Elisabeth Charlotte of Orléans' letter to her aunt Electress Sophia of Hannover, dated October 10, 1673

Source:

Aus den Briefen der Herzogin Elisabeth Charlotte von Orléans an die Kurfürstin Sophie von Hannover, Eduard Bodemann, 1891

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=chi.23391522&view=1up&seq=19

Above: Elisabeth Charlotte, princess of Pfalz-Simmern and duchess of Orléans, painted by a member of the circle of Pierre Mignard.

Above: Sophia, Electress of Hanover, artist unknown.

The letter:

St. Clou den 10. October 1673.

Jch bin recht fro, auß E. L. ahngenehmen schreiben vom 22. Sept. zu sehen, daß E. L. mitt Monsieur undt mein contrefait, so Jeme mittgebracht, zufrieden sein. Waß mein knäbellein ahnbetrifft, so hatt er zwar keinen stinckenden kopff nicht, awerst met verlöff sine ohren stincken so wat as fule käße, hoffe aber, daß es ihm vergehn wirdt gegen die zeitt, wan er mitt mein patgen hochzeitt halten solle, weil sie ihn doch hübsch genung findt. Wan ich ihn ahnsehe, so felt mir etlich mahl ein, wie pate, hertzog Georg Wilhelm, einmahl zu mir gesagt hatt: daß ich gutt were zu eßen, wan man mich wie ein spanferckel bratten solte, denn mein kleiner ist von fett so dick gottlob, daß ich förchte, daß er balt so dick alß lang wirdt sein. Dißes aber förchte ich doch noch nicht so sehr, alß daß er nur gar zu viel abfallen undt mager wirdt werden, wan er nun balt keine zäne bekompt. Jch dörffte E. L. nicht so lang von dißen kint entreteniren, wan ich nicht wüßte, daß E. L. die kinder lieben...

Zukünfftige woche hoffe ich mitt dem König auff die jagt zu reitten. Jordan ist gar ein auffrichtiger ehrlicher mann. Hinderson helt auch gar viel von ihm; sie ist kranck geweßen, hatt ein wenig die rotte ruhr gehabt, aber nun befindet sie sich gottlob wider gantz woll undt ich glaube, daß es beßer mitt ihrer gesundtheit geht alß mitt ihrem heüratt; sie dauert mich, denn es ist das beste mensch von der welt, wie E. L. woll wißen, und ich habe sie recht lieb, drumb ist es mir recht leitt, daß ohngeacht ihre große gottesforcht es noch nicht recht rutschen will.. E. L. schreiben sindt ein theill von meinen reliquien, so ich ahm meisten verware, weillen E. L. die eintzige heyllige sein, wordurch mir die große gnade von Gott erwißen worden undt welche mir ahm meisten gutts gethan haben...

Elisabeth Charlotte of Orléans' letter to her aunt Electress Sophia of Hanover, dated December 3, 1672

Source:

Aus den Briefen der Herzogin Elisabeth Charlotte von Orléans an die Kurfürstin Sophie von Hannover, Eduard Bodemann, 1891

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=chi.23391522&view=1up&seq=18

Above: Elisabeth Charlotte, princess of Pfalz-Simmern and duchess of Orléans, artist unknown.

Above: Sophia, Electress of Hanover, artist unknown.

The letter:

St. Clou den 5. Augusti 1673.

Ob zwar der courir, davon E. L. schreiben, ein sehr capabeler cavalier ist, so muß ich doch bekenen, daß ich ihn nicht geschickt habe, sondern Catillon hatt es auff seinen eigenen kosten gethan, ob sie aber die golden medallien, so ihnen oncle geben, mitt einander theilen werden, weiß ich nicht, glaube aber doch, daß es schir auff so etwaß ahugesehn geweßen, derowegen hatte der gutte courir gewiß sich meines nahmens gebraucht. Waß aber meinen kleinen ahnbelangt, so ist er so schrecklich groß undt starck, daß [er] met verlöff met verlöff eher einem Teutschen undt Westfällinger gleich sicht, alß einem Frantzossen, wie E. L. auß seinem contrefait ersehen werden, sobaldt er gemahlt wirdt werden, denn ichs E. L. alßdan schicken werde. Unterdeßen bringt mon maistre E. L. mein berenkatzenaffengesicht mitt; alle leütte hir sagen, daß mein kleiner bub mir gleicht, also können E. L. woll dencken, daß es eben nicht so ein gar schön bürschen ist; jedoch wenn er nur mein patgen, E. L. princes, gefählt, dan ist alles gutt, weill sie doch, wie E. L. mir schreiben, mitt der zeitt ein par geben sollen. Hinderson wolte ich, wan es bey mir stünde, woll hertzlich gern zu einem gutten heüratt helffen, allein, wie E. L. selber schreiben, ich forchte, daß das gelt nicht gar so starck seye wie die liebe, undt waß chargen ahnbelangt, so seindt keine bey Monsieur zu vergeben undt beym König seindt ihrer ohne das so viel, so lange in des Königs eigene dinste geweßen undt mitt schmertzen drauff laneren, daß der König also ohnen zweiffel woll keine von Monsieur leütte dazu beförderen wirdt. Jch sage ihr alle tage, sie solle acht haben, waß sie thue, undt ahn das sprichwort gedencken, daß lieffte liefften isz, mar dat kaken vor alles geht, undt daß sie recht zusehn solle, ob er sie auch erhalten kan undt nach seinem todt versorgen. Wan solches ist, hoffe ich, daß es ahngehn wirdt, wo nicht, so muß man sich auff die predestination undt Gottes vorsehung verlaßen undt mitt den braunschweigischen testament sagen: „Die jey von Gode bescheret iß, dey scal jey ohne dat woll gregen.”

