Derfelden (the brother of the G. a cheval you know), Paul's son in law returned with G. Kaufmann; the administration sent from France, he says, was without the key, so that they are no good & must be arranged here, wh. will take very long, the French say we must do it, - the boy wired to France & got that answer. Sandro wrote such a contented letter to Olga after having seen you on his first report with you. Was at first too anxious & I think against you taking over the command & now sees with other eyes. N. P. wrote a charming letter to A. & it was agreable to see how he has grasped all, as one has frightened him too, tho' he held his tongue till now about it, he marveled at you having gone, against everybody & it has proved itself you were wise & right, his spirits are up again. Certainly being away fr. Petr. & Moscou is the best thing, pure air, other scenery, no vile gossip. - In town one says you return on Saturday? - We go to town (an aeroplane is passing, for the first time in the morning) - I want to see our poor fellows who came back from Germany & then we take tea at Elagin at 4 1/2.
One says Paul keeps to his room & is in an awfull state. His boy leaves & only longs to be with you or in the army, & now is frightened you will sent for him & he is just feeling ill, so his humour is most depressing. I thought I would look in & cheer him up, only I wish I had some sort of an answer for him. The photos Hahn did of Baby were not successes, & the idiot did him sitting on the Balkony as tho' he had a bad leg, I have forbidden it to be sold & shall have him done again. Lovebird, good news again, thank God. One terrible hard fighting, they push on, but constantly beaten back again. - Now the members of the Duma. want to meet in Moscow to talk over everything when their work here is closed - one ought energetically to forbid it, it will only bring great troubles. - If they do that one ought to say, that the Duma will then not be reopened till much later threaten them, as they try to the ministers & the gouvernement. Moscow will be worse than here, one must be severe oh, could one not hang Gatchkov?
You can not imagine what a joyful surprise it was to receive your sweet letter. I perfectly well understand how difficult it is for you to find time for writing therefore it touches me deeply, Sweetheart. That is a name Piltz! -but at least the mushrooms are agreable to eat. Now I understand you find Moghilev alright & that it does not disturb there. just got your wire.
Thank God, news on the whole better, one feels so anxious their trying to cut off Vilna, but perhaps we can catch them in a trap, & then Baranovitchi - strange towards that place now - there too military people think in two weeks time it will be better. With much skill Kniazevitch finds the losses might be less, as where the heavy firing goes on, one must quickly go under their range, as they are for great distances & cannot change quickly. The mans now are of a far less good cathegory. We just met a train going out & they wave their caps to us as we waved to them. Those heavy losses are hard - but theirs are yet worse.
Of course, you are more needed there now & Motherdear understands it perfectly. Its good you get out of an afternoon. We had divine weather to-day, like summer. I went with A. in my droshka to the cemetry, as I wanted to put flowers on the grave of the Georg. officers, who died 6 months ago to-day in the big palace - & then took her to Orlov's grave, where she has not been since her accident. Then to Znamenia I remained through half a mass & then to our hospital, where I sat with our wounded. Luncheon on the balkony, then Baby was photographed on the grass. Then at 21/2 off to town to the Hospital of Hel. P to see our prisoners back from Germany & Austria - the last arrived this month. Your Mamma had been there this morning. We saw several hundreds & 40 from another hospital, because they cried so she had not seen them. They did not look too bad on the whole, several poor blinds, lots without legs & arms -- one with galloping consumption , alas; & the joy to be back. - I told them I should write to you, that I had seen them. Then to Elagin - Feodor has grown so thin, that I at first took him for Andriusha & very weak. Irina is in bed in the Crimea, also ill with the stomack. - Motherdear looks well, Xenia fidgets, knowing the children not well & separated. Feodor, Nikita, Rostislav and Vassia are here, the other three in the Crimea. - I do wish Yussupov wld. go back to Moskow, Zinaida I beleive keeps him from fright. - Masses of movement in town, one gets quite giddy. I feel tired. At Elagin, our runner & your Mama's (ex sailor) carried me up on their hands. - Lovely air, window wide open. We always dine in the play room, but to-day I prefer remaining down as am tired & limbs ache. Think incessantly of you my Angel, pray heart & soul for you & miss you more than I can say - but happy you are out there & know at last all. -
Now goodbye, Lovy mine, the man must leave. God bless & protect you I kiss every dear spot over & over again & hold you tight in my arms.
Ever your own very own wify
Alice.
I receive Kulomsin, Ignatiev to-morrow & your Eristov lunches with us. - Dona received our 3 Russian nurses & Motherdear said she would not the Germans & now she feels, she must & fears being rude to them. Miechen & Mara could not in consequence, but then they too will. Now, if they ask me, what shall I answer. Every kindness shown them will make them sooner ready to be kind to ours & they would never understand , if I dont see them. if they ask; - & here one will no doubt rage against me. The red cross nurses make a difference, it seems to me. What do you think, tell me Sweetheart, please; I find, I might, as they are women, & I know Ernie will or Onor see ours, & Grd. Dchs. of Baden for sure. -
How this new ink stinks, shall scent the letter again.
No. 111
Tsarskoie 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 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 arise. 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 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.
0, T. & I took tea at Miechen, Ducky came too, looking old, & ugly even, had a headache & felt cold & was badly coiffee. - 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 - I 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 Jussupov 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 t hink 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. -
No. 112.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 4-th 1915
My very own Sweetheart,
I have remained in bed this morning, feeling deadtired, & having slept badly. My brain continued working & talking - I had spoken so much yesterday & always upon the same subject until I became cretinized; & this morning I continued to Botkin, as its good for him & helps him put his thoughts to right, as they also did not grasp things as they were. One has to be the medicine to the muddled minds after the microbes from town She got his telegram yesterday, perhaps you will copy it out & mark the date Sept, 3-rd on the paper I gave you when you left with his telegr. written down: "Remember the promise of the meeting, this was the Lord showing the banner of victory, the children or those near to the heart should say, set us go along the ladder of the banner, our spirit has nothing to fear."
And your spirit is up so is mine & I feel enterprising & ready to talk away. It must be alright & will be - only patience & trust in God. Certainly our losses are colossal, the guard has dwindled away, but the spirits are unflinchingly brave. All that is easier to hear than the rottenness here. I know nothing about the strikes as the papers (luckily) don't say a word about them. - Ania sends her love - wont you wire to me to, "thank for letters, Image, toffe" - it would make her happy.
Aunt Olga was suddenly announced to me yesterday evening at 10 1/2 - my heart nearly stood still, I thought already one of the boys was killed - thank God it was nothing, she only wanted to know whether I knew what was going on in town & then I had to let forth again, for the fourth time in one day, & put things clearer to her, as she could not grasp some things & did not know what to believe.
She was very sweet, dear Woman. - Here is a paper for Alexeiev, you will remember the same officer asked some time ago about forming a legion; well, you will think about it - perhaps it would do no harm to form it & keep it in reserve in case of disorders or let it replace another regiment wh. might come more back as a rest. -- The legion of Letts, are you having it disbanded into other existing regiments, as you had intended & wh. would be safer in all respects & more correct.
The Children have begun their winter-lessons, Marie & Anastasia are not contented, but Baby does not mind & is ready for more, so I said the lessons were to last all 50 instead of 40 minutes, as now, thank God, he is so much stronger. All day long letters & telegrams come - but its yours I await all day with intense longing. -
I want to go to Church this evening. - Ania sends you her fondest love.. Got finer after luncheon & we drove. The girls had a concert. - So anxious for news. - Kiss you endlessly, my love & long for you. When you come, I suppose it will only be for a few days? - Have nothing interesting to tell you, alas. All my thoughts incessantly with you. Send you some flowers, cut the stalks a little, then they will last longer.
God bless you
Ever yr. very own old
Wify.
Love to Kirill & Dmitri & Boris.

No. 113
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 5-th 1915
My own beloved Darling,
Grey weather. Again Ivanov & S. army had success - but how hardit is to the north - but God will help, I am sure. Are we getting over more troops there? The misery of having so few railway lines! -
I have nothing of interest to tell you, was yesterday in our lower church fr. 61/2-8 & prayed much for you, my Treasure; the evening we spent knitting as usual & soon after 11 to bed. - I must get up & have my hair done before Botkin, as have sent for Rostovtsev at 10 o'clock. - Me kisses zoo. - Well I had Rostovtsev & told him we were going to town & he was to meet us at the station with Apraxin, Neidhardt, Tolstoy, Obolensky & so it was at 3 (& M. D. with the motors met us) & at the station Rostovtsev told them I wished to go & see the refugees. So we went, quite unexpectedly to different, 5 places to see them, a nighthouse wh. stands empty near the Narva gate (as people dont drink & so can find where to sleep) - & there women & children sleep in two lairs, - next a house where the men are. Many were out looking for work. Then the place they are first brought to, bathed, fed - written down & looked at by the Dr. Then another place, former chocolate fabric, where women & children sleep, all kissed my hands, but many could not speak being Letts, Poles. But they did not look too bad nor too dirty. The worst is to find them work when they have many children. There is an excellent new wooden building with large kitchen, dining passage, baths & sleeping rooms, built in 3 weeks near Packhouses & where the trains can be brought straight. - But now I am tired & cant go to Church. I wonder if you understood my telegram, written in Ella's style rather but Ania begged me do it quickly as Massalov spoke to her by telephone & said Stcherbatov would see you today. - The papers intend bringing in our Friend's name & Anias - here Stcherbatov promised Massalov that he wld. try to stop them, but as it comes fr. Moscou, he did not know how. But it m us t be forbidden; & Samarin will go on for sure such a hideous shame, & only so as to drag me in too. - Be severe. And what about Yussupov - he does not intend returning & gave in his demission the' one never does during war. Is there no capable general who might replace him? - only he must be energetic indeed. All men seem to wear peticoats now!-
Mme Zizi lunched as its her namesday - & then we talked & I explained a lot, at wh. she was most grateful, as it opened her eyes upon many unclear things. You know ramoli Fredericks told Orlov (who repeated it to Zizi) that I felt he disliked me - so he went only disculpiating himself & proving his innocence. Countess Benkendorf told Ania she was delighted he leaves & ought to have long ago, as the things he allowed himself to say were awful. - It was the kind couple Benkendorf that hinted last night to Ania that I shld. go & see the refugees, so I at once did it, as I know meant well & may help people taking more interest in those poor creatures. -
The fabrics began working again - not so in Moscou I fear. -
Kussov wrote (he gets none of Ania's letters & feels very sad we shld. have forgotten him). Is full of the news about You & he explained it all to his men. He longs to say heaps, & things you for sure don't know & wh. are not right, but he cannot risk writing frankly. - Zizi asked me who the General Borissov? is with Alexelev as she heard, he was not a good man in the Japanese war !-
I was half an hour in Church this morning & then at the hospital (without working) - there were 8 of yr. 3d Rifles fr. here wounded on the 30th - one of them, the first I have ever heard, said one longs for peace; they chattered a lot !-
Now my Sunshine, dearly beloved Angel, I kiss & bless you long for you
Ever yr. very own old
Wify.
I told Mitia Den, that you thought of sending the Suite to as many fabricks & workshops as possible, & he found it a brilliant idea & just the thing, as then all will feel your eye is every where. - Do begin sending them off & make them come with reports to you. - It will make an excellent impression & encourage them working & spur them on. - Get a list of your free Suite (without German names), Dmitri Sheremetiev as he is free. Komarov (as he spoke to you), Viazemsky, Zhilinsky, Silaiev, those who are less "able men" send to quieter & surer places; Mitia Den, Nikolai Mikhailovitch (as he is in a good frame of mind), Kirill - Baranov. But do it now Deary. - Am I boring you, then forgive me, but I must be yr. note-book. Now Miechen writes about the same man as Max & Mavra, Fritzie vouches for him not being a spy & a real Gentleman. - The papers concerning him I think lie in town at the general-staff; it was Nikolasha ordered him to be shut up. He is since beginning of the war in a real cell with a wee window, like a culprit - only let him be kept decently like any officer we have, if one wont exchange him for Costia's a. d. c. He writes to Adini that he was auf einer Studienreise durch den Kaukasus begriffen up in the mountains he heard rumours of impending war, & so he flew off on the shortest road. He reached Kovel July 20 & at the station heard of the declaration of war. The train did not continue. He announced himself as officer & begged to be permitted to pass over Sweden or Odessa; instead one took him prisoner in a cell at Kiev, where he is still now, regarding him as spy. He gives his word of honour to Adini that he "was only traveling without any ugly sidedeeds, & that he kept himself far from anything like spying". He suffers away fr. wife & children & not being able to do his duty. - He begs to be exchanged, or at least a better position. Poor Photo, if one has wrongly shut him up in a cell, the quicker one takes him out & treats him as a German officer taken as being in Russia when war was declared, that would only be decent. When Miechen enquired, one said they had (nothing?) against him, Sazonov only said that he had given out he was unmarried or on his honeymoon, in any case not correct, but that means nothing (perhaps there was a croocked novel) & when they begged again, I think Nikolasha or Yanashkevitch one answered that one did not remember why he was shut, but probably they had a reason & therefore he must remain there - that's "weak" as the children would say. - Ah, here Miechen sends me a letter of his wife to Adini. They wanted to travel & he wanted to show her Petrograd & Moscou & take a rest, after hard work & freshen up his Russian. They left beginning of July 1914 Stettin, For safety sake her husband took a diplomatic Pass (?). The last moment friends in Kurland told them not to visit them, so they spent 8 days in Petrograd & 8 in Moscou & did sightseeing. There they separated because of her bad health wh. prevented her accomp. him to friends in the Caucasus. She daily got news fr. him, & fr. Tiflis & near there he went to a H. V. Kutschenbach, who during the war was murdered with his wife. Through the german Consul at Tiflis he got a ticket to Berlin over Kalish - but only reached Kovel. - The only red cross German sister, von Passow-is his sister in law - she is now here to see the prisoners. Do have him well placed, please he can have his health for ever ruined - & Fritzy vouches for him. If you cant have him exchanged, then at least lodged & with light & good air. Excuse my writing all this, but its good you should know what Adini heard, & one cant be cruel, its not noble & after the war one must speak well of our treatment, we must show that we stand higher than they with their "kultur". -
How I bother you, am so sorry, but its hard for others & you don't persecute as Nikolasha & Yanushkevitch did mercilessly in the Baltic provinces either, & that does not harm the war nor mean peace. -
Goremykin comes to me to-morrow at 3 - tiresome hour, but is only free then. Tell N. P. that we thank him very much for his letters of thanks & - messages. God bless you, once more thousand warm, warm tender kisses Sweetheart. - Cold & raining,
My love & goodwishes to Dmitri.
My yesterday's letter I marked wrongly, it must be 344, please correct it.

