CHAPTER XIXOUR CAPTIVITY AT TOBOLSK(AUGUST-DECEMBER, 1917)

THE GRAND-DUCHESS TATIANA CARRIES TURF WITH THE HELP OF ONE OF THE GUARDS.

THE CZAR AND HIS SERVANT JURAVSKY SAWING THE TRUNK OF A TREE THEY HAD FELLED.[Facing page 230.

THE CZAR AND HIS SERVANT JURAVSKY SAWING THE TRUNK OF A TREE THEY HAD FELLED.

[Facing page 230.

and asked me to tell the Czarevitch that he was greatly distressed at what he had had to do. After trying in vain to dissuade the men, he had chosen to come with them to prevent any discourtesy on their part.Colonel Kobylinsky[60]was annoyed to hear of the incident, and brought back the little gun to Alexis Nicolaïevitch piece by piece. Since then he has only played with it in his room.Friday, June 15th.—We finished our kitchen garden some time ago and it is now in splendid condition. We have every imaginable kind of vegetable, and five hundred cabbages. The servants, too, have made a garden on their side of the palace, where they can cultivate what they like. We went to help them dig it—the Czar too.To occupy our leisure now that we have finished our work on the garden, we have asked and obtained permission to cut down the dead trees in the park, so we go from place to place, followed by a guard which moves when we move. We are beginning to be quite skilful woodcutters. This will give us a supply of wood for next winter.Friday, June 22nd.—As the Grand-Duchesses were losing all their hair as the result of their illness, their heads have been shaved. When they go out in the park they wear scarves arranged so as to conceal the fact. Just as I was going to take their photographs, at a sign from Olga Nicolaïevna they all suddenly removed their headdress. I protested, but they insisted, much amusedat the idea of seeing themselves photographed like this, and looking forward to seeing the indignant surprise of their parents. Their good spirits reappear from time to time in spite of everything. It is their exuberant youth.Sunday, June 24th.—The days follow one another, all alike, divided between lessons and walks. This morning the Czar told me of a rather amusing incident which has broken the monotony of our seclusion.He was reading aloud yesterday evening in the red hall to the Czarina and Grand-Duchesses. Suddenly, about eleven o’clock, a servant entered in a great state of agitation and announced that the Commandant requested an immediate interview with the Czar. The latter thought that something very serious must have happened at Petrograd—a great armed demonstration by the Bolsheviks against the Provisional Government was expected—and he gave orders for him to be shown in. The officer entered, accompanied by two non-commissioned officers. He explained that he had been summoned by a shot from a sentry, who, from the park, had noticed signals with red and green lights from the room in which the family were sitting. General amazement. What signals? What did it all mean? Great excitement on the part of the Czarina and Grand-Duchesses. The officer then gave orders for the curtains to be closely drawn—it was stiflingly hot—and was about to retire. At this moment one of the N.C.O.’s came forward and explained the mystery. The Grand-Duchess Anastasie Nicolaïevna was sitting on the window-ledge doing needlework. Each time she bent forward to pick up from the table the things sherequired for her work she was covering and uncovering in turn two lamps with green and red shades by which the Czar was reading. The officer retired in confusion.Monday, July 2nd.—We have learned that an offensive has been launched in the direction of Tarnopol, and is being successfully developed.Tuesday, July 3rd.—ATe Deumfor the military successes which seem to presage a great victory. The Czar, radiant, brought Alexis Nicolaïevitch the evening paper and read him thecommuniqués.Thursday, July 12th.—The news from the front is not good. The offensive which had begun so well is turning against the Russians.Sunday, July 15th.—Nothing new in our captivity. The only distraction is going out. It is very hot, and for some days Alexis Nicolaïevitch has been bathing in the pond round the children’s island. It is a great joy to him.Wednesday, July 25th.—The check is becoming more and more serious, the retreat deeper. The Czar is greatly affected.Thursday, August 9th.—I learn that the Provisional Government has decided on the transfer of the Imperial family. The destination is kept secret; we are all hoping it will be the Crimea.Saturday, August 11th.—We have been told that we must provide ourselves with warm clothing. So we are not to be taken south. A great disappointment.Sunday, August 12th.(July 30th O.S.).—Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s birthday (he is thirteen). At the request of the Czarina, the miraculous ikon of the HolyVirgin has been brought from the church of Znamenia. Our departure is fixed for to-morrow. Colonel Kobylinsky has confided to me as a great secret that we are to be transferred to Tobolsk.Monday, August 13th.—We were told to be ready by midnight; the train was ordered for one o’clock. Final preparations. Farewell visit to the children’s island, kitchen garden, etc. Shortly before one in the morning everyone collected in the semi-circular hall, which was full of luggage. The Grand-Duke Michael arrived with Kerensky and had an interview with the Czar, who was delighted to see his brother again before his departure.The train which was to take us had not yet arrived; there appears to have been some difficulty with the railway men in Petrograd, who suspected that city to be the destination of the Imperial family. The hours passed in waiting, which grew more and more trying. Should we be able to start? It began to seem doubtful. (This incident showed up the powerlessness of the Government.) At last, about five o’clock, we were told that all was ready. We took leave of those of our fellow-captives who could not leave with us.[61]Our hearts were wrung at the thought of leaving Tsarskoïe-Selo,

Colonel Kobylinsky[60]was annoyed to hear of the incident, and brought back the little gun to Alexis Nicolaïevitch piece by piece. Since then he has only played with it in his room.

Friday, June 15th.—We finished our kitchen garden some time ago and it is now in splendid condition. We have every imaginable kind of vegetable, and five hundred cabbages. The servants, too, have made a garden on their side of the palace, where they can cultivate what they like. We went to help them dig it—the Czar too.

To occupy our leisure now that we have finished our work on the garden, we have asked and obtained permission to cut down the dead trees in the park, so we go from place to place, followed by a guard which moves when we move. We are beginning to be quite skilful woodcutters. This will give us a supply of wood for next winter.

Friday, June 22nd.—As the Grand-Duchesses were losing all their hair as the result of their illness, their heads have been shaved. When they go out in the park they wear scarves arranged so as to conceal the fact. Just as I was going to take their photographs, at a sign from Olga Nicolaïevna they all suddenly removed their headdress. I protested, but they insisted, much amusedat the idea of seeing themselves photographed like this, and looking forward to seeing the indignant surprise of their parents. Their good spirits reappear from time to time in spite of everything. It is their exuberant youth.

Sunday, June 24th.—The days follow one another, all alike, divided between lessons and walks. This morning the Czar told me of a rather amusing incident which has broken the monotony of our seclusion.

He was reading aloud yesterday evening in the red hall to the Czarina and Grand-Duchesses. Suddenly, about eleven o’clock, a servant entered in a great state of agitation and announced that the Commandant requested an immediate interview with the Czar. The latter thought that something very serious must have happened at Petrograd—a great armed demonstration by the Bolsheviks against the Provisional Government was expected—and he gave orders for him to be shown in. The officer entered, accompanied by two non-commissioned officers. He explained that he had been summoned by a shot from a sentry, who, from the park, had noticed signals with red and green lights from the room in which the family were sitting. General amazement. What signals? What did it all mean? Great excitement on the part of the Czarina and Grand-Duchesses. The officer then gave orders for the curtains to be closely drawn—it was stiflingly hot—and was about to retire. At this moment one of the N.C.O.’s came forward and explained the mystery. The Grand-Duchess Anastasie Nicolaïevna was sitting on the window-ledge doing needlework. Each time she bent forward to pick up from the table the things sherequired for her work she was covering and uncovering in turn two lamps with green and red shades by which the Czar was reading. The officer retired in confusion.