Neues werde ich E. L. nichts schreiben, weillen mon maistre E. L. alles beßer mündtlich vorbringen wirdt undt E. L. erzehlen, wie fro ich bin, nun reitten zu lernen, denn es sich trefflich woll zu Liselotts rauschenbeüttelichen kopff schickt, wie ma tante woll weiß, denn umb die warheitt recht zu bekenen, so bin ich eben noch nicht so gar sehr verendert. Jch bitte E. L. gantz demütigst, die mühe zu nehmen, mein compliment bey oncle zu verrichten undt beyderseits zu glauben, daß ich, so lang ich lebe, bin undt bleibe hertzlieben ma tante undt oncle demütige, gehorsame undt gantz ergebene baß undt dinnerin.

Elisabeth Charlotte.

Elisabeth Charlotte of Orléans' letter to her aunt Electress Sophia of Hanover, dated December 3, 1672

Source:

Aus den Briefen der Herzogin Elisabeth Charlotte von Orléans an die Kurfürstin Sophie von Hannover, Eduard Bodemann, 1891

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=chi.23391522&view=1up&seq=18

Above: Elisabeth Charlotte, princess of Pfalz-Simmern and duchess of Orléans, painted by a student of the French School after Pierre Mignard.

Above: Electress Sophie of Hanover, artist unknown.

The letter:

St. Germain den 3. December 1672.

... [Jch] sage nur dißes, daß Monsieur der beste mensch von der welt ist; wir vertragen unß auch gar woll; er gleicht an keins von seinen contrefaict..

Note: Monsieur = Elisabeth's husband Philippe I, Duke of Orléans.

Elisabeth Charlotte of Orléans' letter to her aunt Electress Sophia of Hanover, dated February 5, 1672

Source:

Aus den Briefen der Herzogin Elisabeth Charlotte von Orléans an die Kurfürstin Sophie von Hannover, Eduard Bodemann, 1891

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=chi.23391522&view=1up&seq=17

Above: Elisabeth Charlotte, princess of Pfalz-Simmern and duchess of Orléans, painted by Pierre Mignard.

Above: Electress Sophia of Hanover, painted by Michel Jean.

Princess Elisabeth Charlotte of Pfalz-Simmern, also known as Liselotte (born May 27, 1652, died December 8, 1722), was a German princess member of the House of Wittelsbach and, as Madame Duchesse d'Orléans, the second wife of Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, the younger brother of King Louis XIV of France, and mother of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, France's ruler during the Regency. She gained literary and historical importance primarily through her correspondence, which is of cultural and historical value due to her sometimes very blunt descriptions of French court life and is today one of the best-known German-language texts of the Baroque period.

Although she had only two surviving children, Elisabeth became not only ancestress of the House of Orléans, which came to the French throne with Louis Philippe I, the so-called "Citizen King" from 1830 to 1848, but also became the ancestress of numerous European royal families, so she was called "the grandmother of Europe" before Queen Victoria took over that title. Through her daughter Elisabeth was the grandmother of Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor, the husband of Maria Theresa, and great-grandmother of Holy Roman Emperors Joseph II and Leopold I and Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the French Revolution.

The letter:

St. Germain den 5. Febr. 1672.

Mein hertzliebste ma tante wirdt durch mad. de Warttenberg noch kein contrefait bekommen, denn das vor papa nicht einmahl trucken war, umb mitt zu schicken, also hoffe ich, wan ich papa seins schicke, daß ich die vor E. L. auch werdt mitt schicken können. Es were mir aber woll taußendtmahl lieber, wan ichs selber bringen könte oder E. L. undt oncle es hir abhollen müsten, fürchte aber, daß keines geschehen wirdt, denn ich mir schwerlich einbilden kan, daß E. L. undt oncle werden herkommen, undt daß ich mit den König marschiren soll, wirdt eben so wenig geschehen, weill die Königin hoch schwanger undt in der zeitt ins kintbett kommen wirdt. Es ist nicht, daß ich hir mehr spatzire oder stercker, alß ich bey unß pflegte, aber die leütte hir sein so lam wie die gänße, undt ohne den König, mad. de Chevreuse undt ich ist kein seel, so 20 schriett thun kan ohne schwitzen undt schnauffen. Jch wolte, daß ich vergangen nach dem nachtessen was calopirt hette, so were ich nicht kranck worden, wie E. L. auß fraw von Harling brieff sehen werden. Den duc Mazarin sehe ich schir niemahl undt habe noch niemahl nicht mit ihm geredt, aber sobaldt ich mitt ihm zu redt komme, will ich Cantenac entschuldigung verrichten. Was mad. de Warttenberg ahn Dondorff gesagt wegen daß ich so geschreitt, daß mein seit dick war, ist wahr, denn ich von Strasburg biß Challon nichts gethan die gantze nacht als schreyen, denn ich nicht verschmertzen kont den abschid, so ich da genohmen; ich hab mich zu Straßburg härter gestelt als mirs umbs hertz war. Jch wolte E. L. gern lenger mit schreiben auffwarten, weill ich aber gleich zu der Königin gehen muß, kan ich nichts mehr sagen...

