Source:
Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse, Princess of Great Britain and Ireland: Biographical Sketch and Letters, published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1884
Above: Alice with her husband, Prince Louis of Hesse, photographed by John Jabez Edwin Mayall.
Above: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Ireland, photographed by John Jabez Edwin Mayall.
The letter:
July 16th.
It is extremely hot here. The last two days we rode out at eight in the morning in the wood, where the air is very pleasant, near the ground where the troops are drilled. On Monday we looked on, and the soldiers were so much flattered.
At half-past one on Monday we received the gentlemen of the Flügeladjutanten, then the Stadtvorstand, then about seventy officers, then a deputation of the English here. All these people I had to speak to en grande toilette, and at four we drove to a large dinner at the Schloss. The Grand Duke led me, and I always sit near him.
Yesterday at three the whole family drove to Seeheim, a lovely place in the mountains, to dinner with the Grand Duke. In the two villages we passed, flowers were showered upon us, and the Pfarrer made a speech.
I am really deeply touched by the kindness and enthusiasm shown by the people, which is said to be quite unusual. They wait near the house to see us, and cheer constantly — even the soldiers.
We then drove for tea, which is always at eight, to Jugenheim to Prince Alexander, whose birthday it was, and did not get home till 10.
The whole family are very amiable toward me, and Prince Alexander is most clever and amusing.
Darling Louis is very grateful for your kind messages. We talk and think of you often, and then my heart grows very heavy. Away from home I cannot believe that beloved Papa is not there; all is so associated with him.
Notes: Flügeladjutanten = aides-de-camp.
Stadtvorstand = Town Council.
Pfarrer = clergyman.
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