No. 114.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 6-th 1915
Beloved Nicky dear,
Every morning & evening I bless & then kiss your cushion & one of your Images. I always bless you whilst you sleep & I get up to draw open the curtains. Wify sleeps all alone down here, & the wind is howling melancholy to-night. How lonely you must feel, wee One. Are your rooms at least not too hideous? Cannot N. P. or Drenteln photo them? All day impatiently I await your dear telegram wh. either comes during dinner or towards 11 -
So many yellow & copper leaves, & alas also many are beginning to fall - sad autumn has already set in - the wounded feel melancholy as they cannot sit out but rarely & their limbs ache when its damp - they almost all have become barometers. We send them off as quickly as possible to the Crimea.
Taube left yesterday with several others to Yalta as a surgeon must watch his wound & my little Ivanov's too, - Ania dined with us yesterday upstairs. To-day is Isa's birthday, so I have invited her with Ania to luncheon.
Oh beloved One - 2 weeks you left, - me loves you s o intensely & I long to hold you in my arms & cover your sweet face with gentle kisses & gaze into your big beautiful eyes - now you cant prevent me from writingit, you bad boy.
When will some of our dear troops have that joy? Wont it be a recompense to see you! Navruzov wrote, he at last tried to return to his regiment after 9 months, but only got as far as Kars, his wound reopened again a fistula & he needs dressings, so once more his hopes are frustrated - but he begged Jagmin for work & he has sent him to Armavir with the young soldiers to train them & look after the youngest officers.
It is so nice to feel ones dear wounded remember one & write. Madame Zizi also often hears from those that lay in the big palace. -
Have you news from Misha? I have no idea where he is. Do get him to stop a bit with you get him quite to yourself. - N. P. writes so contented & spirits up anything better than town.
It seems Aunt Olga before coming to me had flown half wild to Paul saying the revolution has begun, there will be bloodshed, we shall all be got rid of, Paul must fly to Goremykin & so on - poor soul! To me she came already quieter & left quite calm - she & Mavra probably got a fright, the atmosphere spread there too from Petrograd, -
Grey & only 5 degrees. - The big girls have gone to Church at 9 & I go with the others at 10 l/2. - Isa has cought cold & 38 this morning, so has to keep in bed. The news is good again in the south, but they are quite close to Vilna wh. is despairing - but their forces are so colossal. - You wired you had written so I am eagerly awaiting your letter, Lovy - its sad only with telegrams in wh. one cannot give any news, but I know you have no time for writing, & when working hard to have still to sit down to a letter, thats dull & wearisome work; & you have every moment taken too Sweetheart.
I had Markozov from 6 1/4 to 8 so have to write whilst eating most interesting all he told & can be of use to abolish misunderstandings, cant write about anything of that to-night. - Old man came to me - so hard for him, ministers so rotten to him. I think they want to ask for their leave & the best thing too. -
Sazonov is the worst, cries, excites all (when it has nothing to do with him), does not come to the conseil des Ministers, wh. is an unheard of thing - Fred. ought to tell him fr. you that you have heard of it & are very displeased, I find. I call it a strike of the ministers. Then they go & speak of everything wh. is spoken of & discussed in the Council & they have no right to, makes him so angry. You ought to wire to the old man that you forbid one talking outside what is spoken of at the Council of Ministers & wh, concerns nobody. There are things that can & wh. are known later, but not everything. -
If in any way you feel he hinders, is an obstacle for you, then you better let him go (he says all this) but if you keep him he will do all you order & try on his best - but begs you to think this over for when you return to seriously decide, also Stcherbatov's successor & Sazonov. - He told Stcherbatov he finds absolutely a person chosen by Stcherbatov ought to be present at Moscou at all these meetings & forbid any touching of questions wh. dont concern them - he has the right as Minister of the Interior; Stcherbatov agreed at first, but after having seen people fr. Moscou he changed his mind & no more agreed - he was to tell you all this, Goremykin told him to - did he? Do answer. - Then he begs D. Mrazovsky. should quickly go to Moscou, as his presence may be needed any day. - I don't admire Yussupov leaving (its her fault) but he was not worth much. - And now we have left Vilna - what pain, but God will help - its not our fault with these terrible losses. Soon is the Sweet Virgin's feast 8th (my day, do you remember Mr. Philippe) - she will help us. -
Our Friend wires, probably after her letter his wife brought, telling about all the interior difficulties. "Do not fear our present embarassments, the protection of the Holy Mother is over you - go to the hospitals though the enemies are menacing - have faith." Well I have no fright, that you know.. - In Germany one hates me now too He said & I understand it - its but natural. -
How I understand, how disagreeable to change your place - but of course you need being further from the big line, But God will not forsake our troops, they are so brave. -
I must end now, Lovebird. - Alright about Boris, only is it the moment? Then make him remain at the war & not return here, he must lead a better life than at Warshaw & understand the great honour for one so young. - Its a pitty, true, that not Misha.
The German nurses left for Russia & Maria had no time to see them, me they did not ask to see, probably hate me. -
Oh Treasure, how I long to be with you, hate not being near, not to be able to hold you tight in my arms & cover you with kisses - alone in yr. pain over the war news yearn over you. God bless help, strengthen, comfort, guard & guide. -
Ever yr. very own
Wify.

No. 115. Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 7-th 1915
Beloved Huzy dear,
Cold, windly & rainy - may it spoil the roads. I have read through the papers nothing written that we left Vilna - again very mixed, success, bad luck & it cannot be otherwise, & one rejoices over the smallest success. It does not seem to me that the Germans will venture much more further, it would be great folly to enter deeper into the country - as later our turn will come. - Is the amunition, shells & rifles coming in well? You will send people to have a look - your Suite? - Your poor dear head must be awfully tired with all this work & especially the interior questions? Then, to recapitulate what the old man said: to think of a new minister of the interior, (I told him you had not yet fixed upon Neidhardt; perhaps, when you return, you can think once more about Khvostov); a successor to Sazonov, whom he finds quite impossible, has lost his head, cries & agitates against Goremykin, & then the question, whether you intend keeping the latter or not. But certainly not a minister who answers before the Dama, as they want, - we are not ripe for it & it would be Russia's ruin - we are not a Constitutional country & dare not be it, our people are not educated for it & thank God our Emperor is an Autocrat & must stick to this, as you do only you must show more power & decision. I should have cleared out quickly still Samarin & Krivoshein, the latter displeases the old man greatly, right & left & excited beyond words.
Goremykin hopes you won't receive Rodzianko. (Could one but get another instead of him, an energetic, good man in his place wld. keep the Duma in order.) - Poor old man came to me, as a "soutien" & because he says I am "l'energie". To my mind, much better clear out ministers who strike & not change the President who with decent, energetic, well-intentioned cooperates can serve still perfectly well. He only lives & serves you & yr. country & knows his days are counted & fears not death of age, or by knife or shot but God will protect him & the holy Virgin. Our Friend wanted to wire to him an encouraging telegram. - Markozov - no I must finish about Goremykin, he beggs you to think of somebody for Moscou & besides get Mrozovsky to come quicker, as these sessions may become too noisy in Moscou & therefore an eye & voice of the Minister of Interior ought to be there & one has the right to, as Moscou is under the minister of Interior. Neratov he finds no good for replace Sazonov (I only like that mentioned his name), he knows him since he was a boy & says he never served out of Russia, & that is not convenient at such a place. But where to get the man. We had enough of Isvolsky & he is not a very sure man - Girs is not worth much, Benk. - the name already against him. Where are men I always say, I simply cannot grasp, how in such a big country does it happen that we never can find suitable people, with exceptions! -
My conversation with Markozov was most interesting (a little too sure of himself) & he can tell one many necessary things & clear up misunderstandings. Polivanov knows him well & already he has cleared up one thing. It seems there was an order to take off of the prisoner officers their epaulets, wh. created an awful fury in Germany & wh. I understand - why humiliate a prisoner & that is one of those wrong orders of 1914 fr. the Headquarters - thank God one has now changed it. - He also understands that we must always try to be in the right , as they at once otherwise repay us equally - till for that - & when this hideous war is over & the hatred abated, I long that one should say, that we were noble. The horror of being a prisoner is already enough for an officer & one wont forget humilations or cruelties - let them carry home remembrances of christianity & honour. Luxury, nobody asks for. They are really improving the lot of our prisoners, I saw a photo, Max did of our wounded at Saalem (A. Maroussia's place) in the garden, near a Russian toy hut, Max used to play in & they look well fed & contented. Their greatest hatred has passed, & ours is artificially kept up by the rotten "Novoye Vremya". - I must fly & dress, as we have got an operation & before that I want to place my candles & pray for you as usual; my treasure, my Angel, my Sunshine, my poor much-suffering Job. I cover you with kisses & mourn over your loneliness. -
The operation went off alright - in the afternoon we went to the big Palace hospital. Kulomzin came to me to present himself & bring lists, to show me what the Romanovsky committee has done; - most interesting talk about all sorts of questions. -
Well, Dear, here are a list of names, very little indeed, who might replace Samarin. Ania got them through Andronnikov who had been talking with the Metropolitan as he was in despair Samarin got that nomination, saying that he unterstood nothing about the Church affairs. Probably he saw Hermogen at Moscou, in any case he sent for Varnava, abused our Friend, & said that Hermogen had been the only honest man, because he was not afraid to tell you all against Gregory & therefore he was shut up, & that he, Samarin wishes Varnava to go & tell you all against Gregory; he answered that he could not, only if the other ordered him to, & as coming from him. So I wired to the old man to receive Varnava who would tell him all, & I hope the old man will speak to Samarin after & wash his head. You see, he does not heed what you told him - he does nothing in the Synod & only persecutes our Friend, i, e. goes straight against us both - unpardonable, & at such a time even criminal. He must leave. - Well here: Khvostov (minister of justice) very religious knowing much about the Church, most devoted to you & much heart. Guriev (Director of the Chancellary of the Synod) very honest, serves long in the Synod (likes our Friend). He mentioned Makarov ex minister, but he would never do, & a small unknown man. -
But he goes on singing a praise of Khvostov & tells it to Gregory as he wants to bring him round to see, that this is a man ready to have himself chopped to pieces for you (will stand up for our Friend, never allow one mention him); his manque de tacte after all don't mind so much now, when one needs an energetic man who knows people in every place, & a Russian name, Kulomzin also hates the "Novoye Vremya" & finds the Moscou. Vied. & "Russkoye Slovo" much better. I am a bit anxious what they are producing in Moscou. The Petrograd strikes, Andronnikov says, are thanks to colossal gaffes of Stcherbatov who shut up people who had nothing to do in that respect. - I hope Voyeikov listens less to Stcherbatov - he is such a nullity & weak & by that does harm. - What dull letters I write, but me wants to help zoo so awfully, Sweetheart, & so many Sonia Don took tea with us, she leaves for Koreiz, as needs a better climate, is so happy you are out there & understands perfectly well that you went now when all is so difficult. -
Yesterday we took tea at Pavlovsk with Mavra - Aunt Olga turned up too - she looks unwell, worked in Sunday fr. 10-21/2 in the hospital - she overtires herself, but wont listen to reason. I understand her - myself of experience have realised one must do less, alas, so I work rarely, to keep my strength for more necessary things,
Yesterday evening we were at Ania's, also Shurik, Yuzik Marie's friend & Alexei Pavlovitch, who told us about the Headquarters - he leaves for there again to-morrow. -
I enclose a letter from Ania about her brother, tho' I advised her not to send it as if the name comes to you, of yr. own accord I know you will do what is right for the boy who worked so hard. -
Now I must dress for Church. Cold, wet and rainy, - may it spoil the roads thoroughly at least. - Awfully anxious to get news God will help. -
Goodbye & God bless you my sweetest of sweets.
I cover your precious face with tenderest, warmest kisses & long to hold you in my arms & forget everything for a few moments.
Ever yr. very own old
Here is Babysweets letter too. -
Sunny.