Octavia Hill's poem in tribute to a young pigeon, year 1846 or 1847

Source:

Life of Octavia Hill as told in her letters (1913), compiled and edited by Charles Edmund Maurice

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Life_of_Octavia_Hill_as_told_in_her_letters/Chapter_1

Above: Octavia Hill as a child, from an oil painting by Margaret Gillies.

Octavia Hill (born December 3, 1838, died August 13, 1912) was an English social reformer, whose main concern was the welfare of the inhabitants of cities, especially London, in the second half of the nineteenth century. Born into a family with a strong commitment to alleviating poverty, she herself grew up in straitened circumstances owing to the financial failure of her father's businesses. With no formal schooling, she worked from the age of 14 for the welfare of working people.

Octavia was a moving force behind the development of social housing, and her early friendship with John Ruskin enabled her to put her theories into practice with the aid of his initial investment. She believed in self-reliance, and made it a key part of her housing system that she and her assistants knew their tenants personally and encouraged them to better themselves. She was opposed to municipal provision of housing, believing it to be bureaucratic and impersonal.

Another of Octavia's concerns was the availability of open spaces for poor people. She campaigned against development on existing suburban woodlands, and helped to save London's Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill Fields from being built on. She was a founding member of the Charity Organisation Society (now the charity Family Action) which organised charitable grants and pioneered a home-visiting service that formed the basis for modern social work. She was a member of the Royal Commission on the Poor Laws in 1905.

Octavia's legacy includes the large holdings of the modern National Trust, several housing projects still run on her lines, a tradition of training for housing managers, and the Octavia Hill Birthplace House established by the Octavia Hill Society at her birthplace in Wisbech.

The poem:

Little one thou liest deep

Buried in eternal sleep.

And we oft for thee repine,

While thy grave with flowers we twine.

Thou didst not live to see the sun,

For thy short life was but begun,

When silent death took all away,

Thou lovely little Hower of May.

Maria Edgeworth's letter to her stepaunt Charlotte Sneyd, dated December 9, 1787

Source:

Life and Letters of Maria Edgeworth (1894), compiled and edited by Augustus John Cuthbert Hare

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Life_And_Letters_Of_Maria_Edgeworth/Volume_1/Letter_2

Maria Edgeworth (born January 1, 1768, died May 22, 1849) was a prolific Anglo-Irish author of adults' and children's literature and was a significant figure in the evolution of the novel in Europe. She held views on estate management, politics, and education, and corresponded with some of the leading literary and economic writers of the day, including Sir Walter Scott and David Ricardo.

The letter:

MARIA to MISS CHARLOTTE SNEYD.

EDGEWORTHSTOWN, Dec. 9, 1787.

I think, my dear Aunt Charlotte, I did not know till Henry returned to us after his six weeks' absence, how very agreeable even a child of his age can make himself, but I am sure that his journey has been productive of so much pleasure to me from the kindness and approbation you have shown, and has left on my mind so full a conviction of your skill in the art of education, that I should part with Henry again to-morrow with infinitely more security and satisfaction than I did two months ago. I was really surprised to see with what ease and alacrity little Henry returned to all his former habits and occupations, and the very slight change that appeared in his manner or mind; nothing seemed strange to him in anything, or anybody about him. When he spoke of you to us he seemed to think that we were all necessarily connected in our commands and wishes, that we were all one whole — one great polypus soul. I hope my father will tell you himself how much he liked your letter, "the overflowings of a full mind, not the froth of an empty one."

Honora Edgeworth (Sneyd)'s letter to her stepdaughter Maria Edgeworth, dated October 10, 17

Source:

Life and Letters of Maria Edgeworth (1894), compiled and edited by Augustus John Cuthbert Hare

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Life_And_Letters_Of_Maria_Edgeworth/Volume_1/Letter_1

Above: Honora Edgeworth, formerly Sneyd, engraving by Benson John Lossing.

Above: Maria Edgeworth, painted by Adam Buck.