Monday, July 2nd.—We have learned that an offensive has been launched in the direction of Tarnopol, and is being successfully developed.

Tuesday, July 3rd.—ATe Deumfor the military successes which seem to presage a great victory. The Czar, radiant, brought Alexis Nicolaïevitch the evening paper and read him thecommuniqués.

Thursday, July 12th.—The news from the front is not good. The offensive which had begun so well is turning against the Russians.

Sunday, July 15th.—Nothing new in our captivity. The only distraction is going out. It is very hot, and for some days Alexis Nicolaïevitch has been bathing in the pond round the children’s island. It is a great joy to him.

Wednesday, July 25th.—The check is becoming more and more serious, the retreat deeper. The Czar is greatly affected.

Thursday, August 9th.—I learn that the Provisional Government has decided on the transfer of the Imperial family. The destination is kept secret; we are all hoping it will be the Crimea.

Saturday, August 11th.—We have been told that we must provide ourselves with warm clothing. So we are not to be taken south. A great disappointment.

Sunday, August 12th.(July 30th O.S.).—Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s birthday (he is thirteen). At the request of the Czarina, the miraculous ikon of the HolyVirgin has been brought from the church of Znamenia. Our departure is fixed for to-morrow. Colonel Kobylinsky has confided to me as a great secret that we are to be transferred to Tobolsk.

Monday, August 13th.—We were told to be ready by midnight; the train was ordered for one o’clock. Final preparations. Farewell visit to the children’s island, kitchen garden, etc. Shortly before one in the morning everyone collected in the semi-circular hall, which was full of luggage. The Grand-Duke Michael arrived with Kerensky and had an interview with the Czar, who was delighted to see his brother again before his departure.

The train which was to take us had not yet arrived; there appears to have been some difficulty with the railway men in Petrograd, who suspected that city to be the destination of the Imperial family. The hours passed in waiting, which grew more and more trying. Should we be able to start? It began to seem doubtful. (This incident showed up the powerlessness of the Government.) At last, about five o’clock, we were told that all was ready. We took leave of those of our fellow-captives who could not leave with us.[61]Our hearts were wrung at the thought of leaving Tsarskoïe-Selo,

THE GRAND-DUCHESSES TATIANA AND ANASTASIE TAKING A WATER-BUTT TO THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. JUNE, 1917.

THE IMPERIAL FAMILY’S SUITE AT TSARSKOÏE-SELO IN THE SUMMER OF 1917.From left to right, behind Countess Benckendorff, seated: Prince Dolgorouky, the author, Countess Hendrikof, Baroness de Buxhœveden, Mlle. Schneider, Count Benckendorff, and Dr. Derevenko.[Facing page 234.

THE IMPERIAL FAMILY’S SUITE AT TSARSKOÏE-SELO IN THE SUMMER OF 1917.

From left to right, behind Countess Benckendorff, seated: Prince Dolgorouky, the author, Countess Hendrikof, Baroness de Buxhœveden, Mlle. Schneider, Count Benckendorff, and Dr. Derevenko.

[Facing page 234.

to which we were bound by so many memories, and this departure for the unknown was marked by great sadness. Just as our cars were leaving the park we were surrounded by a detachment of cavalry, which escorted us as far as the little station of Alexandrovka. We took our places in the compartments, which are very comfortable. Half an hour passed and then the train slowly moved away. It was ten minutes to six.

WHAT reasons had the Council of Ministers for transporting the Imperial family to Tobolsk?

It is difficult to say definitely. When Kerensky told the Czar of the proposed transfer he explained the necessity by saying that the Provisional Government had resolved to take energetic measures against the Bolsheviks; this would result in a period of disturbance and armed conflict of which the Imperial family might be the first victims; it was therefore his duty to put them out of danger. It has been claimed in other quarters that it was an act of weakness in face of the Extremists, who, uneasy at seeing in the army the beginnings of a movement in favour of the Czar, demanded his exile to Siberia. However this may be, the journey of the Imperial family from Tsarskoïe-Selo to Tobolsk was effected under comfortable conditions and without any noteworthy incidents.

Leaving on August 14th at 6 a.m., we reached Tioumen—the nearest railway station to Tobolsk—on the evening of the 17th, and a few hours later boarded theRouss.

On the following day we passed the native village of Rasputin, and the family, gathered on the deck, were able to observe the house of thestaretz, which stood out clearly from among theisbas. There was nothing to surprise them in thisevent, for Rasputin had foretold that it would be so, and chance once more seemed to confirm his prophetic words.

On the 19th, towards the end of the afternoon, we suddenly saw at a bend in the river the crenellated silhouette of the Kremlin, which dominates Tobolsk, and an hour later we reached our destination.

The house which was to receive us not being ready, we were forced to remain for some days on the boat which had brought us, and it was not until August 26th that we moved into our new quarters.

The family occupied the whole of the first floor of the Governor’s house, a spacious and comfortable building. The suite lived in Korniloff’s house, belonging to a rich merchant of Tobolsk, and situated on the other side of the road almost facing ours. The guard was formed by soldiers of the former rifle regiments of the Imperial family who had come with us from Tsarskoïe-Selo. They were under the orders of Colonel Kobylinsky, a generous man who had become sincerely attached to those in his charge; he did all he could to ameliorate their lot.

At first the conditions of our captivity were very similar to those at Tsarkoïe-Selo. We had all that was necessary. The Czar and children nevertheless suffered from lack of space. Their exercise was confined to a very small kitchen garden and a yard which had been formed by enclosing with a fence a broad and little-frequented street running along the south-east side of the house in which they lived. It was very little, and they were exposed to the observation of the soldiers, whose barracks overlooked the whole of the space reserved for us. On the other hand, the members of the suite and servants were freer than at Tsarskoïe-Selo, at any rate to begin with, and

GRAND-DUCHESS TATIANA SITTING AT THE FURTHEST POINT THE PRISONERS WERE ALLOWED TO GO IN THE PARK OF TSARSKOÏE-SELO.

ALEXIS NICOLAÏEVITCH JOINS HIS SISTER, THE GRAND-DUCHESS TATIANA.[Facing page 240.

ALEXIS NICOLAÏEVITCH JOINS HIS SISTER, THE GRAND-DUCHESS TATIANA.

[Facing page 240.

were allowed to go into the town or immediate surroundings.

In September Commissary Pankratof arrived at Tobolsk, having been sent by Kerensky. He was accompanied by his deputy, Nikolsky—like himself, an old political exile. Pankratof was quite a well-informed man, of gentle character, the typical enlightened fanatic. He made a good impression on the Czar and subsequently became attached to the children. But Nikolsky was a low type, whose conduct was most brutal. Narrow and stubborn, he applied his whole mind to the daily invention of fresh annoyances. Immediately after his arrival he demanded of Colonel Kobylinsky that we should be forced to have our photographs taken. When the latter objected that this was superfluous, since all the soldiers knew us—they were the same as had guarded us at Tsarskoïe-Selo—he replied: “It was forced on us in the old days, now it’s their turn.” It had to be done, and henceforward we had to carry our identity cards with a photograph and identity number.