No. 116.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 8-th 1915
My own beloved One,
Am so anxious what news - its 101/2 & the "Novoye Vremya" has not come & I don't know what is going on, as never get the telegr. any more as before were sent me, when you were at the Headquarters. So cold, 3 degr. only in the night, grey & windy. The eldest went to mass at 9 & the little ones now, I shall follow, have been reading through an immense fat report fr. Rostovtsev. - There is Prince Ukhtomsky in the 4-th rifles & his wife is terribly worried, as some of the comrades said they had seen him fallen, wounded, whereas no sanitary has yet brought him. Did Boris bring the lists? But it may have happened since. In town one says all the guard was surrounded, but I wont believe anything that is not official. I must dress for Church. Service was nice last night & they sang well. -
Dear one, it is so difficult when there are things one must tell you directly & I dont know whether anybody reads our telegrams. Again I have had to wire an unpleasant thing to you, but there was no time to loose. I have asked her, as well as she can, to write out Suslik's conversation in the Synod. Really the little man has behaved with marvelous energy, standing-up for us & our Friend, & gave back slapping answers to their questions. Tho' the Metropolitan is very displeased with Samaria, yet at this interrogation he was feeble & held his tongue, alas. - They want to clear Varnava out & put Hermogen in his place, have you ever heard such an impudence! They dare not do it without yr. sanction, as by yr. order he was punished. Its once more Nikolasha's doing (egged on by the women) he made him come out of his place, without any right, to Vilna to live with Agafangel & of course this latter, S. Philip & Nikon (the awful harmbringer to Athos) attacked Varnava about our Friend for 3 hours; Samaria went to Moscou for 3 days I think, no doubt to see Hermogen - I sent you the cutting about his having been allowed to spend 2 days in Moscou at Vostokov's by Niholasha's order - since when was he allowed to mix in such questions, knowing that by yr. order the punishment was inflicted upon Hermogen! How dare they go against yr. permission of the "salutation" - what have they come to, even there anarchy reigns & once more Nikolasha's fault, as he (purposely) proposed Samaria, knowing that that man would do all in his power against Grgeory & me, but here you are dragged in, & that is criminal, & at such a time quite particularly. Several times the old man told Samaria not to touch that subject, therefore he is fearfully hurt & said so to Varnava & that he found Samaria must at once leave, other-wise they will drag it into the public. I find those 2 bishops ought at once to be taken out of the Synod - let Pitirim come & sit there, as our Friend feared Nikolasha would harm him if he heard that Pitirim venerates our Friend. Get other, more worthy Bishops in. Strike of the Synod - at such a time, too unpatriotic, unloyal - what does it concern anybody - may they now pay for it & learn who is their master. Here is a cutting "again' you will say, but V.I.Gurko says (I will write it better out instead of sending you the paper). In Moscou, Lvov allowed him to speak: "We want a strong authority - we mean an authority armed with extraordinary powers, authority with a horse-whip (now you show it them in every way, where you can, you are their autocrat master) but not such an authority which is itself under whip." A slandering pun, directed against you & our Friend, God punish them for this; - its not Christian to write this, then better, God forgive them, but above all make them repent. -
Varnava told Goremykin all about the Governor - how nice he was with Gregory until he came here & got horrid orders fr. Stcherbatov, i. e. Samaria. About me he said to Suslik "a foolish woman" & about Ania abominable things wh. he cld. not even repeat. Goremykin says he must at once be changed. Look through my letters of about 5 days ago, there I named one, our Friend would have liked to have. Only all this must be done quickly, the effect is all the greater. Samaria knows yr. opinion & wishes & so does Stcherbatov & they don't care, thats the vile part of it. Give orders to the old man, that is then easy for him to fulfil. He told Varnava how hard it was to have all against him, if only you would give him new ministers to work with. - Samaria had ordered Varnava to go to you - now it would have been good, he could have told you all, only it will take up your time & one must hurry with ones decisions. You see he is like S.I. incorrigible & narrowminded. He ought to think of his churches, clergy & convents & not of whom we receive. That is his bad conscience now. Once more "who digs a pit for others, falls into it himself", like Nikolasha. - Quicker also change the ministers, he cannot work with them - if you give him categorical orders, then he can give them over, thats easier - but to talk with them he cant. Excellent to send several flying & keep him, serves them right, please think of it.
Despairing not to be with you & talk all over quietly together. -
About the war news our Friend writes (add it to yr. list of telegrams) Sept. 8: "Don't fear it will not be worse than it was, faith and the banner will favor us.("- I enclose a telegram of E. Witgenstein, born Nabokova (Groten's great friend, was in Marie's train). She wants medals, perhaps you would give Fred. the order - & the telegram too. The Image s I can send her straight. - Here my love is Khvostov's speech in reading you will understand why Paul disapproved because he openly speaks against Dzhunkovsky. You better keep it, in case one makes remarks about him, you can always fall back upon it; its clever & honest & energetic - a man longing to be of use to you. - Are you having more justice done in the Baltic provinces, one would like that, I must say poor people suffer enough. - Khvostov's speech I have just read through, very clear & interesting, but I must say our own lazy slave natures without any initiative have been at fault, we ought to have kept the bank in hand before - earlier nobody paid attention, now all eyes hunt for the German influence, but we brought it on ourselves, I assure you by our lazyness. Pay attention to page 21, 22 about Dzhunkovsky, what right had he to telegraph such a thing, it was only possible in quite particular cases - & that sounds rotten. I think it will interest you as it shows you his ideas about the banks etc. Then Ania's paper I enclose about Varnava & the Synod, Anastasia kisses you & begs pardon for not having written but we went for a little drive (of course the girls froze) & then to the Invalidhouse where it lasted 11/2 hour talking to all. We picked up Ania again at Css. Schulenburg's ideal little cottage. Then they went to their hospital & after tea to Ania's to play with some young girls. - One's head is ramolished fr. conversations - but the spirit is good, Lovy, & ready for anything you need. Varnava comes to me to-morrow. Go on being energetic Sweetheart, use your broom - show them your energetic, sure, firm side wh. they have not seen enough. Now is the fight to show them who you are, & that you have enough - you tried with gentleness & kindness, but that did not take, now you will show the contrary - the Master-will. Kussov wrote to Ania amongst other things, sad that a man like Mikeyev came in yr. name as he represents nothing & does not know how to represent - nor to speak.
Manny mine, Angel Sweetheart, so sorry to daily bore you with things, but I cant otherwise. - I long to kiss you & gaze into yr. beloved eyes. I bless & kiss you without end in true & deep devotion. God bless, guard, guide & protect you.
Ever yr. very own old
Wify.
Are you thinking of sending Dmitri back to the regiment? Dont let him dawdle about doing nothing, its his ruin, he will be worth nothing, if his caracter does not get formed at the war - he was not out more than one or 2 months.

No. 117.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 9-th 1915
My very own Sweet One,
At last a sunny morning, & "of course we go to town", as Olga says; but I must go to hospitals, there is nothing to be done. Yesterday we went to the Invalid-hospital, I spoke to 120 men 11/2, & the rest en gros as they stood in one room, - why I told you all this yesterday, I am quite foolish. Thank God the news is a bit better, I find, to the north, i. e. Vilna-Dvinsk,. You said we left Vilna the other night, but they have not yet entered, have they? Am eagerly awaiting your promised letter to-day, such a joy always. - There! I have got your precious letter & I thank you for it from the depths of my heart, I hold it in my left hand & kiss it, Sweetheart. Wont Mme Plautin be mad with joy to have news that her sons are safe, thanks so much for enquiring. What a lovely telegr. from our Friend. -
Thats good you use Kirill now after Georgie, so that each goes in turn, only don't send Dmitri, he is too young & it makes him conceited - wish you would send him off !- Only don't say its I who ask this. - Well, you have a lot to do. You had a better impression of Stcherbatov, but he is not good, I fear at all, so weak and wont work properly with the old man. Well look what they spoke about at Moscou, again those questions, wh. they had come to the conclusion to drop, & asking for an answerable minister wh. is quite impossible, even Kulomzin sees this clearly - did they really have the impertinence of sending you the intended telegram? How they all need to feel an iron will & hand - it has been a reign of gentleness & now must be the one of power & firmness - you are the Lord & Master in Russia & God Almighty placed you there & they shall bow down before your wisdom & firmness, enough of kindness, wh. they were not worthy of & thought they could hoist you round their finger. What they said at Moscow was printed yesterday, - I saw poor Varnava to-day my dear, its abominable how Samaria behaved to him in the hotel & then in the Synod - such cross- examination as is unheard of & spoke so meanly about Gregory using vile words in speaking of Him. He makes the Gov. watch all their telegrams & send them to him - vicious about the salutation that you have no right to allow such a thing - upon wh. Varnava answered him soundly & said that you were the chief protector of the Church, & Samaria impertinently said you were its servant. Colossal insolence & more than ungentlemanlike - lolling back in his chair with crossed legs crossexamining a Bishop about our Friend. When Peter the Great of his own accord also ordered a "salutation" it was at once done, in the place & round about. After the salutation, the funeral services cease (as when we were at Sarov, the salutation & glorification, were done together) - & they have reordered funeral services & said they would not heed what - you said. Lovy, you must be firm & give the strict order to the Synod that you insist upon your order being fulfilled & the Synod that yr. order has to be fulfilled and the salutation is to continue - more than ever one needs those prayers now. They ghout to know that you a re most displeased with them. And please do not allow Varnava to be sent away, he stood up splendidly for us & Gregory & showed them how they on purpose go against us in all this. Old Goremykin was more than hurt & horrified & beyond words shocked, when he heard that the Gov. (whom Dzhunkovsky had made change his opinion & instigated) said to Varnava that I was a crazy woman & Ania a nasty woman etc. - how can he remain after that? You cannot allow such things. These are the devil's last trials to make a mess everywhere & he shant succeed. Samaria said highest praise of Feofan & Hermogen, & wants to put the latter in Varnava's place. You see the rotten game of theirs. Some while ago I begged you to change the Gov. he spies upon them, every step Varnava took at Pokrosvk & what our Fr. does & what telegrams are written, thats Dzhunkovsky's work & Samaria's excited on through Nikolasha by the black women. - Agafangel spoke so badly (fr. Yaroslavl) - he ought to be sent away on the retiring list & replaced by Sergei F. who m us t leave & get out of the Synod - Nikon ought to be cleaned out of the Council of the Empire, where he is a member & also out of the Synod, he has besides the sin of Mt. Athos on his soul. This Suslik rightly all said, so as to give the Synod a good lesson & strong reprimand for their behaviour, therefore quickly change Samarin. Every day he remains, he is dangerous & does mischief, old man is of the same opinion, it is not woman's stupidity - therefore I cried so awfully when I heard they had forced you to name him at the Headquarters & I wrote to you in my misery, knowing Nikolasha proposed him because he was my enemy & Gregory's & through that yours. -
In conversation Metropolitan Vladimir said (they have made him mad too), when Varnava said that Samaria was breaking his neck by behaving thus, & that he is not Over-Procurator yet. "The Emperor is no boy and ought to know what he is doing" & "that you earnestly begged Samaria to accept" (I told Goremykin then that it was wrong) - well let them see & feel that you are no t a boy & who calumniates people you respect & insults them - insults you, that they dare not call a Bishop to account for knowing Gregory - I cant repeat to you all the names they gave our Friend. Pardon my boring you again with all this, but its to show you, that you must quickly change Samaria. - I shall have to suffer for it if he remains, as I shall get it onto my head, you heard what the Governor said, & here one is not kindly intentioned towards me in some sets & its not the time to drag ones Sovereign or his wife down. Only be firm (he begged not to remain long, you remember) & don't put him into the Council of the Empire as a bonbons after he behaved & spoke openly like that about whom we receive & such a tone about you & yr. wishes - that cannot be borne, you have n o t the right to overlook it. These are the last fights for yr. internal Victory, show them yr. mastery.
Remember, in 6 days he kicked out old Damansky (because of Gregory) & gave 60,000 for his successor to arrange the appartments - hideous actions.
I invented to-day the aid to the new one - Prince Zhivakha you remember him, quite young, knows all about the Church questions, most loyal & religious (Bari-Bielgorod) don't you agree?
Clean out all, give Goremykin new ministers to work with & God will bless you & their work.
Please Lovebird, and quickly. I wrote to him to give a list, as you asked but he begged you to think of Sazonov's successor & Stcherbatov he is f a r too weak, tho' you liked him better this time. I am sure Voyeikov (his bosom friend) told him how to be - dont listen to Voyeikov, he has been wrong all this heavy time & a b a d adviser, - it will pass, he is conceited & got a fright for his own skin. - Oh dear, humanity!
My Image of yesterday, of 1911 with the bell has indeed helped me to "feel" the people - at first I did not pay enough attention, did not trust to my opinion, but now I see the Image & our Friend have helped me grasp people quickly. And the bell would ring if they came with bad intentions & wld. keep them fr. approaching me - there, Orlov, Dshunkovsky, Drenteln who have that "strange" fright of me are those to have a special eye upon.
And you my love, try to heed to what I say, its not my wisdom, but a certain instinct given by God beyond myself so as to be your help. -
Precious one, I send you the paper one of our wounded wrote by my request, as, I was afraid of giving over the wish wrongly - it wld. be good if the regiment could get that bit of ground for building a mausoleum for their fallen officers. -
Perhaps you would tell Fred. to give the order from you to Stcherbatov you have not the time for doing all yourself. - The little Image is fr. Ania she went to the Chapel today whilst we were visiting hospitals, both under my protection. The one for 60 officers on the Horse. Guards Boulevard, very nice indeed & then to the Vyborg suburb between the prisons (a new hospital for the prisoners) wh. was now at once used for 130 men. - so nice & clean - several Semenovtsi fr. Kholm & rifles etc. & one who had been for a year in Germany. The pavement was atrocious. You see I choose the smart & quite poor places to turn up in - they shall see that I don't care what one says & shall go about as always. Now that am feeling better, I can do it. - Such sunny weather. From Znamenia I went in my Droshki round the Boulevard to the hospital to get good air in the morning. - Is there a chance of your coming now? - I was thinking about Novgorod (don't tell Voyeikov) & Ressin is making inquiries. By boat, or motor even fr. the broad railway too far, 60 Verst - so one must get into the narrow gauged waggon. Sleeping here in the train - reaching there in the morning, lunching there etc. back by 10 l/2 in the evening - because must look at the Cathedral. The new soldiers are there & that makes me doubt whether I ought not ratherawait yr. return. If so, wire to me, "wait about Novgorod" & Ishall then.
-Our Friend wants me to go about more, but where to? -
Did you copy out his telegr. for yourself on the extra sheet? If not, here it is again:
"Sept. 7, 1915. Do not fall when in trouble God will glorify by his appearance." - Olga has a committee this evening. - Alexei's train (Schulenburg) sticks at Opukliki since 4 days, was stopped there until called to Polotzk; he asked the Comm. of Polotzk by wire, but received no answer yet are we cut off from there? -
My train returned, said there were lots of sanitaries waiting out there without being able to move, I hope it means that our troops are being brought up there? Then masses of women were brought to work near the lakes, but not told for how long, so that they had no time to take warm clothes, got wages per day for the journey, 30 Kopeeks & the journey lasted 5 days - are the Governors mad. Never any order here, it drives me to distraction that lesson we ought to learn fr. the Germans.
Sister Olga's train is bringing many wounded officers & men & 90refugees. I told them always to pick them up on the way. -
Dear me, what a lot one might do - I long to poke my nose into everything (Ella does it with success) - to wake up people, put order into all & unite all forces. All goes by fits & starts - so irregular - so very little energy (my despair, as have enough, no matter if I feel ill even, wh. thank God I don't just now) - am wise & don't do too much. - Now the endless letter must be finished. Do I write too much? Courage - energy - firmness will be rewarded by success, you remember what He said, that the glory of yr. reign is coming & we shall fight for it together, as it means the glory of Russia - you & Russia are one. -
Beloved one, yes, my bed is much softer than yr. camp-bed - how I wish you were here to share it. Only when you are away I dream. 2 weeks & 1/2 since you left. I bless you & cover you with kisses, my Angel, & press you to my heart. God be with you.
For ever yr. very own old
Sunny.