Honora Edgeworth (née Sneyd; born 1751, died May 1, 1780) was an eighteenth-century English writer, mainly known for her associations with literary figures of the day, particularly Anna Seward and the Lunar Society, and for her work on children's education. Honora was born in Bath in 1751 and, after the death of her mother in 1756, she was raised by Canon Thomas Seward and his wife Elizabeth in Lichfield, Staffordshire until she returned to her father's house in 1771. There, she formed a close friendship with their daughter Anna Seward. Having had a romantic engagement to John André and having declined the hand of Thomas Day, she married Richard Edgeworth as his second wife in 1773, living on the family estate in Ireland until 1776. There she helped raise his children from his first marriage, including Maria Edgeworth, along with two children of her own. Returning to England Honora fell ill with tuberculosis, which in those days was incurable, dying at Weston in 1780. She is the subject of many of Anna's poems, and with her husband developed concepts of childhood education, resulting in a series of books, such as Practical Education, based on her observations of her stepchildren. Honora is known for her stand on women's rights through her vigourous rejection of Thomas Day's proposal, in which she outlined her views on equality in marriage.

The letter:

MRS. HONORA EDGEWORTH to MARIA.

BEIGHTERTON, NEAR SHIFFNALL,

Oct. 10, 1779.

I have received your letter, and I thank you for it, though I assure you I did not expect it. I am particularly desirous you should be convinced of this, as I told you I would write first. It is in vain to attempt to please a person who will not tell us what they do and what they do not desire; but as I tell you very fully what I think may be expected from a girl of your age, abilities, and education, I assure you, my dear Maria, you may entirely depend upon me, that as long as I have the use of my understanding, I shall not be displeased with you for omitting anything which I had before told you I did not expect. Perhaps you may not quite understand what I mean, for I have not expressed myself clearly. If you do not, I will explain myself to you when we meet; for it is very agreeable to me to think of conversing with you as my equal in every respect but age, and of my making that inequality of use to you by giving you the advantage of the experience I have had, and the observations I have been able to make, as these are parts of knowledge which nothing but time can bestow.

Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna of Russia's letter to her tutor Peter Vasilievich Petrov, Easter 1908

Source:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_36537

Above: Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna of Russia with her tutor Peter Vasilievich Petrov. Photo courtesy of tashusik2 on Flickr.

The letter:

Ц С. 1908

Поздравляю Васъ съ Пасхой.

Надѣюсь что Вамъ лучше.

Очень благодарю Васъ за чудную сказку. Она мнѣ страшно нравится.

Я это сама рисовала.

Какъ Ваше здоровье?

Кланяюсь. Татьяна.

With modernised spelling:

Ц С. 1908

Поздравляю Вас с Пасхой.

Надеюсь что Вам лучше.

Очень благодарю Вас за чудную сказку. Она мне страшно нравится.

Я это сама рисовала.

Как Ваше здоровье?

Кланяюсь. Татьяна.

English translation (my own):

T[sarskoe] S[elo] 1908

I congratulate you on Easter.

I hope you feel better.

Thank you very much for the wonderful tale. I really like it.

I drew this myself.

How is your health?

Regards. Tatiana.

Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna of Russia's letter to her aunt Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna of Russia, dated March 25, 1908

Source:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_37053

Above: Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna of Russia.

Above: Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna of Russia.

The letter:

25-го Марта 1908. Ц. С.

Дорогая Тетя Ксенія!

Отъ всей души поздравляемъ Тебя съ днемъ твоего Рожденія. Прости, что раньше не писала, я совсѣмъ забыла, что сегодня твой праздникъ. Надѣюсь, что Вамъ всѣмъ очень весело и что Вы скоро вернетесь. Какъ твое здоровье?

Сегодня Мама взяла насъ всѣхъ 5 на парадъ. Было очень хорошо. Тетя Ольга и дядя Мими тоже были на парадѣ. Эту бумагу мнѣ подарили Мама и Папа. Очень хочу Тебя и всѣхъ видѣть. Мы были очень довольны, что Дядя Ernie и Тетя Onor были здѣсь. Но къ сожаленію они не могли привести своего ребенка.

Я пишу въ игральной на моемъ письменномъ столѣ. У насъ эти дни теплая погода стоитъ. Скоро пойду къ Мама и буду тамъ пить чай. Вчера въ 11 часовъ вечера дядя Ernie и тетя уѣхали въ Москву и приѣдутъ обратно съ Тетей Ellой и Марій и Дмитріемъ. Крѣпко Васъ всѣхъ цѣлую.

Твоя всегда любящая твоя крестница

Татьяна.

Поцѣлуй М. В.

With modernised spelling:

25-го Марта 1908. Ц. С.

Дорогая Тетя Ксения!

От всей души поздравляем Тебя с днем твоего Рождения. Прости, что раньше не писала, я совсем забыла, что сегодня твой праздник. Надеюсь, что Вам всем очень весело и что Вы скоро вернетесь. Как твое здоровье?

Сегодня Мама взяла нас всех 5 на парад. Было очень хорошо. Тетя Ольга и дядя Мими тоже были на параде. Эту бумагу мне подарили Мама и Папа. Очень хочу Тебя и всех видеть. Мы были очень довольны, что Дядя Ernie и Тетя Onor были здесь. Но к сожалению они не могли привести своего ребенка.