The religious services were at first held in the house, in the large hall on the first floor. The priest of the Church of the Annunciation, his deacon, and four nuns from the Yvanovsky Convent, were authorised to attend the services. As, however, there was no consecrated altar, it was impossible to celebrate Mass. This was a great privation for the family. Finally, on September 21st, the festival of the Nativity of the Virgin, the prisoners were allowed for the first time to go to the church. This pleased them greatly, but the consolation was only to be repeated very rarely. On these occasions we rose very early and, when everyone had collected in the yard, went out through a little gate leading on to the public garden, which we crossed between two lines of soldiers. We always attended the first Mass of the morning, and were almost alone in thechurch, which was dimly lighted by a few candles; the public was rigorously excluded. While going and returning I have often seen people cross themselves or fall on their knees as Their Majesties passed. On the whole, the inhabitants of Tobolsk were still very attached to the Imperial family, and our guards had repeatedly to intervene to prevent them standing under the windows or removing their hats and crossing themselves as they passed the house.

Meanwhile our life gradually settled down along definite lines, and by mobilising all our resources we managed to resume the education of the Czarevitch and two youngest Grand-Duchesses. The lessons began at nine o’clock, and were broken off from eleven to twelve for a walk, which was always shared by the Czar. As there was no schoolroom, the lessons were given sometimes in the large hall on the first floor, sometimes in Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s room or mine. I lived on the ground floor in what had been the Governor’s study. At one o’clock we all assembled for lunch. The Czarina, when she was not well, often took her meals in her own apartments with Alexis Nicolaïevitch. About two o’clock we used to go out again and walk about or play until four.

The Czar was suffering a great deal from lack of physical exercise. Colonel Kobylinsky, to whom he complained of this, had beech-trunks brought and bought some saws and axes, and we were able to cut the wood we required for the kitchen and stoves. This was one of our great outdoor distractions during our captivity at Tobolsk, even the Grand-Duchesses becoming very keen on this new pastime.

After tea, lessons were resumed until about half-past six. Dinner was an hour later, after which we went up to the large hall for coffee. We had all been invited to spend the eveningwith the family, and this soon became a regular habit for several of us. Games were organised and ingenuity shown in finding amusements to break the monotony of our captivity. When it began to get very cold, and the large hall became impossible, we took refuge in the adjoining room, which was Their Majesties’ drawing-room, the only really comfortable apartment in the house. The Czar would often read aloud while the Grand-Duchesses did needlework or played with us. The Czarina regularly played one or two games of bezique with General Tatichtchef and then took up her work or reclined in her arm-chair. In this atmosphere of family peace we passed the long winter evenings, lost in the immensity of distant Siberia.

One of the greatest privations during our captivity at Tobolsk was the almost complete absence of news. Letters only reached us very irregularly and after long delay. As for newspapers, we were reduced to a nasty local rag printed on packing paper, which only gave us telegrams several days old and generally distorted and cut down.

The Czar eagerly followed the development of events in Russia. He realised that the country was rushing towards ruin. He had a moment of fresh hope when General Kornilof offered Kerensky to march on Petrograd to put an end to the Bolshevik agitation, which was becoming more and more menacing. His disappointment was very great when the Provisional Government rejected this final chance of salvation. He saw in this the only means that remained perhaps of avoiding the imminent catastrophe. I then for the first time heard the Czar regret his abdication. He had made this decision in the hope that those who had wished to get rid of him would be capable of making a success of the war and saving Russia. He had feared that resistance on his part might give rise to acivil war in the presence of the enemy, and had been unwilling that the blood of a single Russian should be shed for him. But had not his departure been almost immediately followed by the appearance of Lenin and his acolytes, the paid agents of Germany, whose criminal propaganda had destroyed the army and corrupted the country? It now gave him pain to see that his renunciation had been in vain, and that by his departure in the interests of his country he had in reality done her an ill turn. This idea was to haunt him more and more, and finally gave rise to grave moral anxiety.

About November 15th we learnt that the Provisional Government was overthrown and that the Bolsheviks had again come into power. But this event did not immediately react on our life, and it was not until some months later, as we shall see, that it occurred to them to turn their attention to us.

The weeks passed and the news which reached us grew worse and worse. It was, however, very difficult for us to follow events and grasp their purport, for the information at our disposal did not allow us to understand the causes or calculate the consequences; we were, so far, so isolated from the entire world. And even if we succeeded in getting a rough knowledge of what was happening in Russia, the rest of Europe was almost a closed book.

Meanwhile the Bolshevik doctrines had begun their destructive work in the detachment which was guarding us and which hitherto had been fairly proof against them. It was composed of very varied elements: the men of the 1st and 4th Regiments were for the most part favourably disposed towards the Imperial family, and especially towards the children. The Grand-Duchesses, with that simplicity whichwas their charm, loved to talk to these men, who seemed to them to be linked with the past in the same way as themselves. They questioned them about their families, their villages, or the battles in which they had taken part in the great war. Alexis Nicolaïevitch, who to them was still “the Heir,” had also won their hearts, and they took trouble to please him and find amusements for him. One section of the 4th Regiment, composed almost exclusively of the older classes, was particularly conspicuous in its attachment, and it was always a delight to the family to see these good fellows come back on duty. On these days the Czar and children used to go secretly to the guardhouse and converse or play draughts with the men, whose conduct was never in a single instance anything but strictly correct. Here they were once surprised by Commissary Pankratof, who stood astounded on the doorstep, looking through his spectacles at this unexpected sight. The Czar, seeing his disconcerted appearance, motioned to him to come and sit at the table. But the Commissary evidently thought he was out of place; muttering a few unintelligible words, he turned on his heel and fled, discomfited.

Pankratof, as I have said, was a fanatic imbued with humanitarian principles; he was not a bad fellow. Immediately after his arrival he had organised classes for the soldiers to initiate them in Liberal doctrines, and did all he could to develop their patriotism and citizenship. But his efforts recoiled upon himself. A convinced adversary of the Bolsheviks, he was in reality merely preparing the ground for them and, without realising it, helping towards the success of their ideas. As will be seen, he was destined to be the first victim.

The men of the 2nd Regiment had from the outset beendistinguished by revolutionary sentiments; at Tsarskoïe-Selo they had already been the cause of a good deal of annoyance to their prisoners. The Bolshevikcoup d’étatincreased their authority and audacity; they had managed to form a “Soldiers’ Committee,” which tended further to restrict our régime and gradually to substitute its authority for that of Colonel Kobylinsky. We had proof of its ill-will on the occasion of Baroness Buxhœveden’s arrival (the end of December O.S.). She had shared our captivity at Tsarskoïe-Selo, and it was only the state of her health that had prevented her from leaving with us. She had no sooner recovered than she came, with Kerensky’s permission, to rejoin the Czarina. The Soldiers’ Committee flatly refused to let her enter the house, and she had to find accommodation in the town. This was a great grief to the Czarina and the whole family, who had been looking forward very impatiently to her arrival.

Thus we reached Christmas.

The Czarina and Grand-Duchesses had for many weeks been preparing with their own hands a present for each of us and each of the servants. Her Majesty distributed some woollen waistcoats which she had knitted herself. With such touching thoughtfulness as this she tried to show her gratitude to those who had remained faithful.

On December 24th the priest came to the house for Vespers; everyone then assembled in the large hall, and the children were full of delight at the “surprise” prepared for us. We now felt part of one large family; we did our best to forget the preoccupations and distresses of the time in order to enjoy to the full and in complete unity these moments of peaceful intimacy.

