TSAR’S LOVE FOR WIFE

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 February 1929, Page 9

TSAR’S LOVE FOR WIFE

WAR-TIME CORRESPONDENCE. LONDON, January 24. The tender love of the ill-fated Tsar of All the Russians for the Tsarina is poignantly revealed in extracts from his letters and telegrams to his wife, in the dark days of 1914-15, extracts irom which are reproduced in the “Spectator.” One letter, dated “In the Train, 18/11/14,” reads: — “My Darling,— “I have read your sweet, tender letter with moist eyes. My love, I miss you terribly, and shall try to write as often, as possible. “My hanging trapeze proved most useful. 1 have swung on it many times, and have climbed up it before meals. It is an excellent thing for the train, as it stirs the blood and the whole organism. “What a joy and consolation it is to know you are well and working so much for the wounded. As our friend (Gregory Rasputin) says, it is God’s grace that at such a time you can work so hard and endure so much. May God bless you, by beloved wife. I kiss you and the children lovingly. Sleep well ,and try to think you are not lonely.—Your hubby, Nicky.” Another letter is dated “Stavka (Military Headquarters), 2/3/15,” and reads: “My Tenderly Beloved — “Thank you for your two sweet letters. Every time I see an envelope

with, your firm writing, my heart leaps several times. I shut myself up to read—or, more correctly, to absorb—your letters. “Of course, the girls can bathe in my swimming bath. lam glad the little one (the Czarevitch) likes it so much. I asked the rogue to write me about this.” A third letter from Stavka, dated 9/3/15, and beginning, “My Beloved Sunny,” refers to the receipt of lilies from the Tsarina. “I press them to my face and kiss often tho places which I think were touched by your dear lips,” he says. “They stand on my table day and night, and when gentlemen pass the doors I give them the flowers to smell. “God grant that I may return by the eleventh. What a joy to be again in one’s own nest, snugly, closely, and in every sense together.” From Stavka, on 19/6/15, the Tsar wrote: — “My Darling Sunny,—How grateful am I to you for your dear, sweet letters, and all your devotion and love for me. They give me strength. I embrace you closely, bploved mine. It is too hot to write of such a subject.” The letters frequently refer to the military situation. In one, dated 23/6/15, the Tsar speaks of “this damnable question of the shortage of artillery ammunition,” and adds: “If there was no fighting for months, our position. would be better. “Of course, I am giving this information only to you. Please do not speak of it, darling.—Ever your hubby Nicky.”