Я пишу в игральной на моем письменном столе. У нас эти дни теплая погода стоит. Скоро пойду к Мама и буду там пить чай. Вчера в 11 часов вечера дядя Ernie и тетя уехали в Москву и приедут обратно с Тетей Ellой и Марией и Дмитрием. Крепко Вас всех целую.

Твоя всегда любящая твоя крестница

Татьяна.

Поцелуй М. В.

English translation (my own):

March 25, 1908. T[sarskoe] S[elo].

Dear Aunt Xenia!

We sincerely congratulate You on your Birthday. Forgive me for not writing before, I completely forgot that today is your holiday. I hope You are all having a lot of fun and will be back soon. How is your health?

Today Mama took us all 5 to the parade. It was very good. Aunt Olga and Uncle Mimi were also at the parade. This paper was presented to me by Mama and Papa. I really want to see You and everyone. We were very pleased that Uncle Ernie and Aunt Onor were here. But unfortunately they could not bring their baby.

I write in the playroom at my desk. We have warm weather these days. Soon I'll go to Mama and drink tea there. Yesterday at 11 p.m. Uncle Ernie and Aunt left for Moscow and will come back with Aunt Ella and Maria and Dmitri. I kiss You all tightly.

Your always loving goddaughter

Tatiana.

Kiss M. V.

Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna of Russia's letter to her mother Empress Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia, New Year 1907

Source:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_24226

Above: Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna of Russia.

Above: Empress Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia, formerly Princess Alix of Hesse-Darmstadt.

The letter:

Ея Величеству. Въ спальнаю комнату.

Милую дорогую Мама поздравляю съ новымъ 1907 годомъ и цѣлую.

Ольга.

With modernised spelling:

Ея Величеству. В спальнаю комнату.

Милую дорогую Мама поздравляю с новым 1907 годом и целую.

Ольга.

English translation (my own):

For Her Majesty. In the bedroom.

Dear sweet Mama, I wish you a happy new year 1907 and kiss [you].

Olga.

Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia's letter to her son the Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich of Russia, dated October 24 and 26, 1890

Source:

Olga Grigor'eva at lastromanovs on VK

https://vk.com/lastromanovs?w=wall-56510987_53133

Above: Marie Feodorovna, empress consort of Russia, formerly Princess Dagmar of Denmark.

Above: Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich of Russia, the future Tsar Nicholas II.

The letter:

№ I

Среда

24 Октября

Гатчина

1890

Мой милый дорогой душка Ники!

Ты не можешь себѣ представить, какъ мнѣ грустно и тяжело быть безъ тебя мой ангелъ и какъ сердцу больна и невыносима это долгая разлука. Это просто ужасно думать, только Богъ одинъ поможетъ мнѣ! Да благословит и сохранитъ тебя Господь, мой дорогой Ники et te ramène ainsi que mon cher Georgie sain et sauf dans nos bras. Maintenant je tâcherai de ne penser qu'au retour et me réjouis pour vous du beau et intéressant voyage. Je voudrais te savoir déjà à Athènes où tu te sentiras heureux et content en famille car le voyage jusqu'à Trieste est le plus ennuyeux pour toi surtout les premiers jours sous l'impression des déchirants adieux qui me pèsent comme un horrible cauchemar! C'était trop affreux! Je ne puis y penser sans larmes et ta chère figure si triste et couverte de larmes est toujours devant mes yeux et pourtant j'étais heureuse de tes larmes, elles m'ont fait du bien à mon cœur brisé, car je ne sais pourquoi je pensais que cela ne te faisait pas tant de peine de nous quitter, aussi en voyant ta vive et profonde douleur cela m'a presque fait plaisir, car de ce côté au moins j'étais rassurée et c'était comme du baume sur mon cœur. Le retour était des plus tristes sans toi et déjà la maison les chambres et tout paraissaient si vides et atroces sans mon Ники chéri que j'aurais voulu m'enfuir. Ella nous attendait déjà pour marcher avec nous, le pauvre Ворон fit aussi la promenade avec nous et passe beaucoup d'heures avec moi à présent et paraît se plaire dans ma chambre car il reste tout tranquillement couché à mes pieds et nous tâchons de nous consoler ensemble.