No. 118.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 10th 1915
My own Sweetheart,
Yes, indeed the news is better - I just looked through the papers. What a blessing if the reinforcements from the south can soon get to their destination; one prays and prays.
The article about Varnava in the papers is untrue, he gave exact answers to all questions and showed yr. telegram about the salutation. Last year the Synod had all the papers about the miracles and Sabler would not have the salutation this summer. Your will and order Count, make them feel it. Varnava implores you to hurry with clearing out Samarin as he and Synod are intending to do more horrors and he has to go there again, poor man, to be tortured. Goremykin also finds one must hasten (alas, no list from him yet). One praises the redfaced Prutchenko too - only his brother and wife horrid about our Friend. Goremykin wants quickly to see you, and before any others when you return, but if you dont soon - he wants to go to you, he is ready to scream at the bishops, Varnava said and to send them off. You better send for the old Man. - As one wants a firm Government, instead of the old Man going; clear out the others and get strong ones in. Please, speak seriously about Khvostov as Minister of the Interior to Goremykin am sure he is the man for the moment, -as fears nobody and is devoted to you.
Again an ugly thing about Nikolasha I am obliged to tell you. All the Barons sent to the Headquarters a B. Benkern to Nikolasha. He begged in all their names that these persecutions should cease, because they could not bear them any more. Nikolasha answered that he agreed with them, but could do nothing as the orders came from Tsarskoie Selo. Is not this too vile. S. Rebinder of the Artillery told it to Alia - Reutern was astonished to see Suvorin being received by Nikolasha. This must be cleared up, such a lie dare not lie upon you; they must be told that y o u are just to those that are I o y a I and never persecute the innocent. A man who wrote against Nikolasha was shut up for 8 months now, there they know how to stop the press, when it touches Nikolasha. - When the prayers for you were being read those 3 fasting days, fr. the Synod, in front of the Kazan Cathedral, 1000 of portraits of Nikolasha were being devided out to the crowds. What does that mean? They had intended quite another game, our Friend read their cards in time, and came to save you by entreating you to clear out Nikolasha and take over the Command yourself. One hears always more and more of their hideous, treacherous game. M. and S. spread horrors about me in Kiev and that I was going to be shut up in a Convent - the married daughter of one of the Trepovs was so hurt when they spoke, that she begged to leave the room. He wrote this to the Css. Schulenburg. Oh Lovy, Ivanov's army (some) heard these rumours - is not that a mean scandal? I see Dzhunkovsky has gone for an unfixed time to the Caucasus - there: "birds of one feather flock together" what new sin are they preparing? They better take care of their skin there. -
We, i. e. Olga, Ressin, Ania and I went to Peterhof - we left her at her Parents and drove on to the local hospital - clean this time and no very heavy wounded - then to the tiny red cross station near the English Embassy, where there were a few officers then to the new Rathhouse near the lake, where were also wounded - nothing very bad. Took a cup of coffee at the Taneyev's and came home. Then Tatiana Andreievna came to say goodbye, after wh. Mere Catherine and the Abbess, and talked without end. She brought a paper about flying machines wh. the inventor showed before at the Headquarters - it was approved and the papers now stick somewhere, so I enclose a paper about it and can you have the thing hurried up. There is a Rubinstein who has given 1000's already, who is willing to give 500,000 for this invention being made, i f he receives the same as Manus - pretty these beggings at such a time, charity cant go unbought - so ugly.- Then Mary came and now I am writing and quite gaga - the road tired me in motor. The sea, my sea ! Felt, oh, s o sad, reminded me of happy peaceful times, our house without you - we passed it - pain in my heart and full of remembrances. - I received sweet letters from Ernie, Onor and Frl. Textor. He gave them Sister Baroness Uxkull who came - he hoped I would see and help her - yr. Mama did not receive her and then I was not asked - a great mistake of hers. These Sisters could have told us about our Prisoners. Ernie thinks so much of you too - I enclose his letter. - Frl. Textor lives at W. to give the children German and English lessons. The heather blooms and it is lovely they say - I will show you his letter, when you come - asks for nothing only full of love. Yr. regiment has better luck than the red Dragoons, who have only one officer not wounded. Moritz youngest son is slowly recovering fr. wounds. V. Giedesel (who was with Sandro in Bulgaria - a dear) has lost 3 sons already. - Onors nephew also been killed. - The weather was divine to day. I was in the hospital this morning - another Crimean is coming. -
Now must send off my letter, high time.
Every blessing and fondest, tenderest, warmest kisses and endless love fr. yr. own old
Sunny.
Am glad you will see Misha. -
Have you a list of the losses in the guard? All are so anxious, the wives anxious about their husbands - cannot somebody copy them out an send them me. - Tell Fredericksy that young Baranov (he was just killed) is fearfully poor, you kept him in the regiment by paying him, no she looses that and Shulgin begged me whether something could be done for her, as he was such a good officer. Mme Lutke thanks for the flowers had sent from us both. -
Maria Plautin thanks colossaly.
No. 119 Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 11-th 1915
My own beloved Darling,
It was so grey, that I felt quite sad, but now the sun is trying to pierce its way through the clouds. The colouring of the trees is so lovely now, many have turned yellow, red & copper. Sad to think summer is over & endless winter awaits us soon. It was strange to see the beloved sea, but so dirty - pain filled my heart when I saw the Alexandrie from far & remembered with what joy we always saw her, knowing that she was the means for taking us to our beloved "Standart,"& fiords! Now all but a dream. What are the Bulgarians up to, why is Sazonov such a pancake? It seems to me that the poeple want to side with us & only the Minister & rotten Ferdinand mobilize to join the other countrys so as to squash Servia & throw themselves greedily upon Greece. Get rid of our Minister at Buccarest & the Rumaniens cld. be got to march with us, I am sure. - Is it true that they intend sending Gutchkov & some others from Moscou as a deputation to you? A strong railway accident in wh. he alone wld. suffer wld. be a real punishment fr. God & well deserved, they go too far, & that fool Stcherbatov gained nothing by only blotching out parts of what they said - indeed a rotten governement - wh. wont work with, but against its leader. - I am remaining in bed till luncheon, the motordrive shook me too much & I am tired from seeing i. e. visiting hospitals three days running. - Do so much wonder when you will be able to return & for how many days - how you have arranged with Alexeiev, when you leave? - The old man has asked to see me this evening, & as I know he must see you, I have already wired to you. He finds it absolutely indispensible Sazonov should at once leave, he told it to Andronnikov - another man they propose is Makarov, but that won't do, as he did not show himself at all well in the story of Hermogen. Now another is the editor of the "Government Bulletin" Marshal of the Horse, Prince Urussov an other man, very loyal to you, religious (made our Friend's acquaintance) - that would be best I think & at once. I write all this for you to have it clearly in yr. head - now I suppose he may bring yet candidates. The story of Varnava is going too far - he did not go again to the Synod, because he will not hear yr. orders mocked at - the Metropolitan calls yr. telegram "foolish telegram" - such impertinence cannot be borne - you must set yr. broom working & clear out the dirts that has accumulated at the Synod. - All this row about Varnava is only so as to drag our Friend's name into the Duma. When Samarin accepted this place he told his set at Moscou that he takes it only because he intends to get rid of Gregory & that he will do all in his power to succeed. - One betted in the Duma, that they would prevent you fr. going to the war. - you did go - they said nobody dare close the Duma-you did-now they have betted that you cannot send Samarin away -& you will. The Bishops too, that sat there & mocked at yr. orders - you have not had time no doubt to read the articles about the accusation against Varnava at the Synod about the worship. You show yourself the master. We cleared S. I. out & her friends shall flie too & with this ridiculous, unloyal, mad idea of saving Russia. Lots of grand words. Goremykin must tell him, that you chose him believing him to be a man, who would work for you & the Church & he has turned out a spy upon the doings & telegr. of Varnava & Gregory & has posed as an accusing advocate & persecutor - & doubter of your wishes & orders. You are the head & protector of the Church & he tries to undermine you in the eyes of the Church. At once my Love, clear him out & Stcherbatov too. This night he sent out a circular to all the papers, that they may print anything they like against the Governement (your governement) - how dare he - only not against you. But they do all in a hidden way, des sousentendu - and he plays fast & loose a very fool indeed. - Please take Khvostov in his place. Did you look through his book? He wants very much to see me, looks upon me as the one to save the situation whilst you are away (told it Andronnikov) & wants to pour out his heart to me & tell me all his ideas. - He is very energetic, fears no one & is colossally devoted to you, wh. is the chief thing now a days. - His gaffes, one can warn him against making them - he knows the Duma poeple well, will not allow them to attack one, he knows how to speak; please Sweetheart seriously think of him, he is not such a coward & rag as Stcherbatov. The Government must be set to right & the old man needs good, devoted & energetic men to help him in his old age working; he cannot go on like this.
You must tell him all, ask everything - he is too discreet & generally waits to be asked & then says his impressions or what he knows. Keep him up, show him you need & trust him & will give him new workers - & God will bless the work. - Take a slip of paper & note down what to talk over, last time you forgot about Khvostov, & then let the old man have it as a help to remember all questions. - 1) Samarin, 2) Stcherbatov-Synod, 3) Sazonov, 4) Krivoshein who is an underhand enemy & false to the old man the whole time.- 5) How to let the Barons know that it was a great untruth Nikolasha told them, that he got the orders from Tsarskoie to persecute the Barons - that must be cleared up cleverly, delicately. - The old man begs always you should hasten & be decisive; when you give him categoric answers or orders to fulfil its far easier for him & they are forced to listen. - I do bother you, poor wee one, but they come to me & I cant do otherwise for your sake, Baby's & Russias. Being out there, your mind can see all clearly & calmly - I am too calm & firm, only when changes must be made to save further horrors & filth, as that at the Synod headed by the soi disant "gentleman" Samarin - then I get wild & beg you to hasten. He dare not treat your words like dust, none of the Ministers dare behave as they do after the way you spoke to them. I told you Samarin is stupid insolent fellow - remember how impertinently he behaved to me at Peterhof last summer about the evacuation question & his opinion of Petersburg in comparison to Moscou etc., he had no right to speak to his Empress as he did - had he wished my good, he would have done all in his power for me, to take it as I wished, & he would have guided & helped me & it would have been a big & popular thing - but I felt his antagonism - as S. I. 's friend; & that why he was proposed to you, & not for the Churches good. - I am inconvenient to such types, because I am energetic & stick to my friends wherever they may be. When the Duma closed, in a private sitting there, they said filth about Gregory Ania & her poor father - so loathsome.
Is that devotion, I ask you? Show yr. fist, chastisen, be the master & lord, you are the Autocrat & they dare not forget it, when they do, as now, woe into them. - Over & over let me thank you for your very sweet & dear letter, I was overjoyed to receive it & devoured it up. How glad I am you get lots of nice telegrams. - Thats the proof & your recompense, God will bless you for it, you saved Russia & the throne by that, action. - I wish you could have a real good talk with Shavelsky about all that has been & about our Friend - get him to tea a 2. - Ania spoke to him once, but he had his ears filled with horrors & I am sure Nikolasha continued thus. -
Olga thanks Mordvinov for his letter. - I fear Misha will ask for his wife to get a title - she cant - she left two husbands already & he is yr. only Brother, Paul is of no consequence. - Why is Boris still with you, he ought to be back with his regiment, not so? Gregory wrote despairing wires about his son & begged him to be taken into the United Regiment wh. we said was impossible, Ania begged Voyeikov to do something, as he promised to before & he answered he could not. I understand the boy had to be called in, but he might have got him to a train as sanitary or anything - he always had to do with his hous in the country, an only son, its awfully hard of course. One longs to help without harming Father or Son. - What lovely telegrams he wrote again. - I had old Rauchfuss - we have got masses of cribs in these three last months all over Russia for our Society for Mothers & Babies - its a great joy to me to see how all have taken to it so quickly & have realised the gravity of the question, now especially every Baby must be cared for, as the losses are so heavy at the war.
One says the guard has again lost colossally now.
We drove to Pavlovsk, lovely air & so sunny, the beautiful Cosacks with St. George's Crosses follow one. -
Now I must end, Sunshine my beloved One. I long for you, kiss you without end, hold you tightly clasped in my arms.
God bless you & protect you, give you strength, health, courage, surety of your opinion, wisdom & peace.
Ever Nicky mine yr. very own old Wify
Alice.
The Children's joy over your letters is intense, they are all well, thank God.