The next day, Christmas Day, we went to church. By the

AT TOBOLSK, WHERE THEY WERE INTERNED FROM SEPTEMBER, 1917, TO APRIL, 1918. THE CZAR AND HIS CHILDREN ENJOY THE SIBERIAN SUNSHINE ON THE ROOF OF A GREENHOUSE.From left to right: The Grand-Duchesses Olga and Anastasie, the Czar and the Czarevitch, the Grand-Duchess Tatiana, the Grand-Duchess Marie (standing). The Czarina was confined to her room, indisposed.[Facing page 246.

AT TOBOLSK, WHERE THEY WERE INTERNED FROM SEPTEMBER, 1917, TO APRIL, 1918. THE CZAR AND HIS CHILDREN ENJOY THE SIBERIAN SUNSHINE ON THE ROOF OF A GREENHOUSE.

From left to right: The Grand-Duchesses Olga and Anastasie, the Czar and the Czarevitch, the Grand-Duchess Tatiana, the Grand-Duchess Marie (standing). The Czarina was confined to her room, indisposed.

[Facing page 246.

orders of the priest the deacon intoned theMnogoletié(the prayer for the long life of the Imperial family). This was an imprudence which was bound to bring reprisals. The soldiers, with threats of death, demanded that the prayer should be revoked. This incident marred the pleasant memories which this day should have left in our minds. It also brought us fresh annoyances and the supervision became still stricter.

ON January 1st/14th, 1914, I resumed the diary I had given up when we were transferred to Tobolsk. I shall give a few extracts from it as I did when describing our captivity at Tsarskoïe-Selo.

Monday, January 14th(January 1st O.S.).—This morning we went to church, where the new priest officiated for the first time. Father Vassilief (the cause of the incident mentioned in the preceding chapter) has been transferred by Archbishop Hermogenes to the monastery of Abalatsky.Tuesday, January 15th.—At 2 p.m. there was a meeting of the committee of our garrison. It was decided by 100 votes to 85 to prohibit the wearing of epaulettes by officers and men.Thursday, January 17th.—Colonel Kobylinsky came this morning. He wore mufti rather than wear his uniform without epaulettes.Friday, January 18th.—The priest and choir[62]arrived at 3 o’clock. To-day is the Blessing of the Waters and the first time the new priest has officiated inthe house. When it was Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s turn to kiss the cross held out by the priest the latter bent down and kissed his forehead. After dinner General Tatichtchef and Prince Dolgorouky came to beg the Czar to remove his epaulettes in order to avoid a hostile demonstration by the soldiers. At first it seemed as though the Czar would refuse, but, after exchanging a look and a few words with the Czarina, he recovered his self-control and yielded for the sake of his family.Saturday, January 19th.—We went to church this morning. The Czar was wearing a Caucasian cloak, which is always worn without epaulettes. Alexis Nicolaïevitch had hidden his under his “bachelik” (a sort of Caucasian muffler). To-day the Czarina, on behalf of the Czar and herself, invited me to take evening tea[63]with them in future, when I don’t feel too tired after my lessons. I did not withdraw therefore at 10 o’clock when the Grand-Duchesses retired. (Alexis Nicolaïevitch always goes to bed at nine o’clock.)Monday, January 21st.—A heavy fall of snow last night. We began to build a “snow mountain.”Friday, January 25th(January 12th O.S,).—Tatiana Nicolaïevna’s birthday.Te Deumin the house. Fine winter’s day; sunshine; 15° Réaumur. Went on building the snow mountain as usual. The soldiers of the guard came to help us.Wednesday, January 30th.—To-day the friendly section of the 4th Regiment was on duty. The Czar

Tuesday, January 15th.—At 2 p.m. there was a meeting of the committee of our garrison. It was decided by 100 votes to 85 to prohibit the wearing of epaulettes by officers and men.

Thursday, January 17th.—Colonel Kobylinsky came this morning. He wore mufti rather than wear his uniform without epaulettes.

Friday, January 18th.—The priest and choir[62]arrived at 3 o’clock. To-day is the Blessing of the Waters and the first time the new priest has officiated inthe house. When it was Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s turn to kiss the cross held out by the priest the latter bent down and kissed his forehead. After dinner General Tatichtchef and Prince Dolgorouky came to beg the Czar to remove his epaulettes in order to avoid a hostile demonstration by the soldiers. At first it seemed as though the Czar would refuse, but, after exchanging a look and a few words with the Czarina, he recovered his self-control and yielded for the sake of his family.

Saturday, January 19th.—We went to church this morning. The Czar was wearing a Caucasian cloak, which is always worn without epaulettes. Alexis Nicolaïevitch had hidden his under his “bachelik” (a sort of Caucasian muffler). To-day the Czarina, on behalf of the Czar and herself, invited me to take evening tea[63]with them in future, when I don’t feel too tired after my lessons. I did not withdraw therefore at 10 o’clock when the Grand-Duchesses retired. (Alexis Nicolaïevitch always goes to bed at nine o’clock.)

Monday, January 21st.—A heavy fall of snow last night. We began to build a “snow mountain.”

Friday, January 25th(January 12th O.S,).—Tatiana Nicolaïevna’s birthday.Te Deumin the house. Fine winter’s day; sunshine; 15° Réaumur. Went on building the snow mountain as usual. The soldiers of the guard came to help us.

Wednesday, January 30th.—To-day the friendly section of the 4th Regiment was on duty. The Czar

THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE AT TOBOLSK WHERE THE IMPERIAL FAMILY WERE INTERNED.Barracks of the detachment which guarded the Czar.The guard being changed.The Grand-Duchesses Marie and Anastasie on the balcony.[Facing page 252.

THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE AT TOBOLSK WHERE THE IMPERIAL FAMILY WERE INTERNED.

Barracks of the detachment which guarded the Czar.The guard being changed.

The Grand-Duchesses Marie and Anastasie on the balcony.

[Facing page 252.