Vendredi 26 octobre. Je n'ai pas pu terminer ma lettre hier comme toute la matinée était occupée avec Protassoff d'abord et puis Alek est arrivé de Crimée et a longuement raconté du pauvre oncle Низи qu'il a trouvé dans un très triste état ne reconnaissant Николаша que pour un instant. — Pour faire plaisir à Ксения j'ai invité les Воронцов qui ont passé 24 heures ici et sont reparties hier soir. Le lendemain de ton départ il y a avait la chasse ici dans les environs, le temps était heureusement tout à fait agréable, 7 degrés sans vent de sorte que Папа était très content et la chasse a parfaitement réussi. Je suis arrivée à la fin avec Ксения et Миша à cheval et cela m'a un peu ranimée. — Le thé et la lecture après étaient bien tristes sans mon Ники, toutes les bêtises de Глашает de Ник. Ив. n'ont pu me faire oublier ma tristesse pour une seconde et je me sens bonne à rien! Mes pensées te revoient partout, à chaque instant je crois entendre tes pas et te voir entrer et chaque fois c'est une nouvelle déception et tristesse et il me semble que je ne puis pas m'habituer à l'idée de devoir vivre si longtemps sans vous deux mes chers garçons qui me manquez si horriblement!! et pourtant il faut que je prenne sur moi et tâche de reprendre courage et faire bonne mine à mauvais jeu. Tout le monde me touche par la part qu'on prend à ma douleur d'être séparée de vous pour si longtemps mais c'est chaque fois une nouvelle émotion et un nouveau saignement de mon cœur. Maintenant mon Ники bien-aimé il faut te quitter pour aujourd'hui. Да благословитъ тебя Господь +++. Mille compliments à Bariatinsky et aux trois messieurs ainsi qu'à Влад. Григ: et à Наумовъ. Je t'embrasse avec Georgie du fond de mon cœur vous recommandant à la grâce du bon Dieu.

Горячо Тебя любящая Мама. J'embrasse Oncle Willy, Тётя Ольга et tous les chers enfants. Bon voyage! Папа, Ксения, Миша et Baby

t'embrassent mais surtout

Твоя

собственная

Мама

Je porte toujours ta chère petite broche! qui m'a fait tant plaisir.

With modernised spelling:

№ I

Среда

24 Октября

Гатчина

1890 

Мой милый дорогой душка Ники!

Ты не можешь себе представить, как мне грустно и тяжело быть без тебя мой ангел и как сердцу больна и невыносима это долгая разлука. Это просто ужасно думать, только Бог один поможет мне! Да благословит и сохранит тебя Господь, мой дорогой Ники et te ramène ainsi que mon cher Georgie sain et sauf dans nos bras. Maintenant je tâcherai de ne penser qu'au retour et me réjouis pour vous du beau et intéressant voyage. Je voudrais te savoir déjà à Athènes où tu te sentiras heureux et content en famille car le voyage jusqu'à Trieste est le plus ennuyeux pour toi surtout les premiers jours sous l'impression des déchirants adieux qui me pèsent comme un horrible cauchemar! C'était trop affreux! Je ne puis y penser sans larmes et ta chère figure si triste et couverte de larmes est toujours devant mes yeux et pourtant j'étais heureuse de tes larmes, elles m'ont fait du bien à mon cœur brisé, car je ne sais pourquoi je pensais que cela ne te faisait pas tant de peine de nous quitter, aussi en voyant ta vive et profonde douleur cela m'a presque fait plaisir, car de ce côté au moins j'étais rassurée et c'était comme du baume sur mon cœur. Le retour était des plus tristes sans toi et déjà la maison les chambres et tout paraissaient si vides et atroces sans mon Ники chéri que j'aurais voulu m'enfuir. Ella nous attendait déjà pour marcher avec nous, le pauvre Ворон fit aussi la promenade avec nous et passe beaucoup d'heures avec moi à présent et paraît se plaire dans ma chambre car il reste tout tranquillement couché à mes pieds et nous tâchons de nous consoler ensemble.

Vendredi 26 octobre. Je n'ai pas pu terminer ma lettre hier comme toute la matinée était occupée avec Protassoff d'abord et puis Alek est arrivé de Crimée et a longuement raconté du pauvre oncle Низи qu'il a trouvé dans un très triste état ne reconnaissant Николаша que pour un instant. — Pour faire plaisir à Ксения j'ai invité les Воронцов qui ont passé 24 heures ici et sont reparties hier soir. Le lendemain de ton départ il y a avait la chasse ici dans les environs, le temps était heureusement tout à fait agréable, 7 degrés sans vent de sorte que Папа était très content et la chasse a parfaitement réussi. Je suis arrivée à la fin avec Ксения et Миша à cheval et cela m'a un peu ranimée. — Le thé et la lecture après étaient bien tristes sans mon Ники, toutes les bêtises de Глашает de Ник. Ив. n'ont pu me faire oublier ma tristesse pour une seconde et je me sens bonne à rien! Mes pensées te revoient partout, à chaque instant je crois entendre tes pas et te voir entrer et chaque fois c'est une nouvelle déception et tristesse et il me semble que je ne puis pas m'habituer à l'idée de devoir vivre si longtemps sans vous deux mes chers garçons qui me manquez si horriblement!! et pourtant il faut que je prenne sur moi et tâche de reprendre courage et faire bonne mine à mauvais jeu. Tout le monde me touche par la part qu'on prend à ma douleur d'être séparée de vous pour si longtemps mais c'est chaque fois une nouvelle émotion et un nouveau saignement de mon cœur. Maintenant mon Ники bien-aimé il faut te quitter pour aujourd'hui. Да благословит тебя Господь +++. Mille compliments à Bariatinsky et aux trois messieurs ainsi qu'à Влад. Григ. et à Наумов. Je t'embrasse avec Georgie du fond de mon cœur vous recommandant à la grâce du bon Dieu.