No. 120.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 12-th 1915
My own beloved One,
It is pouring and dreary. Slept very badly, head aches rather, am still tired from Peterhof & feel my heart, am awaiting Becker. - How I wish the time would come for me to write only simple, nice letters, instead of bothersome ones. But things dont a t a l l go as they should, & the old Man who came to me yesterday evening, was very sad. He longs for you to come quickly, if only for three days, to see all & to make the changes, as he finds it more than difficult working with ministers who make opposition. Things must be put clearly - either he leaves, or he remains & the ministers are changed, wh. of course would be best. He is going to send you a report about the press - they go after orders Nikolasha gave in July, that one may write whatsoever one likes about the government, only not touch you. When Goremykin complains to Stcherbatov he throws the fault upon Polivanov & vice versa. Stcherbatov lied to you when he said one would not print what is said at Moscou. - They go on writing everything. Am so glad you declined seeing those creatures. They don't dare use the word constitution, but they go sneeking round it - verily it would be the ruin of Russia & against your coronation oath it seems to me, as you are a autocrat, thank God. - The changes must be made, cant think why the old Man is against Khvostov - his Uncle does not much care for him & they say he is a man who thinks he knows everything. But I explained to the old Man that we need a decided caracter, one who is not afraid, he is in the Duma, so has the advantage of knowing everybody & will understand how to speak to them & how to protect & defend your government. He proposes nobody, au fond, & we need a "man". - He begged me to let Varnava know that he must not appear at the Synod but say he is ill - wh. is the best thing, tho' the papers are furious that he wont appear. But he has told them all & answered everything - great brutes, I cannot call them otherwise. If you could only come, then at once see the Metropolitan & tell him you forbid that subject to be touched & that you insist upon your instructions being fulfilled. He cried of despair when Samaria was appointed & now he is completely in his hands - but he must have a strong word from you. Yr. arrival here will be a punitive expedition & no rest, poor Sweetheart, but its necessary without delay, they go on writing without ceasing But they cant propose anybody Makarov - no good - Arseniev fr M. screams against our Fr. Rogozin - hates our friend. - Prince Urussov, (don't know him) - knows our friend, one says much good of him my head aches from hunting for men, but anybody rather than Samarin, who openly goes against you by his behaviour in the Synod.
Can you really not return soon, Lovy, things seem taking a better turn, thank God & will still. Wonder what troops you saw pass. Old man has a sitting of Ministers on Sunday, thats why he cant leave to-day. If you come Thursday, he says he need not go there before, but I find you can see him quieter now & speak over & prepare all for yr. return.
He says Sazonov is pitiful to behold, like "une poule mouillee" - what has happened to him? He tells Goremykin nothing at all & he must know what is going on. The ministers are rotten & Krivoshein goes on working underhand he says - all s o ugly & ungentlemanly; - they need your iron will wh. you will show, won't you. You see the effect of yr. having taken over all, well do the same here, i. e. be decided, repremand them very severely for their behaviour & for n o t having listened to yr. orders given at that sitting here - I am more than disgusted with those cowards. - Can Alex. spare You 3 days, soon? Do answer this if you can. You cannot imagine how despairing it is not being able to wire all one would & needs too & not to get an answer. You have not time to answer my questions of wh. there are 100, but always the same ones, as they are pressing & my head is weary from thinking & seeing things so badly - & beginning to spread in the country. Those types go talking against the government everywhere, etc. & sow the seed of discontent. Before the Duma meets in a month, a new strong cabinet must be formed & quicker, so as that they have time to work & prepare together beforehand. - He proposed I should see Samarin but what good? The man will never listen to me, & just do the contrary out of opposition & anger - I know him also but too well by his behaviour now, - wh. did not surprise me, as I know he would be thus. - Goremykin wants you to return & do all this, but waste no time. You are calm out there, & that is right, but still Sweetest, remember you are a bit slow too in deciding & dawdling is never a good thing. The big girls have gone to the hospital, the 3 young ones are learning, A. is going to town to Alia & her mother till 3, & I shall lie again till luncheon as heart a little enlarged & feel so tired. - Now Yuzik must be already at the Headquarters. Is it true that we are only 200 Versts from Lemberg again. Are we to hurry on so much & not come round and squash the Ger mans? What about Bulgaria? To have them in our flank will be more than rotten, but they have surely bought Ferdinand. -
How is Misha's humour? Kiss the dear boy from me. Have no news yet from Olga somehow her visit was sad - we scarcely got a glimps of her & she left sad & anxious. -
Just received a perfumed letter fr. Olga Palei. Paul is better - she at last had news fr. their boy, it took him a week to get to the transport of his regiment & now he hopes to find the regiment. - I believe the lancers are not far fr. Baranovitchi; a river one speaks of near there, where was heavy fighting - what fighting everywhere!
Mackensen is not the one we knew. There is a Furst Bentheim at Irkutsk (a sort of relation of Marie Erbachs). Ernie asks in Max name whether there would be any possibility for him to be exchanged - he seems to be the last of his family - perhaps somebody of ours cld. be returned in exchange. He only asks like that, not knowing whether its possible. I shall let Rostovtzev know the same thing, - I doubt it being possible unless he gives his word of honour not to fight any more against any of the allies - only under that condition, I find, one can change him. I shall write this to Rost. & whom it concerns will know what to do, I have no idea: whom one can ask for in return, nor whether its allowed. - About the gasses Ernie is also disgusted, but he says that when he was near Reims beginning of Sept. last year, the English used the gasses there - & German chemical industries being better, they made worse gasses. - Ania was at the Church of "Joy to all grieving" in town & brought this little Image for you. - Fancy our surprise - suddenly Kussov turned up. All his cavalry is being sent down to Dvinsk & during their move he flew off here, arrived in town this morning, probably goes on to- morrow, meets his wife & off to Dvinsk to meet his regiment. He had heavy losses - is in despair with Yuri Trubetskoy who makes fault upon fault & others dare not say any- thing, because one says you particularly care for him (wh. Kussov doubts). Thanks to him Kussov's men got surrounded, because Yury took the three battalions of infantry away wh. guarded them, for himself - but they got through & only many horses were taken, as it was the place where they were standing together - he told his mind rather clearly to Trubetskoy. He came flying off to know how things were going, as letters never reached him & he wanted to hear all. Is already disgusted with town & furious with the "rotten atmosphere". Was sorry you sent Mikheyev, because he is so very unrepresentive & does not know how to collect all round him & speak & thank in yr. name. - He saw the Kabardintsi passing a little while ago. Asked questions without end & says the "spirit' in the army splendid. It does one good & refreshes one seeing such a man straight from there - one also gets musty fusty here, tho' I fully trust & believe all must go well, if God will give us the necessary wisdom & energy. - Don't you find Baby's writing is getting very nice & tidy? I remained quietly at home to-day, saw Mine Zizi too. - Why is Boris not with his regiment?
3 of our Cav. Divisions got the order to break through the Germans wh. they did & are in their rear now, Tatiana's regiment is there too. -
Blessings & kisses without end & tenderest love, Sweetheart, lovy mine, fr. yr. very own old
Wify.

No. 121.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 13-th 1915
My very own Treasure,
I am glad you have fine weather, here. it is real autumn, there was a little sun an hour ago and now there is again a grey haze. - The 4 Girls have gone to early Church - "Engineer Mechanic" came, so keeps me company. So you cannot come before the end of the week, I feared so, as things are still very serious near Dvinsk - but how brave both sides are - God help and strenghten our dear troops. - The papers continue aggravating me, discussing and groaning that there will be a censure - and that ought to have been regulised months ago. - There is a messenger leaving for England this afternoon, so I must quickly profit to write to Victoria - this I will finish later in the day, as usual. - Sazonov says it concerns Alexeiev the exchange of prisoners, so I don't know what to do about Furst Bentheim, I cannot ask for a German (and I believe not wounded or long ago well by now) - whom could one exchange him with? - I am glad you wrote a good letter to the old Man, it will help him in his, difficult task. - 3 weeks to-day that you arrived at the Headquarters - when is Nikolasha going to Tiflis? To-day it is put in the papers that Dzhunkovsky is going to the Army and not any more under Alexeiev's orders for Sanitary questions.
Sweet Manny mine - am always in thoughts with you, yearning to see what you look and feel like; I have no doubt much better than when you were here. I told you about Y. Trubetskoy yesterday, so as that one should have an eye upon him, if he really is so very little famous and confuses them all. Am I meddling? I don't mean to, I only repeat what Kussov said, as I know he tells me things in the hope I give all over. - What news fr. the Black Sea and Baltic?
I spent the afternoon on my sopha in the corner of my big room and Ania read to me, tea we had at 4 and then the 5 Children went to Ania for an hour to see some Children. I have crawled into bed, so as to go to church, service to-day is from 6-8, and I shall go at about 7, more I have not the strength for, as cannot take drops and feel tired, but to-day the heart was not enlarged. A dreary day. - In Moscou Mme Gardinsky finds the things better than they expected, Petrograd she finds horrid just now and I think all agree. - I gave Zizi papers about John Maximovitch and how they found his tomb, and she was grateful and emotioned as it showed her all in quite another light, and now I made Ania send it to 0. Father Alex. - I want others to understand the thing and the wrong behaviour of the Synod. If they choose to find you had not the right to give such an order, nevertheless, all the more they ought to have stood up for it, legalised it still from their side, instead of purposely going against your orders - and all that simply out of opposition and to harm Varnava and throw again a bad light on our Friend. -
My letter is dull, I have seen nobody interesting. - A. is going over to the big Palace for a week, so as to have her rooms cleaned, the shaky plafond seen to and windows arranged for winter. Danini is going to see it! She can meanwhile go through a cure of electrifying and strong light wh. we have next door in the hospital and Vladimir Nikolaievitch will do it, and her Feodosia Stepanovna works there too and does massage for the wounded officers.
I enclose a letter fr. Olga, and am sending you flowers again - the frezia last very long and every bud will open in your vase. -
The leaves are turning very yellow and red, I see it from the windows of my big room. - Sweetheart, you never give me an answer about Dmitri, why you dont send him back to his regiment, as Paul had hoped; - he worrys so about the boy wasting his best years and at such a grave moment, doing nothing. It does not look well, no Granddukes are out, only Boris from time to time, the poor Constantins boys always ill. - I do so hope to get your letter before closing this, so I will rest and then finish it up. -
Well I must send it off. I kiss and bless you over and over again, my very own beloved Treasure, Sunshine.
I cover you with tender kisses - God bless and keep you.
A tender kiss fr. yr. very own old
Wify,

No. 122.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 14-th 1915
My own beloved Darling,
I found your dear telegram this morning upon getting up, I was so grateful as had been anxious getting no news all day. Being very tired I went to bed at 11.20. yr. wire left the Headquarters at 10.31 and reached here 12.10. Thank God the news is better. But what will you do for the army, so as not to have Alexeiev the only responsible one? Do you get Ivanov to come here and Stcherbatov, to replace him out there? You will be calmer and Alexeiev wont have to carry the responsability all alone. - So after all you have to move to Kaluga - what a nuisance, tho' from here I should say the distance is less than now, only you are so far from the troops. But if Ivanov helps Alexeiev then you could go straight from here to see some troops at least. -
What has been going on at sea, I know nothing and read this morning of the losses of the Captain of the 1-st rank, S. S. Viazemsky (heroic death in battle) and the officers and men of the ship announce it, and his body is being brought from the Baltik Station. Then Capt. of the 2-nd rank, Vt. At. Svinin also fell as a hero. What does this mean? Peter Vasilievitch told the Children some days ago that the Novik had been in battle, but as one keeps the naval news out of the papers, one feels anxious to know what it means. When you are not here of course I only get my news in the morning out of the "Novoye Vremya". If there should be anything good, do wire it, as one hears often false news wh. of course I tell all not to believe.
How is Voyeikov, I cannot forget his madness here and horrid behaviour to Ania. Do take care that he does not take things too much in hand there and does not meddle, as poor old Fred. is old and, alas, becoming rather foolish, the other with his dominating spirit- and being most ambiti ous and sure of himself, and try to fulfil functions wh. don't concern him. Don't you need somebody else still because of the foreigners, or deputations, or orders to be given over, wh. you have not the time to do yourself - a General aide de camp or something like that? - Have you got rid of useless people there? I am glad Boris has gone back again. I hope he can get the lists of the losses as the wives are in all states.
One says Leichtenberg is wounded, I forget what regiment he commands but its the Preobr. ladies especially who are nervous. - I wonder what troops you saw the other day. - Now the old Man is with you. Its stupid one prints when he comes to me, thats fr. town, my people don't know it even, as people get angry I mix in - but its my duty to help you. Even in that I am found fault with, sweet Ministers and society, who criticise all, and themselves are occupied with things not concerning them at all. Such is the unedifying world. - Still I am sure you hear far less gossip at the Headquarters and I thank God for it. - Church began at 6-8 yesterday, Baby and I came at 7 1/4. - Slept badly, am tired and my head rather aches, so keep in bed till luncheon. Paul's asked to come for tea.
Oh my sweet One, thanks and thanks ever so tenderly for yr. sweet letter of the 11- th, I received it with intensest gratitude and joy. It has been kissed over and over again and reread any amount of times. Yes indeed, when will that happy moment arrive, when we shall be cosily seated together in my mauve room! We continue drinking tea in the big room, tho' by the time Paul left at 61/4, it was already quite dark. -
Yes, the changes of ministers. In the train Kussov went with Stcherbatov and he called the old man "crazy old man" thats going far; some in the Duma want Stcherbatov in Goremykin's place, and I understand them because they could do whatsoever they like with him.
Paul was disgusted with the goings on at Moscou and the deputation that wished to present themselves to you!
For the old woman's letter, warmest thanks - it pleased me very much and I read it aloud to Ania - Paul does not care for Mrazovsky, said he is such a cad, he remembers him fr. his service - I remember he screamed at the Guard's Convoys once, because a man cld. not say the words of the anthem by heart; the poor Grenadier divisions were so very little famous at the war now. Is it true Kuropatkin got it, or are those gossips? Wonder how he will show himself this time - God grant alright - being in a lawer position it may go better. Paul asked why Nikolasha is still in the Country and whether it was true you wrote he was to rest in the Caucasus, at Borjom - I said yes, and that you had allowed him 10 days at Pershino. Lovy, order him south quicker, all sorts of bad elements are collecting round him and want to use him as their flag (God wont permit it) but safer he should be quicker in the Caucasus, and you said 10 days and to-morrow its 3 weeks he left the Headquarters. - Be firm in that too, please. I am so glad, that Paul has realised the game Nikolasha was to play - he rages about the way Nikolasha's a. d. c. speak. -- I am glad you made Voyeikov understand things - he is so obstinate and selfsure and a friend of Strherbatov's. - How happy I am you saw some artillery - what a recompense to them. - Keep Misha with you still, do. - Paul again repeated, that he hopes very earnestly that you will send D. to his regiment, he finds the life he now leads his ruin, as he has absolutely nothing to do and wastes his time, wh. is perfectly true. -
If ever you get any news of the hussars, do let me know, as Paul is anxious, his boy being now in the regiment. Paul is now well, but very weak, pale and thin. - Old Aunt Sasha I has come to town and will take tea with us on Wednesday, Xenia and Sandro lunch that day with us too. -
The news to-day about our allies is splendid, if true - thank goodness if they are beginning to work now, it was hard time. And to have taken 24 artillery and made thousands of prisoners, but thats quite beautifull - I do find it so wrong, that the Ministers do not keep to themselves all the discussions, wh. go on in the Council of Ministers. Once questions are decided, its early enough to know about them. But our uneducated, tho' they imagine themselves intellectual public, read up everything, only grasp a, quarter and then set to discussing all, and the papers find fault with everything - hang them !
Miechen wrote to ask again about Plotho, whether anything can be done. - I do thoroughly bore you. - In sweet Petrograd one said you were here some days - now - that Gregory is at the Headquarters, - they are really becoming always more cretinised, and I pitty you when you return.
But we shall be wild with joy to have you back again, if ever so short - Just to hear your precious voice, see yr. sweet face and hold you long, long in my yearning arms. - My head and eyes ache, so I cant write any more now. Goodbye, Sweetheart, Nicky love. God bless and protect you and you fr. all harm. I cover you with kisses.
Ever yr. very own old wify
Alix.
I feel quite sad without our hospital, where I have not been since Thursday. Ania has gone over to the big palace. - Lovy, are you sending people of your suite to the fabrics? Please don't forget it. - My "Alexandrovtsi" are near Dvinsk and have rather -heavy losses amongst the men. - The Children all kiss you, Marie is overjoyed with your letter. - Yuzik never went to the Headquarters, the children imagined it. - I like the story about the hunt for the germans near Orsha; our Cosacks would have found them fast enough. Are they aiming at Riga again? Lovy sweet, me wants you, oh so, so much, precious Darling. Your letters and telegrams ary my life now. - Kiss dear Misha, Dmitri. My love to the old Man and N. F. Think over about Ivanov sweet one - I think you would feel calm - or if he were with Alexeiev at the Headquarters and then you would be free to move about - and when you remain longer at the Headquarters he could go round inspecting all and give you news how things are going and have an eye on all, and his presence would be good everywhere. -
Sleep well, I bless and kiss you!