and children spent several hours with the soldiers in the guard-house.Saturday, February 2nd.—23° R. below zero. Prince Dolgorouky and I watered the snow mountain. We carried thirty buckets of water. It was so cold that the water froze on the way from the kitchen tap to the mountain. Our buckets and the snow mountain “steamed.” To-morrow the children can begin tobogganing.Monday, February 4th.—The thermometer is said to have dropped last night below 30° Réaumur (37° Centigrade). Terrible wind. The Grand-Duchesses’ bedroom is a real ice-house.Wednesday, February 6th.—It appears that on the initiative of the 2nd Regiment the soldiers have decided that Commissary Pankratof and his deputy, Nikolsky, must resign.Friday, February 8th.—The soldiers’ committee has to-day decided to replace Pankratof by a Bolshevik commissary from Moscow. Things are going from bad to worse. It appears that there is no longer a state of war between Soviet Russia and Germany, Austria, and Bulgaria. The army is to be disbanded, but Lenin and Trotsky have not yet signed the peace.Wednesday, February 13th.—The Czar tells me that the demobilisation of the army has begun, several classes having already been disbanded. All the old soldiers (the most friendly) are to leave us. The Czar seems very depressed at this prospect; the change may have disastrous results for us.Friday, February 15th.—A certain number of soldiershave already left. They came secretly to take leave of the Czar and his family.At tea in the evening with Their Majesties, General Tatichtchef, with a frankness justified by the circumstances, expressed his surprise at finding how intimate and affectionate was the family life of the Czar and Czarina and their children. The Czar, smiling at the Czarina, said, “You hear what Tatichtchef says?”Then, with his usual good-humour tinged with a touch of irony, he added:“You have been my aide-de-camp, Tatichtchef, and had ever so many opportunities of observing us. If you knew so little about us, how can you expect us to blame the newspapers for what they say about us?”Wednesday, February 20th.—The Czar tells me the Germans have taken Reval, Rovno, etc., and are still advancing along the whole front. It is obvious that he is deeply affected.Monday, February 25th.—Colonel Kobylinsky has received a telegram informing him that, from March 1st, “Nicholas Romanoff and his family must be put onsoldiers’ rationsand that each member of the family will receive 600 roubles per month drawn from the interest of their personal estate.” Hitherto their expenses have been paid by the state. As the family consists of seven persons, the whole household will have to be run on 4,200 roubles a month.[64]Tuesday, February 26th.—His Majesty asked me to help him to do his accounts and draw up a family budget. He has saved a little from his “toilet allowance.”Wednesday, February 27th.—The Czar said jokingly that, since everyone is appointing committees, he is going to appoint one to look after the welfare of his own community. It is to consist of General Tatichtchef, Prince Dolgorouky, and myself. We held a “sitting” this afternoon and came to the conclusion that thepersonnelmust be reduced. This is a wrench; we shall have to dismiss ten servants, several of whom have their families with them in Tobolsk. When we informed Their Majesties we could see the grief it caused them. They must part with servants whose very devotion will reduce them to beggary.Friday, March 1st.—The new régime comes into force. From to-day butter and coffee are excluded from the table as luxuries.Monday, March 4th.—The soldiers’ committee has decided to abolish the snow mountain we have built (it was such a source of amusement to the children!) because the Czar and Czarina mounted it to watch the departure of the men of the 4th Regiment. Every day now brings fresh vexations to the Czar’s family and their suite. For a long time we have only been allowed to go out when accompanied by a soldier; it is probable that even this last privilege will soon be taken from us.Tuesday, March 5th.—Yesterday the soldiers, with a hang-dog look (for they felt it was a mean task), began to destroy the snow mountain with picks. The children are disconsolate.Friday, March 15th.—The townspeople, hearing of our situation, find various ways of sending us eggs, sweetmeats, and delicacies.Sunday, March 17th.—To-day is Carnival Sunday. Everyone is merry. The sledges pass to and fro under our windows; sound of bells, mouth-organs, and singing.... The children wistfully watch the fun. They have begun to grow bored and find their captivity irksome. They walk round the courtyard, fenced in by its high paling through which they can see nothing. Since the destruction of their snow mountain their only distraction is sawing and cutting wood.The arrogance of the soldiers is inconceivable; those who have left have been replaced by a pack of blackguardly-looking young men.In spite of the daily increase of their sufferings, Their Majesties still cherish hope that among their loyal friends some may be found to attempt their release. Never was the situation more favourable for escape, for there is as yet no representative of the Bolshevik Government at Tobolsk. With the complicity of Colonel Kobylinsky, already on our side, it would be easy to trick the insolent but careless vigilance of our guards. All that is required is the organised and resolute efforts of a few bold spirits outside. We have repeatedly urged upon the Czar the necessity of being prepared for any turn of events. He insists on two conditions which greatly complicate matters: he will not hear of the family being separated or leaving Russian territory.One day the Czarina said to me in this connection: “I wouldn’t leave Russia on any consideration, for it seems to me that to go abroad would be to break our last link with the past, which would then be dead for ever.”

and children spent several hours with the soldiers in the guard-house.

Saturday, February 2nd.—23° R. below zero. Prince Dolgorouky and I watered the snow mountain. We carried thirty buckets of water. It was so cold that the water froze on the way from the kitchen tap to the mountain. Our buckets and the snow mountain “steamed.” To-morrow the children can begin tobogganing.

Monday, February 4th.—The thermometer is said to have dropped last night below 30° Réaumur (37° Centigrade). Terrible wind. The Grand-Duchesses’ bedroom is a real ice-house.

Wednesday, February 6th.—It appears that on the initiative of the 2nd Regiment the soldiers have decided that Commissary Pankratof and his deputy, Nikolsky, must resign.

Friday, February 8th.—The soldiers’ committee has to-day decided to replace Pankratof by a Bolshevik commissary from Moscow. Things are going from bad to worse. It appears that there is no longer a state of war between Soviet Russia and Germany, Austria, and Bulgaria. The army is to be disbanded, but Lenin and Trotsky have not yet signed the peace.

Wednesday, February 13th.—The Czar tells me that the demobilisation of the army has begun, several classes having already been disbanded. All the old soldiers (the most friendly) are to leave us. The Czar seems very depressed at this prospect; the change may have disastrous results for us.

Friday, February 15th.—A certain number of soldiershave already left. They came secretly to take leave of the Czar and his family.

At tea in the evening with Their Majesties, General Tatichtchef, with a frankness justified by the circumstances, expressed his surprise at finding how intimate and affectionate was the family life of the Czar and Czarina and their children. The Czar, smiling at the Czarina, said, “You hear what Tatichtchef says?”

Then, with his usual good-humour tinged with a touch of irony, he added:

“You have been my aide-de-camp, Tatichtchef, and had ever so many opportunities of observing us. If you knew so little about us, how can you expect us to blame the newspapers for what they say about us?”

Wednesday, February 20th.—The Czar tells me the Germans have taken Reval, Rovno, etc., and are still advancing along the whole front. It is obvious that he is deeply affected.

Monday, February 25th.—Colonel Kobylinsky has received a telegram informing him that, from March 1st, “Nicholas Romanoff and his family must be put onsoldiers’ rationsand that each member of the family will receive 600 roubles per month drawn from the interest of their personal estate.” Hitherto their expenses have been paid by the state. As the family consists of seven persons, the whole household will have to be run on 4,200 roubles a month.[64]

Tuesday, February 26th.—His Majesty asked me to help him to do his accounts and draw up a family budget. He has saved a little from his “toilet allowance.”

Wednesday, February 27th.—The Czar said jokingly that, since everyone is appointing committees, he is going to appoint one to look after the welfare of his own community. It is to consist of General Tatichtchef, Prince Dolgorouky, and myself. We held a “sitting” this afternoon and came to the conclusion that thepersonnelmust be reduced. This is a wrench; we shall have to dismiss ten servants, several of whom have their families with them in Tobolsk. When we informed Their Majesties we could see the grief it caused them. They must part with servants whose very devotion will reduce them to beggary.

Friday, March 1st.—The new régime comes into force. From to-day butter and coffee are excluded from the table as luxuries.

Monday, March 4th.—The soldiers’ committee has decided to abolish the snow mountain we have built (it was such a source of amusement to the children!) because the Czar and Czarina mounted it to watch the departure of the men of the 4th Regiment. Every day now brings fresh vexations to the Czar’s family and their suite. For a long time we have only been allowed to go out when accompanied by a soldier; it is probable that even this last privilege will soon be taken from us.

Tuesday, March 5th.—Yesterday the soldiers, with a hang-dog look (for they felt it was a mean task), began to destroy the snow mountain with picks. The children are disconsolate.

Friday, March 15th.—The townspeople, hearing of our situation, find various ways of sending us eggs, sweetmeats, and delicacies.