Горячо Тебя любящая Мама. J'embrasse Oncle Willy, Тётя Ольга et tous les chers enfants. Bon voyage! Папа, Ксения, Миша et Baby

t'embrassent mais surtout

Твоя

собственная

Мама

Je porte toujours ta chère petite broche! qui m'a fait tant plaisir.

English translation (my own):

No. I

Wednesday

October 24,

Gatchina

1890

My dear, sweet darling Nicky!

You cannot imagine how sad and hard it is for me to be without you, my angel, and how painful and unbearable this long separation is to my heart. It's just awful to think that God alone will help me! May the Lord bless and keep you, my dear Nicky, and bring you and my dear Georgie safe and sound into our arms. Now I will try to think only of your return and look forward to a beautiful and interesting trip for you. I would like to know you are already in Athens, where you will feel happy and content with your family, because the trip to Trieste is the most boring for you, especially the first days, under the impression of the heartbreaking farewells which weigh on me like a horrible nightmare! It was too awful! I cannot think of it without tears, and your dear face so sad and covered with tears is still in front of my eyes and yet I was happy with your tears, they did me good to my broken heart, because I do not know why I thought it didn't hurt you so much to leave us; also seeing your sharp and deep pain almost made me happy, because on this side at least I was reassured; and it was like balm on my heart. The return was very sad without you, and already the house, the rooms and everything seemed so empty and atrocious without my darling Nicky, that I would have wanted to run away. Ella was already waiting for us so as to walk with us, poor Voron also took the walk with us and spends many hours with me now and seems to be enjoying himself in my room, for he is lying quietly at my feet; and we try to console each other together.

Friday October 26. I couldn't finish my letter yesterday as the whole morning was busy with Protassoff first; and then Alek arrived from Crimea and told at length about poor Uncle Nizi, that he found him in a very sad state, only recognising Nikolasha for an instant. — To please Xenia, I invited the Vorontsovs, who spent 24 hours here and left last night. The day after you left there was hunting here in the vicinity; luckily the weather was quite pleasant, 7 degrees without wind, so that Papa was very happy and the hunt was perfectly successful. I came to the end with Xenia and Misha on horseback and it revived me a bit. — The tea and the reading afterwards were very sad without my Nicky, all the nonsense of Glashayet by Nikolai Ivanovich could not make me forget my sadness for a second, and I feel good for nothing! My thoughts see you everywhere, every moment I think I hear your footsteps and see you come in, and each time it's a new disappointment and sadness; and it seems to me that I can't get used to the idea of ​​having to live so long without you two, my dear boys, whom I miss so horribly!! and yet I must take it upon myself and try to regain courage and put on a happy face. Everyone touches me by the part taken in my pain to be separated from you for so long, but it is each time a new emotion and a new bleed from my heart. Now, my beloved Nicky, I must leave you for today. God bless you +++. Many compliments to Bariatinsky and the three gentlemen as well as to Vladimir Grigorovich and Naumov. I embrace you with Georgie from the bottom of my heart, recommending you to the grace of God.

I kiss Uncle Willy, Aunt Olga and all the dear children. Bon voyage! Papa, Xenia, Misha and Baby kiss you, but especially

Your

own

Mama

I still wear your dear little brooch! which made me so happy.

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland's letter to her uncle Leopold I, King of the Belgians, dated August 9, 1837

Source:

The letters of Queen Victoria: a selection from Her Majesty's correspondence between the years 1831 and 1861: published by authority of His Majesty the King, edited by Arthur Christopher Benson and Viscount Reginald Baliol Brett Esher, 1907

https://archive.org/details/lettersofqueenvi01victuoft/page/88/mode/2up

Above: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland, painted by Thomas Sully.

Above: Leopold, King of the Belgians, lithograph by Leopold Georg Friedrich.

Above: King Wilhelm I of Württemberg, painted by Joseph Karl Stieler.

The letter:

9th August 1837.

MY BELOVED UNCLE, — ... With respect to the Elections, they are, I'm thankful to say, rather favourable, though not quite so much as we could wish. But upon the whole we shall have as good a House as we had, and I hope (as Lord Melbourne does also), a more moderate one than the last one. The Irish Elections are very favourable to us; we have gained six in the English boroughs, and lost, I grieve to say, several in the counties.

The country is very quiet, and I have good reason to believe all will do very well.

The King of Würtemberg is to arrive to-night, under the name of Count Teck, and wishes to be in strict incognito. He comes on purpose to see me; you know he is my second cousin — his mother was sister to Queen Caroline and daughter to my grand-aunt. I shall give the King a large dinner on Friday and a little concert after it. ...

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland's letter to her uncle Leopold I, King of the Belgians, dated August 1, 1837

Source:

The letters of Queen Victoria: a selection from Her Majesty's correspondence between the years 1831 and 1861: published by authority of His Majesty the King, edited by Arthur Christopher Benson and Viscount Reginald Baliol Brett Esher, 1907

https://archive.org/details/lettersofqueenvi01victuoft/page/88/mode/2up

Above: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland, painted by Sir William Ross.