No. 123.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 15-th 1915
My very own precious Darling,
Grey and raining & quite cold. Am still not feeling famous & head continues aching rather - nevertheless I have a committee for our prisoners in Germany. A private society all over Russia now has begun the same thing, instigated by Suvorin, as he finds Pr. Galitzin does not work enough - I do not like the idea as its only so as to hinder me, instead of asking to become part of our society. - -
Not feeling well, I have been unable to go to old Arseniev's services but shall go either to-morrow evening to the funeral & service at Znamenia or to the funeral there Thursday morning. I sent a cross of flowers from us both & wrote to poor little Nadinka, & sent expression of your sympathy to her brothers. - A bit of old history dies with him. I at once gave over yr. order about the papers & letters he had, wh. belonged to yr. library. -
To-day it was put in the papers about the naval losses & now I understand all. And how good the French & English at last began - & with success, may they continue thus - it is as they had promised in September. But what obstinate fighting on our side, despairing feeling that taking & retaking of places & positions several times running. -
Its sad you will have to go to Kaluga, wh. is such a big town & yet further away - but I suppose on account of the railway line? - So strange you should have lived at different places & gone through so much there & that I do not know them & had no share on yr. life there, -
Lovy, can one have an eye upon what is going on at Pershino not good rumours come from there. -
How I wish I had something interesting, cheery to tell you, instead of harping always on the same subject. -
Remember to keep the Image in yr. hand again & several times to comb yr. hair with His comb before the sitting of the ministers. Oh how I shall think of you & pray for you more than ever then, Beloved One. - Ania sends you her love. - One says Theo Nirod has left the service so as to follow Nikolasha. I find he is taking far too big a suite of a.d.c. yr. g.ad. & Orlov - its not good coming with such a court & clique, & I very much dread they will try to continue making messes. - God grant only that nothing shld. succeed in the Caucasus, & the people show their devotion to you & allow no playing of a grand part - I fear Militza & her wickedness - but God will protect against evil.
Well, the sitting went off allright, 10 people. I took Olga to sit near me & then she will get more accustomed to see people & hear what is going. She is a clever child, but does not use her brains enough. Before that I had Kussov for an hour, because he would not go away without having seen me once more. Quite disgusted with town & so pained by everything & that my name is always mentioned, as tho' I had cleared Orlov & Dzhunkovsky away because of our Fr. etc. He began to have a constant eye upon the going on in the Caucasus, that they should not spoil everything there & to send people to find out fr. time to time to "feel the atmosphere" - he certainly, one sees, has a very bad opinion of them all. Stcherbatov told him in the train that Goremykin is a decrepit old man (not "mad" as Ania said) & that he finds one must make concessions, wh. Kussov said to him would be most dangerous, as one gives a finger & the whole arm is cought hold of. People want Stcherbatov instead of Goremykin, I understand them, as he is weak & one can do anything & he is like a weathercock, alas. - Benkendorf let me know, that he is sending Gerbel to Moscou on account of the demenagement - that means yours I suppose. How sad, that you really have to go so far away & be near that rotten Moscou. - Aria went to town to her Parents till 5 - she took Groten to Nat. Br. and back again, he enjoyed the change after the sick room. -
Am so anxious, how it will be with the ministers - now you cant change them once they come there & its so essential, only you must get a look at the others first. Please remember Khvostov. -
You know my committee will have to ask the government for big sums for our prisoners, we shall never have enough, & the number will be, alas, several millions - its most necessary, otherwise bad elements will profit & say we are not thinking of them, they are forgotten & many bad things can be inculcated into them, as amongst our prisoners for sure there are rotten red creatures.
The organisation of the Union of Cities are also forming a society for the same thing, that makes 3 - we must keep in contact with them. Do take everything in hand, so as to say afterwards that the government does nothing, & they everything, the same for the wounded & refugees - they turn up & help everywhere - & their deligates need watching. -
Now goodbye my love, I am tired & head & eyes ache. -
Goodbye, dear Beloved, my own sweet husband, joy of my heart - I cover you with tender longing kisses. -
Ever yr. very own old
Wify.
Please, give thIs other letter enclosed to Misha. My love to old man & N. A How are you contented with Vi1na, & Dvinsk, & Baranovitchi, - are things going as you wish? Sleep well & feel my warm presence. -

No. 124.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 16th 1915
My very own beloved Darling,
Ever such tender kisses and thanks for your treasure of a letter. Ah, how I love to hear fr. you, over and over I reread your letters and kiss them. Shall we really soon have you here - it seems to be too good to be true. It will then be four weeks we are separated - a rare thing in our lives, we have been such lucky creatures and therefore one feels the parting all the more. And now when times are so very hard and trying, I long quite particularly to be near you with my love and tenderness, to give you cheer and courage and to keep you up to being decided and energetic. - God help you my beloved One, to find the right issue to all the difficult questions - this is my constant earnest prayer. But I fully believe in our Friend's words that the glory of your reign is coming, ever since you stuck to your decision, against everybody's wish -- and we see the good result. Continue thus, full of energy and wisdom, feeling mote sure of yourself and heeding less to the advice of others. Voyeikov did not rise in my opinion this summer, I thought him cleverer and less frightened. He has never been my weakness, but I appreciate his practical brain for simple affairs and orderliness. But he is too selfsure and that has always aggravated me and his mother in law. All this must have been a good lesson to him, lets hope. Only he sticks too much to Stcherbatov, who is a null - tho' he may be a nice man - but I fear that he and Samaria are one. - Heart and soul I shall be praying for you - may the committee go off well - they made me mad last time, and when I looked through the window I did not like their faces and I blessed you over and over again from far. God give you force, wisdom and power to impress them, and to make them realise how badly they have fulfilled your orders these three weeks. You are the master - and not Gutchkov, Stcherbatov, Krivoshein, Nikolai III (as some dare call Nikolasha) Rodzianko, Suvorin - they are nothing and you are all, anointed by God. -
I am too happy that Misha is with you, thats why I had to write to him your very own brother, its just his place, and the longer he stops with you, away from her bad influence the better it is and you will get him to see things with your eyes. Do speak often about Olga, when you are out together, don't let him think badly of her. As you have much to do, tell him simply to write for you to her to tell her what you are doing - that may break the ice between them. Say it naturally, as tho' you never imagined it could be otherwise. I hope he is at last nice with good Mordvinov and does not cut that devoted, loving soul who tenderly loves him.
I do so wonder, what the English wrote after you took over the command, I see no Engl. papers, so have no idea. They and the French really seem continuing to push forwards; thank goodness, that they at last could begin and let us hope it will draw some troops away from our side. After all its colossal what the Germans have to do, and one cannot but admire how well and systematically all is organised - did our "mashene' work as well as theirs, wh. is of long training and preparation and had we the same amount of railways, war would for sure already have been over, Our Generals are not well enough prepared - tho' many were at the Japanese war, and the Germans have had no war since ages. How much there is to learn from them, wh. is good and necessary for our nation and other things one can turn away from with horror. There was little news in the papers, and you wired last night that the news was good, so that means that we are firmly keeping them at bay. - There are 9 degr. this morning, and it is grey and rainy, not inviting weather. -
Little Nadinka Arseniev is coming to me this morning - poor girl, she was so touched by my letter and yr. sympathy I expressed them all, that she begged me to see her, as none had written so kindly. Poor, foolish child, what will become of her. and her brother with all their old nurses and governesses. Her Father was everything to her in life. -
All my thoughts are with you, Sweetheart and those odious Ministers, whose opposition makes me rage - God help you to impress them with yr. firmness and knowledge of the situation and yr. great disapprouval of their behaviour - wh. at such a moment is nothing else but treacherous. But personally I think you will be obliged to change Stcherbatov, Samaria probably longnosed Sazonov and Krivoshein too - they wont change and you cannot keep such types to fight against a new Duma.
How one is tired of all these questions - the war is quite enough and all the misery it has brought and now one must think and work to set all to rights and see that nothing is wanted for the troops, wounded, cripples, families and refugees, - I shall anxiously await a telegram fr. you, tho' you wont be able to put much in it. -
I am glad my long letters don't bore you and that you feel cosy reading them. I cannot not talk with you on paper at least, otherwise it would be too hard, this separation and all the rest wh. worries one. -
Gregory telegraphed that Suslik shld. return and then made us understand that Khvostov wld. be good. You remember, he went once to see him (I think by yr. wish) to N. Novgorod. - I do s o long for at last things to go smoother and let you feel you can quite give yourself up to the war and its interests. - How do you think about what I wrote of Ivanov as aid, so as that Alexeiev wont carry all the responsability when you are off and on away, here or inspecting the troops, wh. I do wish you could soon do - en passant, without preparation by motor fr. a bigger place - nobody will watch 2 motors or 3 even and you could rejoice yr. heart and theirs. - Xenia and Sandro lunch, Aunt Sasha comes to tea and then, I think, I must go for the carrying out of the body of Arseniev as thats not long and then to-morrow to the funeral at Znamenia.
I am so glad the flowers arrive fresh - they cheer up the room and they come out of my vases with all my love and tenderness. - I wonder, whether you asked Stcherbatov what he meant by telling you that nothing wld. be printed in the papers about the speeches at Moscou, when they wrote whatsoever they wished. Coward that he is! -
I am choosing photos I made, so as to have an album printed for Xmas (like A. Alex.'s) for charity, and I think it will sell well, as the small albums with my photos sold at once here this summer - and in the Crimea. -
Went for a drive to Pavlovsk with Anastasia, Marie and Ania, - the weather was lovely, the sun shone and all glittered like gold, a real treat such weather. At first I placed candles before the Virgin's Image, and St. Nicolas at Znamenia and prayed fervently for you. Church was being cleaned up, palms being stood and blue carpets arranged for poor Arseniev. Aunt Sasha took tea and chattered a lot and abused nobody,, I could not keep her long as wanted to go with Olga to the funeral procession - of course because of the old woman we were late and they were just carrying him out, so we followed with Nadinka till the street and he was put on the funeral car and then we came home, as I go to-morrow to the funeral. Stepanov, - Ella had sent, - Skariatin, her old brother was there, Balashov; the 2 sons, Benkendorf, Putiatin, Nebolsin and 2 officers of the Naval corps. - Nadinka had been with me in the morning - talked a lot and did not cry, very caressing and grateful. She begs you whether she might remain on living in the little house with her poor brother, as they lived there so long with the Parents and their graves are at Tsarskoie.
Perhaps one might for the present at least, don't you think so ? Ella Wrote and wishes me to give over how much she thinks of you and with what love and constant prayers. I send you a paper of hers wh. read through and find out the truth about it, please - Voyeikov can do that, or still better from your new staff. - I don't need the paper again. -
How one longs to fly away together and forget all - one gets at times so weary - my spirit is good but so disgusted with all one says. I fear Gadon is playing a bad part at Elagin, because one says the conversations there against our Friend are awfull - old Mme Orlov had heard this - she knows ladies who go there. When you see poor Motherdear, you must rather sharply tell her how pained you are, that she listens to slander and does not stop it, as it makes mischief, and others wld. be delighted, I am sure, to put her against me - people are so mean. - How I wish Misha could be a help in that. - Precious one we met some of the Cosacks riding at Pavlovsk and I loved them not only for themselves, but because they had seen and guarded you and been in battle. -
Beloved, I must end. God Almighty bless and protect, guard and guide you now and ever.
I kiss you with endless tenderness and fathomless love, ever yr. very own
Sunny.
Xenia looks better, they told nothing interesting. So anxious how all went off.