Sunday, March 17th.—To-day is Carnival Sunday. Everyone is merry. The sledges pass to and fro under our windows; sound of bells, mouth-organs, and singing.... The children wistfully watch the fun. They have begun to grow bored and find their captivity irksome. They walk round the courtyard, fenced in by its high paling through which they can see nothing. Since the destruction of their snow mountain their only distraction is sawing and cutting wood.

The arrogance of the soldiers is inconceivable; those who have left have been replaced by a pack of blackguardly-looking young men.

In spite of the daily increase of their sufferings, Their Majesties still cherish hope that among their loyal friends some may be found to attempt their release. Never was the situation more favourable for escape, for there is as yet no representative of the Bolshevik Government at Tobolsk. With the complicity of Colonel Kobylinsky, already on our side, it would be easy to trick the insolent but careless vigilance of our guards. All that is required is the organised and resolute efforts of a few bold spirits outside. We have repeatedly urged upon the Czar the necessity of being prepared for any turn of events. He insists on two conditions which greatly complicate matters: he will not hear of the family being separated or leaving Russian territory.

One day the Czarina said to me in this connection: “I wouldn’t leave Russia on any consideration, for it seems to me that to go abroad would be to break our last link with the past, which would then be dead for ever.”

THE CZAR SAWING WOOD WITH ME. BEHIND, THE LITTLE GREENHOUSE ON THE ROOF OF WHICH WE MADE TWO SEATS AT THE END OF WINTER SO THAT WE COULD ENJOY THE SUN.

ALEXIS NICOLAÏEVITCH SITTING ON THE STEPS OF THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE. STANDING BY HIM IS THE SON OF DR. DEREVENKO, WHO WAS ALLOWED TO COME AND PLAY WITH HIM WHEN WE FIRST WENT TO TOBOLSK.[Facing page 256.

ALEXIS NICOLAÏEVITCH SITTING ON THE STEPS OF THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE. STANDING BY HIM IS THE SON OF DR. DEREVENKO, WHO WAS ALLOWED TO COME AND PLAY WITH HIM WHEN WE FIRST WENT TO TOBOLSK.

[Facing page 256.

Monday, March 18th.—During the first week of Lent the family will perform its devotions as usual. There is a service morning and evening. As their different occupations prevent the attendance of the choir, the Czarina and Grand-Duchesses sing with the deacon.Tuesday, March 19th.—After lunch the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was discussed. It has just been signed. The Czar was very depressed, saying: “It is such a disgrace for Russia and amounts to suicide. I should never have thought the Emperor William and the German Government could stoop to shake hands with these miserable traitors. But I’m sure they will get no good from it; it won’t save them from ruin!”A little later, when Prince Dolgorouky remarked that the newspapers were discussing a clause in which the Germans demanded that the Imperial family should be handed over to them unharmed, the Czar cried: “This is either a manœuvre to discredit me or an insult.”The Czarina added in a low voice: “After what they have done to the Czar, I would rather die in Russia than be saved by the Germans!”Friday, March 22nd.—At a quarter past nine, after the evening service, everyone went to Confession—children, servants, suite, and finally Their Majesties.Saturday, March 23rd.—A detachment of over a hundred Red Guards has arrived from Omsk; they are the first Maximalist soldiers to take up garrison duty at Tobolsk. Our last chance of escape has been snatchedfrom us. His Majesty, however, tells me he has reason to believe that there are among these men many officers who have enlisted in the ranks; he also asserts, without telling me definitely the source of his information, that there are three hundred officers at Tioumen.Tuesday, April 9th.—The Bolshevik commissary, who has come with the detachment from Omsk, has insisted on being allowed to inspect the house. The soldiers of our guard have refused permission. Colonel Kobylinsky is very uneasy and fears a conflict. Precautionary measures; patrols, sentries doubled. A very disturbed night.Wednesday, April 10th.—A “full sitting” of our guard, at which the Bolshevik commissary reveals the extent of his powers. He has the right to have anyone opposing his orders shot within twenty-four hours and without trial. The soldiers let him enter the house.Friday, April 12th.—Alexis Nicolaïevitch confined to bed, as since yesterday he has had a violent pain in the groin caused by a strain. He has been so well this winter. It is to be hoped it is nothing serious.A soldier of our detachment who had been sent to Moscow has returned to-day and brought Colonel Kobylinsky a memorandum from the Central Executive Committee of the Bolshevik Government, ordering him to be much stricter with us. General Tatichtchef, Prince Dolgorouky, and Countess Hendrikof are to be transferred to our house and treated as prisoners. The arrival is also announced of a commissary with extraordinary powers, accompanied by a detachment of soldiers.Saturday, April 13th.—All who have been living in Kornilof’s house, Countess Hendrikof, Mlle. Schneider, General Tatichtchef, Prince Dolgorouky, and Mr. Gibbes[65]move to our house. Only Doctors Botkin and Derevenko are left at liberty. Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s pains have increased since yesterday.Monday, April 15th.—Alexis Nicolaïevitch in great pain yesterday and to-day. It is one of his severe attacks of hæmophilia.Tuesday, April 16th.—Colonel Kobylinsky, officer of the guard, and some soldiers have been to search the house. They have taken away the Czar’s dagger which he wore with his Cossack uniform.Monday, April 22nd.—The commissary from Moscow arrived to-day with a small detachment; his name is Yakovlef. He has shown his papers to the commandant and soldiers’ committee. In the evening he took tea with Their Majesties. Every one is restless and distraught. The commissary’s arrival is felt to be an evil portent, vague but real.Tuesday, April 23rd.—Commissary Yakovlef came at eleven o’clock. After an inspection of the whole house he went to see the Czar, who accompanied him to the room of Alexis Nicolaïevitch who is in bed. Not having been able to see the Czarina, who was not ready to receive him, he came again a little later with the regimental doctor and paid a second visit to Alexis Nicolaïevitch. (He wanted to be assured by his doctor that the boy was really ill.) As he was goingaway he asked the commandant whether we had much luggage. Can this mean we are to move?Wednesday, April 24th.—We are all in a state of mental anguish. We feel we are forgotten by everyone, abandoned to our own resources and at the mercy of this man. Is it possible that no one will raise a finger to save the Imperial family? Where are those who have remained loyal to the Czar? Why do they delay?Thursday, April 25th.—Shortly before three o’clock, as I was going along the passage, I met two servants sobbing. They told me that Yakovlef has come to tell the Czar that he is taking him away. What can be happening? I dare not go up without being summoned, and went back to my room. Almost immediately Tatiana Nicolaïevna knocked at my door. She was in tears, and told me Her Majesty was asking for me. I followed her. The Czarina was alone, greatly upset. She confirmed what I had heard, that Yakovlef has been sent from Moscow to take the Czar away and is to leave to-night.“The commissary says that no harm will come to the Czar, and that if anyone wishes to accompany him there will be no objection. I can’t let the Czar go alone. They want to separate him from his family as they did before....[66]“They’re going to try to force his hand by making him anxious about his family.... The Czar is necessary to them; they feel that he alone represents Russia.... Together we shall be in a better position to resist them, and I ought to be at his side in the time

Tuesday, March 19th.—After lunch the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was discussed. It has just been signed. The Czar was very depressed, saying: “It is such a disgrace for Russia and amounts to suicide. I should never have thought the Emperor William and the German Government could stoop to shake hands with these miserable traitors. But I’m sure they will get no good from it; it won’t save them from ruin!”