Above: Leopold, King of the Belgians, drawn by Sir George Hayter.

The letter:

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, 1st August 1837.

MY DEAREST UNCLE, — ... I should be most happy to "peep once" into your country, and wish that it could be.

With respect to Politics, Lord Melbourne told me this morning that he thinks the Lords will be more moderate and reasonable next Session. The Duke of Wellington made a speech shortly before the Dissolution of Parliament, in which he said that he wished as much as the Government did to pass the questions now pending.

You do not think Alexander near handsome enough in my opinion; you know, ladies are much better judges. He is somewhat colossal, I own, but very proportionate and good-looking, I think. I am all impatience to hear more about all this, and when you imagine the marriage will take place.

I have resumed my singing lessons with Lablache twice a week, which form an agreeable recreation in the midst of all the business I have to do. He is such a good old soul, and greatly pleased that I go on with him. I admire the music of the Huguenots very much, but do not sing it, as I prefer Italian to French for singing greatly. I have been learning in the beginning of the season many of your old favourites, which I hope to sing with you when we meet. I wish I could keep Lablache to sing with us, but he will be gone by that time, I greatly fear.

Now farewell, my beloved Uncle. Give my affectionate love to my dear Aunt, and believe me always, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

J'embrasse Léopold et Philippe.

Note: "J'embrasse Léopold et Philippe." = "I kiss Leopold and Philippe."

Princess Feodore of Leiningen's letter to her half-sister Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland, dated July 31, 1837

Source:

The letters of Queen Victoria: a selection from Her Majesty's correspondence between the years 1831 and 1861: published by authority of His Majesty the King, edited by Arthur Christopher Benson and Viscount Reginald Baliol Brett Esher, 1907

https://archive.org/details/lettersofqueenvi01victuoft/page/86/mode/2up

Above: Feodore of Leiningen, princess of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, painted by Sir William Ross.

Above: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland, drawn by Sir Edwin Landseer.

The letter:

LANGENBURG, 31st July 1837.

MY DEAREST VICTORIA, — On arriving here, I found your dear letter of the 9th of this month; and some days ago I received the one of the 16th. Many, many thanks for them both; it is indeed kind of you to write to me now when you have so much to do. You have no idea what a feeling it is, to hear and read of you, and to think that it is you, my own dear sister, who are the object of general observation, and, I may say, admiration; it is sometimes like a dream. For those who are near you it is quite different than for me, who have not seen you yet in your new position, but must represent to myself all through the report of others. The description in the papers of your proroguing Parliament I read with great interest; it must have been an imposing moment for you, your standing for the first time in your life in the middle of that assembly where the interests and welfare of your country are discussed and decided upon. It is with pride, pleasure, and anxiety I think of you at the description of such scenes and occurrences. I saw too by the papers that your incognito at the Opera was not quite kept as you wished it. ...

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland's letter to her uncle Leopold I, King of the Belgians, dated July 18, 1837

Source:

The letters of Queen Victoria: a selection from Her Majesty's correspondence between the years 1831 and 1861: published by authority of His Majesty the King, edited by Arthur Christopher Benson and Viscount Reginald Baliol Brett Esher, 1907

https://archive.org/details/lettersofqueenvi01victuoft/page/86/mode/2up

Above: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland, painted by Sir Henry Landseer.

Above: Leopold, King of the Belgians, lithograph by Luigi Calamatta.

The letter:

18th July 1837.

MY BELOVED UNCLE, — ... I have been so busy, I can say but two words more, which are that I prorogued Parliament yesterday in person, was very well received, and am not at all tired to-day, but quite frisky. There is to be no review this year, as I was determined to have it only if I could ride, and as I have not ridden for two years, it was better not. Believe me, always, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland's letter to her uncle Leopold I, King of the Belgians, dated July 11 and 25, 1837

Source:

The letters of Queen Victoria: a selection from Her Majesty's correspondence between the years 1831 and 1861: published by authority of His Majesty the King, edited by Arthur Christopher Benson and Viscount Reginald Baliol Brett Esher, 1907

https://archive.org/details/lettersofqueenvi01victuoft/page/84/mode/2up

Above: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland with a dog, drawn by Sir George Hayter.

Above: Leopold, King of the Belgians, painted by Sir George Hayter.

The letter:

11th July 1837.

MY DEAREST, BEST UNCLE, — ... I have got very little time and very little to say. I really and truly go into Buckingham Palace the day after to-morrow, but I must say, though I am very glad to do so, I feel sorry to leave for ever my poor old birthplace. ...

25th. — I shall not go out of town, I think, before the 20th or thereabouts of next month. Windsor requires thorough cleaning, and I must say I could not think of going in sooner after the poor King's death. Windsor always appears very melancholy to me, and there are so many sad associations with it. These will vanish, I daresay, if I see you there soon after my arrival there.

I have very pleasant large dinners every day. I invite my Premier generally once a week to dinner as I think it right to show publicly that I esteem him and have confidence in him, as he has behaved so well. Stockmar is of this opinion and is his great admirer. ...