No. 125.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 17-th 1915
My very own beloved Darling,
It was with a feeling of intense relief, that I got your dear telegram telling me that the committee went off alright & that you strongly told them your opinion into their faces. God recompense you for this my treasure. You cannot imagine h o w hard it is not being with you, near you at such times, not knowing what is being discussed, hearing such horrors here.
Deary, Khvostov came to Ania again & entreated to see me, so I shall to-day. From all he told her one sees he thoroughly understands the situation & that with skill & cleverness, he thinks, one can manage to set all to rights. He knows that his Uncle & Goremykin are against him, i.e. they are afraid of him as he is very energetic. But he is above all devoted to you & therefore offers his services to you, to try him & see whether he cannot help. He esteems the old man very much & would not go against him. Once already now he stopped the question in the Duma about our Friend in time - now they intend bringing it up as one of the first questions. Samarin & Stcherbatov spread so much about Gregory & Stcherbatov showed your telegrams, our Friends & Varnava's to heaps of people - fancy the hideousness (about John Maximovitch) of such an act - private telegrams - this Khvostoy told - & Varnava too, how did they dare take the telegrams, when the people at the telegr. office have to take oaths - consequently it came through Dzhunkovsky before, the governor, Stcherbatov & Samarin (just as Varnava already told me) - he will put a stop to this, knows all the parties in the Duma & will know how to talk to them. He proposes his Uncle (Minister of justice) instead of Samarin being a very religious man & knowing much about the Church & in his place Senator Krasheninnikov, whom you have sent to Moscou to investigate things & they say everybody praises him highly. Now that Gregory advises Khvostov I feel its right & therefore I will see him. He got an awful shock as in the evening papers one said Krizhanovsky (is that the name) had left for the Headquarters, he is a very bad man & you very much always disliked him & I told the old Man so - God forbid him having advised him again.
Did you look through Khvostov book? only as soon as you can come & quickly make the changes, they will go on working against our Friend & that is a great evil. He will not play fast,& loose with the press like Stcherbatov but watch it & stop whenever necessary wrong articles. Its madning not to know what you think, what you are deciding - its a cross going through this anguish fr. far - & perhaps you are making no changes until you return & I am uselessly worrying, Only wire a word to quieten me. If no ministers yet changed - simply wire "no changes yet", & if you are thinking about Khvostov say "I remember the tail" & if not "dont need the tail", but God grant you will think well of him - therefore I receive him as he begs for it quicker - why he believes in my wisdom & help, I don't know, it only shows he wishes to serve you & yr. dynasty against those brigands & screamers. - Oh my Love, how dear you are to me, how infinitely do I long to help you & be of real use � I do so pray to God always, to make me be yr. Guardian Angel & helper in everything - some look at me as that now - & others cannot find nasty enough things to say about me. Some are afraid I am meddling in state affairs (the ministers) & others look upon me as the one to help as you are not here (Andronnikov, Khvostov, Varnava & some others) that shows who is devoted to you in the real sense of the word - they will seek me out & the others will avoid me - is it not true, Sweetheart?
Do read the 36-th Psalm, it is so lovely & strengthening & consoling. - Ah me loves Zoo so, so, so much & so passionately.
Only 6 degrees, but such a glorious, sunny morning - a real gift of Gods. - Slept midling, got off only after 3, sad thoughts haunted me. - Why was Kaluga chosen, so far to the south? Do you. pass by Pskov coming here, so as to see Russky & perhaps some troops?
How disgusting that Gutchkov, Riabushinsky, Weinstein (a real Jew for sure) Laptev, Zhunkovsky have been chosen into the Council of the Empire by all those brutes. Indeed one will have nice work with them. Khvostov hopes that in 2,3 months one can put all into order with cleverness & decision.
Ah, if he could but be the one to do it, even if the old man is against him - from fright. One can be sure he will act carefully, & once he intends standing up for our Friend, God will bless his work & his devotion to you. - the others Samarin & Stcherbatov sell us simply - cowards!
I see also Prince Tumanov instead of Frolov will be here - thats surely a good choice. Keep always an eye on Polivanov, please.
The painter Makovsky has had a horrible accident, his horse bolted & flew into a tram - he lies in a hospital with concussion of the brain & a cut on his head. - Now I must quickly get up & dress for the service of old Arseniev.
Mass begins at 10, so we shall go at i11 - I take Olga & Tatiana too. - Well. Sweetie, I have talked with "the tail' for an hour & am full of the best impressions. I was honestly, rather anxious, as A. is sometimes carried off for a person - but we talked over every possible subject & I came to the conclusion, that to work with such a man would be a pleasure. Such a clear head, understanding so perfectly the gravity of the situation, & understanding how one must fight against it. That is much, as here one criticises & rarely proposes antedotes. He is also of course horrified that Gutchkov & Riabushinsky have got into the Council of the Empire - it is indeed a scandle - & one knows Gutchkov's work is against the dynasty. I wish you could get him for a good talk. - Entre autre he told me, that Stcherbatov shows about all yr. telegr. & our Friends to whomsoever he wishes - many are disgusted & others enchanted. What right has he to potter in his E.'s private affairs & have the telegraphs shown him? How do I know if he wont watch ours to, after that you can, alas, never more call him a gentleman or honest. Krivoshein is too well acquainted with Gutchkov being married to a lady fr. Moscou (also of the merchant families & that makes one). - I have so much in my head, that I don't know what to begin with nor what to tell. -
In any case he finds you must quicker change the ministers, above all Stcherbatov & Samarin as the old man cannot stand with them opposite to the Duma. Now, having spoken with him - I can honestly advise you to take him with out any fear. He talks well & does not hide this fact, wh. is a plus, as one needs people to speak easily & be ready with a word to answer back at once & to the point. He could fight that duel with Gutchkov & God would bless him, I think. Of course he had too much tact & was too clever to hint about himself - he only thanked me many times for having allowed him to pour out all that was on his soul, as he puts his hope & trust on me to help for the good cause for you & Baby & Russia. All is in Moscou & Petrograd wh. is bad - but, the government must look ahead & prepare for after the war & this question he finds one of the most serious. And if he stands in the Duma, he must for his country's sake say all this things & then unwillingly again he will show up the weakness & not thinking beforehand (what abominable English) of the Government. When the war is over, all those 1000 of men working in fabrics for the army will sit without work & of course be a discontented lot to do with - therefore already now that must all be thought of, all the places, fabrics written down, the quantity of working hands etc. & settled what one will give them then to do, not to leave them in the street -- & that will take long to prepare & think out & is of greatest gravity wh. of course is absolutely true. Then will be so many discontented elements, now they have money, then the troops return, the men to the villages, many ill & maimed, many whose patriotism & spirit now keep them up, will then be lowspirited & dissatisfied & act badly on the workmen, therefore it is of them one must think - & one sees he would do it. Wonderfully clever, does not matter if he is a bit selfsure, its not offensively noticed - only an energetic devoted man, who yearns to help you & his country. Then the preparations beforehand for the elections into the Duma (later) - the bad prepare, & so must the good 'canvass", as one says in England. - He says Mme Stolypin is trying hard for Tatiana's Neidhardt, hoping to play a part again herself but he finds him quite incapable. You would enjoy working with this man & you would not have to be keeping him up, pushing him on - with you here or there, one feels he wld. work just as honestly. He got safely through in his governments during the revolution (& shot at). It seems it was he who asked to have the relies of Paul Obnorsky arranged, I had quite forgotten. - He says the old man is afraid of him because he is old & cannot bend into new ideas (as you yourself told me) & does not realise that one cannot do without new things & must count with them & cannot ignor them. The Duma exist there is nothing to be done, & with such a hard worker, the old man would get on alright. Excellent you did not see Rodzianko, at once their noses went down - you shut the Duma wh. they thought you wld. not dare to - all quite right. Now you dont, thank God, receive the Moscou deputation, all the better - again they intend asking, & don't you give in, else it looks as tho' you acknowledge their existence (whatever you may even say to them). That you went to the war was splendid, & he is horrified that people dared be so blind & unpatriotic & frightened as to be against it. Sees the way how to I act with the press, & not as Stcherbatov has been playing with it. -
Now I must end, Lovy, its 7 o'clock - I have written all this in half an hour so excuse atrocious writing.
Really, my Treasure, I think he is the man & our Fr. hinted to A. in his wire; --I am always careful in my choice - but I have not the feeling wh.. I had to Stcherbatov when he came to me. And he understands one must watch Polivanov since Gutchkov has got into the Council of the Empire, is not oversure of him. He sees & thinks like us - he did nearly all the, talking. - Try him now, because Stcherbatov m u s t l e a v e, a man who openly shows about your telegrams & Gregory's wh. he has kidnapped & Samarin too are utterly unworthy ministers & no better than Makarov who showed my letter to our Friend, to others too - & Stcherbatov is a rag & stupid. - If the old man grumbles-does not matter - wait & see how he proves himself to be, worse than Stcherbatov he cannot be, but I think 1000 time better, God grant, that I am not mistaken & I honestly believe I am not. I prayed before seeing him, as was rather frightened of the talk. Looks one straight into the eyes. -
I drove with my 5 girls to Pavlovsk, glorious weather.
Were 1 1/2 hour in Church, Nadinka held herself well. - Petia hopes still to see you here, then must go South for his lungs. -
Blessings & kisses without end. Khvostov has refreshed me, my spirit was not down, but I yearned to see a "man" at last - & here I saw & heard him. And you together would keep each other going. -
I bless you my Angel, God bless you & the holy Virgin.
Cover you with longing, loving, tender kisses,
Ever, huzy mine, yr. very own old
Sunny.
Nobody is any the wiser I saw him. - Anastasia intensely proud & happy with yr. letter. - Bow to Fredericks & N. P. Love to Misha & Dimitri.

No. 126.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 17th 1915
My own beloved Angel,
Only a word before going to sleep. Have been so anxious all evening because I got no telegram from you, at last whilst my hair was being done it came at 5-m to 12 think, how slow it went, it left the Headquarters at 9.56 & reached here 11-30, & I fool got nervous & anxious. I sent you two wires because of Khvostov & hoped you would mention a wee word. I asked you by letter some days ago about seeing him as he wanted it & you did not answer, & now he begged again before going to the country & therefore I wired it in the morning, & at 8.30 after seeing him. - So thankful, you say news continues good - that means very much, & people's spirits will rise. - Misha wired, to thank for my letter, from Orsha - thats good you will have him with you afterwards again. Marie said Dmitri wrote that he comes here with you, why Darling, Paul earnestly begs for you to send him to the regiment, he asked again when he took tea with me on Monday. - Marie looks alright, her hair is growing thick - she has worries with her chief Dr. & wants to get rid of him. - The Orlovs are still in town it seems & continue talking Fredericks must forbid it, its disgraceful, only the old man must not use any name again. - Fancy, Stana has sent away her faithful Mlle Peterson - I suppose she suddenly found the name too German & will choose a Caucasian lady to help her & be popular. Oh, wont she try to charm all there ! - Now I must try and sleep. I have blessed & kissed & laid my head upon your empty cushion as usual. It only can receive my kisses but, alas, cannot respond to them. - Sleep well, Sweetheart & see wify in your dream & feel her arms caressingly around you. God bless you, holy Angels guard you, good-night my Treasure, my Sunshine, My long-suffering Job. -
18-th. Good-morning wee One - grey & pouring - I found the evening so lovely, moon & stars shining, that I even opened half the window (ventilator always) - & then now, when I drew up the curtains, I. was quite disappointed & only 6 degrees again. - As am feeling better, want to peep in to Ania in the big Palace (after Znamenia) on my way to a new young officer who has just come - only 20 years old, with a bad wound, in the leg, Vladimir Nikolaievitch thinks it ought to be taken off, as blood-poisoning is setting in there & in the wound in the shoulder - he feels well, does not complain, that is always a bad sign - so difficult to decide when death is so near leave him to die in peace or risk it, I should, as there always is a flicker of hope when the organism is so young, tho' now very weak & high temp. - seems 7 days he was without having his wound dressed, wretched boy, - & so I want to have a look at the child. I have not been into that room for 6 months. - no, I was there once since my poor Grabovoy died. - From there I will go to our hospital, as have not been there for a week & I miss them & they even old me.. One says one of my lancers, a volunteer Luder (something like that) has come to us not wounded but squashed somehow, they could not explain it properly.
With pleasure I continue thinking over Khvostov's talk & wish you had been there too - a man, no petticoats - & then one who will not let anything touch us, & will do all in his power to stop the attacks upon our Friend, as then he stopped them & now they intend beginning again, & Stcherbatov & Samaria wont certainly oppose, on the contrary for popularity's sake. I am bothering you with this talk, but I should like to convince you, having honestly, calmly the opinion that this (very fat young man of much experience) is the one you would approve of & that old woman who writes to you I should say too - He k n o w s the Russian peasant well & closely having been much amongst them - & other types too & does not fear them. - He knows too that fat Priest, now archimandrite. I think, Gregorys & Varnava friend, as he helped him 4 years when he was governor during the bad years, & he spoke so well to the peasants & brought them to reason. He finds a good Priest's influence should always be used & he is right & they arranged together for St. Paul Obnorsky & he is now at Tobolsk or Tiumen & therefore Samaria & company told Varnava they do not approve of him & will get rid of him - his body is colossal Ania says, but the soul high & clear. -
I told Khvostov how sad I find it, that evil intentioned have always far more courage & therefore sooner success - upon wh. he rightly answered, but the others have the spirit & feeling to guide them & God will be near them, when they have good intentions & guide them. -
The Zemstvo Union, wh. I too find has spread too far & taken too many things in hand, so as that later one can say, the Government did not enough look after the Wounded, refugees, our prisoners in Germany etc. & the Zemstvo saved them, ought to have been held in bounds by Krivoshein, who set the things going - a good idea, only needed watching carefully as there are many bad types out at the war in their hospitals & feeding stations. Finds Krivoshein too much in contact with Outchkov. - Khvostov in his paper never attacked german names, of the Barons or devoted servants, when they speak of this German influence but drew all the attention upon the banks, wh. was right, as nobody had yet (& the Ministers saw their faults). He spoke of the food & fuel question Gutchkov, member of the Petrograd Duma, even forgot that, probably intentionally so as that one should throw the fault upon the government. And it is its very criminal fault not having thought months ago of getting big stocks of wood - we can have disorders on that account & quite comprehensible - so one must wake up & set people working. Its not your busines to go into these details - it is Stcherbatov, who ought to have seen to that with Krivoshein & Rukhlov - but they occupy themselves with politics - & try to eat away the old man. Well, I was happy to receive your dear letter from yesterday, & thank you for it from the depths of my heart. I understand how difficult it is for you to find time to write, & I am therefore doubly happy, when I see your dear handwriting & read your loving words. You must miss Misha now - how nice that you had him staying with you, & I am sure that it must have done him good in every sense. - I am enchanted, if you need not have to change the Headquarters, I was quite sad about it, just on account of the moral side of it, and as God blesses the troops & really things seem to be going better, & we keep firm where we are - then no need for you to move. - But what about Alexeiev remaining alone you wont get Ivanov to share the work & responsability with him & there you can be more free in your movements to Pskov or wherever you wish. -- Well dear, there is nothing to be done with those Ministers, and the sooner you change them, the better. Khvostov instead of Stcherbatov & instead of Samarin there is another man I can recommend devoted old N. K. Shvedov, - but of course I do not know if you find a military man can occupy the place of Over Procurator of the Holy Synod. - He has studied church history well, has a known collection of Churchbooks - in being at the head of the Accademy for Oriental studies, he studied the Church too - is very religious & devoted beyond words (calls our Friend Father Gregory) & spoke well of him when he saw & had occasion to speak to his former scholars in the army, when he went to see Ivanov. He is deeply loyal - now you know him much better than I do & can judge whether its nonsense or not - we only remembered him, because he longs to be of use to me, to make people know me & be a counterbalance to the "ugly party" - but such a man in a high place is good to have, but as I say, you know his caracter better than I do, otherwise - Khvostov of the justice & the other one in his place, whom I mentioned to you the other day, who clears up the stories at Moscow, but whom instead of longnosed Sazonov, if he will be an opponent the whole time!-
I received this from Ella to-day, as she read in the papers that Yussupov is retired from the service: - not said, that according to his petition wh. wld. have sounded prettier & this makes people probably think he did not act well. He wId. gladly (I believe) have returned, had one given him the military power he asked for, but she spoiled all. Well, he is no loss there, tho' I am sorry it was not better worded, & he meant honestly - you might have written a wee word if you had had time but its true, one does not ask ones demission in time of war: -Just read old Felix officially suspended, when he wrote asking demission, must be an error, cant one do something as most painful impression, even people sent away one puts "in accordance with request". I have also wired it to you, as don't know what to answer her. One must make the difference, I find, between a Dzhunkovsky & a Yussupov, the one utterly false - the other stupid but honestly devoted. -
Paul's wife was alright, but bored me with her way of saying how devoted she is etc. Ladung's lovely daughter marries on Sunday, my Godchild, so I blessed her to-day! The afternoon I remained quiet & Ania read to me. In the morning I was with that poor boy & then in our hospital, sat knitting and talking. - Wet, grey day. - Ania had a long conversation with Mme Zizi about our Friend & Orlov & cleared up many things to her. She made her promise not to tell on the story of Orlov at the Headquarters & N. P. telegr. - she was horrified & went green - and said she remembers, all the a.d.c. used daily to write their reports during the war to (she did not understand quite, to Anpapa or Motherdear). - She will see her again & clear up many more things for the old lady to know, as she is utterly devoted to us & can be of use if she sees the things rightly. I explained lots of other things the other day wh. she was, most grateful to know. - Is it true what Pss Palei!! says that Bark telegraphed he cannot make the loan without the Duma being called to-gether? That is a catch I fear. Khvostov entreated that one should not think of calling it together before 1-st of Nov. as was anounced. He knows people are working at this, but finds it would be a w r o n g concession, as one must have time to prepare ones actions clearly before they assemble - & be ready to meet all attacks with answers.
Fat Andronnikov telephoned to Ania that Khvostov was very contented with his talk, & other amiabilities wh. I shan't repeat. - Have you any place for my letters? I write such volumes - Baby sweet gently began speaking again, whether you would take him back to the Headquarters & at the same time he feels sad to leave me. But you would be less lonely - for a bit at least, & if you intended to move & see the troops, I could come & fetch him. You have Feodorov, so he would only need Mr. Gilliard, & you could let still one of the aide de camp accompany him out motoring. He could have his French lessons every morning & drive with you in the afternoon - only he cant take walks - he could remain behind with the motor playing about. Have you a room near you, or he could share yr. bedroom. - But that you must think over quietly. - Our Friend always wires about Pokrov - I am sure Oct. 1-st. will bring some particular blessing, & the Virgin help you. To-morrow its four weeks that you left us shall we really have the intense joy of getting you back by Wednesday? Ania is mad with joy. I carry it in me. And, alas, you will have more disagreable than pleasant things to do; - but what a joy to hold you again.. in my arms, caress you kiss & feel your warmth & love I so long for. You don't know how I miss you, my Angel Dear.
Now my letter must be sent off. - God bless you. Goodbye my own sweet Nicky dear, my husband, my joy & light, the sunshine & peace of my life. I bless & kiss you over and over again. -
Ever yr. very own tenderly loving old wife
Alix.
P. S. How are the foreigners? Is the nice young Irishman still there? -Messages to the old man & N. P. Nini is now here again, reasonable & clever & still in despair at her husband's behaviour last month & anxious how is behaving now & hopes he tells you things rightly & honestly. Don't you tell him this Lovy.
All the children kiss you. Baby bakes potatoes & apples in the garden. The girls went to hospitals.
Why Boris is again here, I do not know.
Frolov was in despair. All abused him for allowing - the articles about our Friend, tho' it was Stcherbatov's fault & was - watching now carefully to avoid anything again, & now he has been changed. Khvostov also has ideas about the press. You will think, that I have now got a "tail" growing. - Gadon does great harm to our Friend speaking horrors about him wherever & whenever he can. -
1000 thanks for the well written cuting about the general situation. This morning's papers with the news fr. the Headquarters pleased me, not dry & explaining the situation so well to all readers. -