A little later, when Prince Dolgorouky remarked that the newspapers were discussing a clause in which the Germans demanded that the Imperial family should be handed over to them unharmed, the Czar cried: “This is either a manœuvre to discredit me or an insult.”

The Czarina added in a low voice: “After what they have done to the Czar, I would rather die in Russia than be saved by the Germans!”

Friday, March 22nd.—At a quarter past nine, after the evening service, everyone went to Confession—children, servants, suite, and finally Their Majesties.

Saturday, March 23rd.—A detachment of over a hundred Red Guards has arrived from Omsk; they are the first Maximalist soldiers to take up garrison duty at Tobolsk. Our last chance of escape has been snatchedfrom us. His Majesty, however, tells me he has reason to believe that there are among these men many officers who have enlisted in the ranks; he also asserts, without telling me definitely the source of his information, that there are three hundred officers at Tioumen.

Tuesday, April 9th.—The Bolshevik commissary, who has come with the detachment from Omsk, has insisted on being allowed to inspect the house. The soldiers of our guard have refused permission. Colonel Kobylinsky is very uneasy and fears a conflict. Precautionary measures; patrols, sentries doubled. A very disturbed night.

Wednesday, April 10th.—A “full sitting” of our guard, at which the Bolshevik commissary reveals the extent of his powers. He has the right to have anyone opposing his orders shot within twenty-four hours and without trial. The soldiers let him enter the house.

Friday, April 12th.—Alexis Nicolaïevitch confined to bed, as since yesterday he has had a violent pain in the groin caused by a strain. He has been so well this winter. It is to be hoped it is nothing serious.

A soldier of our detachment who had been sent to Moscow has returned to-day and brought Colonel Kobylinsky a memorandum from the Central Executive Committee of the Bolshevik Government, ordering him to be much stricter with us. General Tatichtchef, Prince Dolgorouky, and Countess Hendrikof are to be transferred to our house and treated as prisoners. The arrival is also announced of a commissary with extraordinary powers, accompanied by a detachment of soldiers.

Saturday, April 13th.—All who have been living in Kornilof’s house, Countess Hendrikof, Mlle. Schneider, General Tatichtchef, Prince Dolgorouky, and Mr. Gibbes[65]move to our house. Only Doctors Botkin and Derevenko are left at liberty. Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s pains have increased since yesterday.

Monday, April 15th.—Alexis Nicolaïevitch in great pain yesterday and to-day. It is one of his severe attacks of hæmophilia.

Tuesday, April 16th.—Colonel Kobylinsky, officer of the guard, and some soldiers have been to search the house. They have taken away the Czar’s dagger which he wore with his Cossack uniform.

Monday, April 22nd.—The commissary from Moscow arrived to-day with a small detachment; his name is Yakovlef. He has shown his papers to the commandant and soldiers’ committee. In the evening he took tea with Their Majesties. Every one is restless and distraught. The commissary’s arrival is felt to be an evil portent, vague but real.

Tuesday, April 23rd.—Commissary Yakovlef came at eleven o’clock. After an inspection of the whole house he went to see the Czar, who accompanied him to the room of Alexis Nicolaïevitch who is in bed. Not having been able to see the Czarina, who was not ready to receive him, he came again a little later with the regimental doctor and paid a second visit to Alexis Nicolaïevitch. (He wanted to be assured by his doctor that the boy was really ill.) As he was goingaway he asked the commandant whether we had much luggage. Can this mean we are to move?

Wednesday, April 24th.—We are all in a state of mental anguish. We feel we are forgotten by everyone, abandoned to our own resources and at the mercy of this man. Is it possible that no one will raise a finger to save the Imperial family? Where are those who have remained loyal to the Czar? Why do they delay?

Thursday, April 25th.—Shortly before three o’clock, as I was going along the passage, I met two servants sobbing. They told me that Yakovlef has come to tell the Czar that he is taking him away. What can be happening? I dare not go up without being summoned, and went back to my room. Almost immediately Tatiana Nicolaïevna knocked at my door. She was in tears, and told me Her Majesty was asking for me. I followed her. The Czarina was alone, greatly upset. She confirmed what I had heard, that Yakovlef has been sent from Moscow to take the Czar away and is to leave to-night.

“The commissary says that no harm will come to the Czar, and that if anyone wishes to accompany him there will be no objection. I can’t let the Czar go alone. They want to separate him from his family as they did before....[66]

“They’re going to try to force his hand by making him anxious about his family.... The Czar is necessary to them; they feel that he alone represents Russia.... Together we shall be in a better position to resist them, and I ought to be at his side in the time

AT THE MAIN DOOR OF THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE DURING A WALK IN THE COURT.The four Grand-Duchesses. The Czarevitch. The officer of the Guard. The Czar.

AT THE MAIN DOOR OF THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE DURING A WALK IN THE COURT.

The four Grand-Duchesses. The Czarevitch. The officer of the Guard. The Czar.

THE CZARINA’S ROOM.PICTURES OF THE CHILDREN ON THE WALL.[Facing page 260.

THE CZARINA’S ROOM.PICTURES OF THE CHILDREN ON THE WALL.

THE CZARINA’S ROOM.

PICTURES OF THE CHILDREN ON THE WALL.

[Facing page 260.