No. 127.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 19-th 1915
My own sweet Darling,
To-day its four weeks You left us, it was a Saturday evening - Aug. 22-nd. Thank God we may hope to see you soon back again, in our midst - oh what a joy that will be!
Grey & rainy again. -
Thanks for having at once answered me about Yussupov, I directly telegraphed it on to Ella, it will quieten her.
I am glad Vorontzov's escorts were so nice. How will it all be there now - that nest collecting again together - & Stana has taken there Krupensky's wife as her lady - her husband did the most harm in the talking set at the old Headquarters - & is not a good man. One must have an eye on their behaviour the whole time, they are a dangerous foe now - & as not being good people, our Friend ends your telegr. "In the Caucasus there is little sunshine". - It hurts one that he should have changed so, but those women turn their husbands round their fingers. -
I see Ducky has been to Minsk to visit hospitals & refugees! Boris is coming to tea. - I placed my candles at Znamenia & prayed, so earnestly for my Love. Then I went to our hospital & sat knitting in the different wards I- I take my work so as to keep from being in the dressing station, wh. always draws me there. I only did one officer. - In the morning I finished Rost. papers, wh. I could not get done with before, tho' I read till 2 in the night in bed.
I saw Dr. Pantiukhin fr. Livadia & we spoke about all the hospitals, sanatoriums, wh. he hopes can begin their work in Jan., it will be a great boon when they are ready. - We drove to Pavlovsk, mild, fr. time to time rained.
Boris told me about his new nomination, wh. has overjoyed him I think, as he will have a lot to do - then I had Isa with papers. At 7 I shall go to Church with Baby. Grabbe wrote to his wife that the ministers' sitting had been stormy & that they wont do as you bid, but that you had been very energetic, a real Tsar - & I was so proud when Ania. told me this - ah Lovy, do you feel yr. own strength & wisdom now, that you are yr. own master & will be energetic, decisive & not let. yourself be imposed upon by others. - I liked the way Boris spoke of you & the great change in the Headquarters, & how one always gets news there now from all sides, & how cheerful you are.
God be blessed - our Friend was right. - I had a wire fr. my Vesselovsky, that he is ill & had to go from the regiment to look after his health. - Perhaps you are in Church at the same time as we are, that will be a nice feeling. - My supply train No. 1 is at Rovao & fr. there goes out & with a motor column, wh. a Prince Abamelek (fr. Odessa) formed & gave me (he is with it) they take things linnen etc. along the whole front - & they continued without harm under heavy firing - I am so glad Mekk wired fr. Vinnitsa where my big store is. - Varnava has left for Tobolsk, our Friend said we were to send him back. The old man said he was no more to show himself at the Synod. One anounces Samarin's return fr. th. Headquarters & that he at once began the work about Varnava & that he must be dismissed. Please forbid this if it is true & should reach you. - I must end now & dress for Church. Every evening fr. 9-91/2 Made, Baby, I and either Mr. Gillard or Vladimir Nikolalevitch play "Tishe Yedesh, Dalshe Budesh" - Dinner is very cosy in the middle of the playroom. - Goodnight my beloved One, God bless and protect you guard & guide you & I cover you with kisses. Ever, Nicky, mine yr. very own loving
Wify.
I see the French people Monday at 4 1/2, as they lunch at Elagin. Its such scandle - no flower to be had in town. nor here - people stand in long files in the streets before the shops.
Abominably organised, Obolensky is an idiot - one must foresee the things not wait till they happen. -

No. 128.
Tsarskoie Selo, Sept. 20-th 1915
My own beloved Darling,
I read the papers this morning with much interest - the promised explanation of. our position at the war, clearly put & the work of a month that you are there keeping the enemy at bay. -
A grey, rainy morning again but no give not cold. - This afternoon we have a Te Deum in the red cross & then I give the diplomas to the ladies who have finished their courses as nurses & received the red cross. We are always in need of nurses, many get tired, ill, or wish to go out to the front positions to receive medals. The work here is monotonous and con tinual - out there, there is more excitement, constant change, even danger, uncertainty & not always much work to be done; certainly it is far more tempting. One of our Trepov's daughters worked nearly a year in our Invalid's hospital but after her Mother's death she always felt restless, so off she went & has already received the medal on the St. George's ribbon. - I send you a letter from Bulatovitch he sent you through Ania & a summary of her talk with Beletzky -- that does indeed seem a man who could be most useful to the minister of the Interior, as he knows everything - Dzhunkovsky eat him out; just when one needs to have all the threads in hand. He says everywhere one complains of Stcherbatov's inactivity & not understanding of his work & duties. Has very bad opinion of fat Orlov & feels sure that my long lost letter from the Standart in C.(rimea) to Ania in the country is in Orlov's hands. Says Dzhunkovsky gave over those filthy papers about our Friend to Maklakov's brother, as they intend bringing up that question in the Duma & papers. - But God grant, if you find Khvostov suitable, he will put a stop to all.
Luckily he is still here & even went to Goremykin to place all his ideas before the old man. Andronnikov gave Ania his word of honour, that nobody shall know, that Khvostov comes to Ania (she sees him in her house , not in the palace) or Beletzky, so that her & my name will remain out of this. - Alas Gadon & Sherv. seem to spread very many bad things about Gregory, as Dzhunkovsky's friend of course - & knowing poor Ella's ideas & wishing to help - thus he does mischief - before others' eyes sets Elagin against Tsarskoie Selo & that is bad & wrong - & its he who ennervates Xenia & Motherdear, instead of keeping them up bravely & squashing gossip.
It was with deepest joy that I received your precious, tender letter - your warm words did my yearning heart good. Yes, my treasure, separation draws one yet closer together - one feels so greatly what one misses - & letters are a great consolation. Indeed he foretold most accurately the length of time you would remain out there. Still I am sure you long to have more contact with the troops, & I shall be glad for you when you will be able to move a bit. Of course this month was too serious - you had to get into your work & plans with Alexeiev & the time has been such an anxious out there but now thank God, all seems going satisfactorily.
Tell Grabbe I am delighted with his proposition - Viltchkovsky wanted the new barracks badly & wrote I believe to him & Voyeikov about it - I said I could say nothing until you came. Long ago I had my eye upon it - but discreetly held my tongue - now I can only say I am enchanted - it is near the station - so big & lofty & clean, brand new & we have an red cross station waiting to be placed. Thank him very much from me. - The old man has asked to see me at 6 to-morrow, probably to give over things to you, or to tell about Khvostov's talk. - It will be interesting what he will tell about the sitting at Moghilev. What a beautiful telegram from our Friend & what courage it gives you to act firmly. - Certainly, as soon as Samarin goes, one must clear out the members of the Synod and get others in. Our Friend's wife came, Ania saw her - so sad & says he suffers awfully through calumnies & vile things one writes about him - high time to stop all that - Khvostov & Beletzky are men to do that. - Only one must get the 2 Khvostov to work well together - all must unite. But about Sazonov what do you think, I wonder? I believe, as he is a very good & honest (but obstinate) man, that when he sees a new collection of Ministers who are energetic, he may draw himself up & become once more a man - the atmosphere around him cought hold of him & cretinised him. There are men who become marvels in time of anxiety & great difficulties - & others show a pittiful side of their nature. Sazonov needs a good stimulant - & once he sees things "working well" instead of fomenting & at the same time dropping to pieces - he will feel his backbone grow.
I cant believe he is as harmful as Stcherbatov & Samarin or even my friend Krivoshein what has happened to him? I am bitterly disappointed in him. Lovy, if you have an occasion in the train, speak to N. P. & make him understand, that you are glad to make use of me. He wrote to me once very upset that one mentions my name so much & that Goremykin sees me etc. & he does not understand that its my duty, tho' I am a woman, to help you when & where I can, once you are away, all the more so. Don't say I mentioned it, but bring the conversation onto that topic a deux. He has a cousin's husband in the Duma & perhaps he sometimes tries not rightly to tell him things or influence him. He told Axel Pistolkors that I give officers Gregory prayer belts - such rot, one loves those belts with different prayers & I give them to every 'officer that leaves to the war fr. here & two whom I never saw begged for them fr.. me with a prayer to Father Seraphim, - One told me that those soldiers that wore them in the last war were not killed.
I see N. P. so rarely to talk to longer, & he is so young & I always lead him all these years - & now he suddenly comes into quite a new life - sees what hard times we are going through & trembles for us. H e longs to help & of course does not know how to. I fear Petrograd will fill his ears with horrors - please tell him not to heed what one says, because it can make one wild - & nasty ones drag my name about a good deal. - -
We were in Church this morning, I later drove & after the red Cross called on Silalev. - His wife is so like her son Raltopulo, too amusing -their little Children are sweet. Now our 5 chicks are at Ania's in the big palace, playing with Rita Khitrovo & Irina Tolstaya. -
What intense joy - on three days, God grant, we shall have you back again - its too beautiful. My love, my joy, I await you with such eagerness..
Goodbye, Sweetheart, I bless & kiss you without end with deep & true devotion, better, better, every day. Sleep well, agooweeone. - I shall still write to-morrow, if a man goes to meet you, as may have something to tell after my talk with Goremykin.
Ever, precious Nicky mine, yr. own, tenderly loving old wife
Alix.
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