of trial.... But the boy is still so ill.... Suppose some complication sets in.... Oh, God, what ghastly torture!... For the first time in my life I don’t know what I ought to do; I’ve always felt inspired whenever I’ve had to take a decision, and now I can’t think.... But God won’t allow the Czar’s departure; it can’t, itmustnot be. I’m sure the thaw will begin to-night....”[67]Tatiana Nicolaïevna here intervened:“But mother, if father has to go, whatever we say, something must be decided....”I took up the cudgels on Tatiana Nicolaïevna’s behalf, remarking that Alexis Nicolaïevitch was better, and that we should take great care of him....Her Majesty was obviously tortured by indecision; she paced up and down the room, and went on talking, rather to herself than to us. At last she came up to me and said:“Yes, that will be best; I’ll go with the Czar; I shall trust Alexis to you....”A moment later the Czar came in. The Czarina walked towards him, saying:“It’s settled; I’ll go with you, and Marie will come too.”The Czar replied: “Very well, if you wish it.”I came down to my room, and the whole day has been spent in getting ready. Prince Dolgorouky and Doctor Botkin will accompany Their Majesties, as also will Tchemadourof (the Czar’s valet), Anna Demidova (theCzarina’s maid), and Sednief (footman to the Grand-Duchesses). It has been decided that eight officers and men of our guard are to go with them.The family have spent the whole afternoon at the bedside of Alexis Nicolaïevitch.This evening at half-past ten we went up to take tea. The Czarina was seated on the divan with two of her daughters beside her. Their faces were swollen with crying. We all did our best to hide our grief and to maintain outward calm. We felt that for one to give way would cause all to break down. The Czar and Czarina were calm and collected. It is apparent that they are prepared for any sacrifices, even of their lives, if God in his inscrutable wisdom should require it for the country’s welfare. They have never shown greater kindness or solicitude.This splendid serenity of theirs, this wonderful faith, proved infectious.At half-past eleven the servants were assembled in the large hall. Their Majesties and Marie Nicolaïevna took leave of them. The Czar embraced every man, the Czarina every woman. Almost all were in tears. Their Majesties withdrew; we all went down to my room.At half-past three the conveyances drew up in the courtyard. They were the horribletarantass.[68]Only one was covered. We found a little straw in the backyard and spread it on the floor of the carriages. We put a mattress in the one to be used by the Czarina.At four o’clock we went up to see Their Majesties and found them just leaving Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s room. The Czar and Czarina and Marie Nicolaïevna took leave of us. The Czarina and the Grand-Duchesses were in tears. The Czar seemed calm and had a word of encouragement for each of us; he embraced us. The Czarina, when saying good-bye, begged me to stay upstairs with Alexis Nicolaïevitch. I went to the boy’s room and found him in bed, crying.A few minutes later we heard the rumbling of wheels. The Grand-Duchesses passed their brother’s door on their way to their rooms, and I could hear them sobbing....Saturday, April 27th.—The man who drove the Czarina for the first stage has brought a note from Marie Nicolaïevna; the roads are founderous, travelling conditions terrible. How will the Czarina be able to stand the journey? How heartrending it all is!Sunday, April 28th.—Colonel Kobylinsky has received a telegram saying that the whole party arrived safely at Tioumen at half-past nine on Saturday evening.The “field chapel” has been moved to the large hall, where the priest will be able to celebrate Mass, as there is a consecrated altar.In the evening a second telegram arrived, sent after leaving Tioumen: “Travelling in comfort. How is the boy? God be with you.”Monday, April 29th.—The children have received a letter from the Czarina from Tioumen. The journey has been very trying. Horses up to their chests in water crossing the rivers. Wheels broken several times.Wednesday, May 1st.—Alexis Nicolaïevitch is up. Nagorny carried him to his wheeled chair; he was wheeled about in the sun.Thursday, May 2nd.—Still no news since they left Tioumen. Where are they? They could have reached Moscow by Tuesday!Friday, May 3rd.—Colonel Kobylinsky has received a telegram saying that the travellers have been detained at Ekaterinburg. What has happened?Saturday, May 4th.—A sad Easter eve. We are in low spirits.Sunday, May 5th.—Easter Day. Still no news.Tuesday, May 7th.—At last the children have had a letter from Ekaterinburg saying that all are well but not explaining why they are held up. What agony can be read between the lines!Wednesday, May 8th.—The officers and men of our guard who accompanied Their Majesties have returned from Ekaterinburg. They say that on arrival at Ekaterinburg the Czar’s train was surrounded by Red Guards and that the Czar, Czarina, and Marie Nicolaïevna have been incarcerated in Ipatief’s house.[69]Prince Dolgorouky is in prison, and they themselves were only released after two days’ detention.Saturday, May 11th.—Colonel Kobylinsky has been removed and we are left to the Tobolsk Soviet.Friday, May 17th.—The soldiers of our guard have been replaced by Red Guards brought from Ekaterinburg by Commissary Rodionof, who has come to fetch us. General Tatichtchef and I both feel we ought to

Tatiana Nicolaïevna here intervened:

“But mother, if father has to go, whatever we say, something must be decided....”

I took up the cudgels on Tatiana Nicolaïevna’s behalf, remarking that Alexis Nicolaïevitch was better, and that we should take great care of him....

Her Majesty was obviously tortured by indecision; she paced up and down the room, and went on talking, rather to herself than to us. At last she came up to me and said:

“Yes, that will be best; I’ll go with the Czar; I shall trust Alexis to you....”

A moment later the Czar came in. The Czarina walked towards him, saying:

“It’s settled; I’ll go with you, and Marie will come too.”

The Czar replied: “Very well, if you wish it.”

I came down to my room, and the whole day has been spent in getting ready. Prince Dolgorouky and Doctor Botkin will accompany Their Majesties, as also will Tchemadourof (the Czar’s valet), Anna Demidova (theCzarina’s maid), and Sednief (footman to the Grand-Duchesses). It has been decided that eight officers and men of our guard are to go with them.

The family have spent the whole afternoon at the bedside of Alexis Nicolaïevitch.

This evening at half-past ten we went up to take tea. The Czarina was seated on the divan with two of her daughters beside her. Their faces were swollen with crying. We all did our best to hide our grief and to maintain outward calm. We felt that for one to give way would cause all to break down. The Czar and Czarina were calm and collected. It is apparent that they are prepared for any sacrifices, even of their lives, if God in his inscrutable wisdom should require it for the country’s welfare. They have never shown greater kindness or solicitude.

This splendid serenity of theirs, this wonderful faith, proved infectious.

At half-past eleven the servants were assembled in the large hall. Their Majesties and Marie Nicolaïevna took leave of them. The Czar embraced every man, the Czarina every woman. Almost all were in tears. Their Majesties withdrew; we all went down to my room.

At half-past three the conveyances drew up in the courtyard. They were the horribletarantass.[68]Only one was covered. We found a little straw in the backyard and spread it on the floor of the carriages. We put a mattress in the one to be used by the Czarina.

At four o’clock we went up to see Their Majesties and found them just leaving Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s room. The Czar and Czarina and Marie Nicolaïevna took leave of us. The Czarina and the Grand-Duchesses were in tears. The Czar seemed calm and had a word of encouragement for each of us; he embraced us. The Czarina, when saying good-bye, begged me to stay upstairs with Alexis Nicolaïevitch. I went to the boy’s room and found him in bed, crying.

A few minutes later we heard the rumbling of wheels. The Grand-Duchesses passed their brother’s door on their way to their rooms, and I could hear them sobbing....

Saturday, April 27th.—The man who drove the Czarina for the first stage has brought a note from Marie Nicolaïevna; the roads are founderous, travelling conditions terrible. How will the Czarina be able to stand the journey? How heartrending it all is!

Sunday, April 28th.—Colonel Kobylinsky has received a telegram saying that the whole party arrived safely at Tioumen at half-past nine on Saturday evening.

The “field chapel” has been moved to the large hall, where the priest will be able to celebrate Mass, as there is a consecrated altar.

In the evening a second telegram arrived, sent after leaving Tioumen: “Travelling in comfort. How is the boy? God be with you.”

Monday, April 29th.—The children have received a letter from the Czarina from Tioumen. The journey has been very trying. Horses up to their chests in water crossing the rivers. Wheels broken several times.

Wednesday, May 1st.—Alexis Nicolaïevitch is up. Nagorny carried him to his wheeled chair; he was wheeled about in the sun.

Thursday, May 2nd.—Still no news since they left Tioumen. Where are they? They could have reached Moscow by Tuesday!

Friday, May 3rd.—Colonel Kobylinsky has received a telegram saying that the travellers have been detained at Ekaterinburg. What has happened?

Saturday, May 4th.—A sad Easter eve. We are in low spirits.

Sunday, May 5th.—Easter Day. Still no news.

Tuesday, May 7th.—At last the children have had a letter from Ekaterinburg saying that all are well but not explaining why they are held up. What agony can be read between the lines!

Wednesday, May 8th.—The officers and men of our guard who accompanied Their Majesties have returned from Ekaterinburg. They say that on arrival at Ekaterinburg the Czar’s train was surrounded by Red Guards and that the Czar, Czarina, and Marie Nicolaïevna have been incarcerated in Ipatief’s house.[69]Prince Dolgorouky is in prison, and they themselves were only released after two days’ detention.

Saturday, May 11th.—Colonel Kobylinsky has been removed and we are left to the Tobolsk Soviet.

Friday, May 17th.—The soldiers of our guard have been replaced by Red Guards brought from Ekaterinburg by Commissary Rodionof, who has come to fetch us. General Tatichtchef and I both feel we ought to

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