Antique Imperial Russian Signed Letter Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna of Russia 1939

Siocha" was the nickname for Ferdinand Thormeyer, a former tutor and a lifelong friend of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna of Russia, the youngest sister of Tsar Nicholas II.

Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna maintained a long correspondence with Thormeyer, especially after she went into exile following the Russian Revolution. Her letters to him, often written in French, discussed her daily life and activities, such as going to the cinema or walking in the morning. The correspondence highlights their close and enduring friendship.

In the letter she writes:

Ballerup, 28 November 1939

My very dear Siocha

I hope you are not too sad, since you sent your letter on Friday, the 24th. My heart aches, of course, to read it. Naturally, I don’t remember exactly what day it was that I wrote to you — but surely it wasn’t so long ago, was it?

I think of you every week, every day, and I always feel so grateful for your friendship. I wish I could comfort you and make things easier for you. I’m so sorry that the times are so difficult — we all have our share of sadness and worries, but we must trust in God’s will.

Saturday and Sunday were very sad here too. A family we know well — so kind, so devoted — lost their son. He died suddenly, poor boy, during the night. In their home, they had no other sick people among the soldiers who were lodging with them, but he had caught a bad illness from his duties. He had to sleep on the ground, without much shelter, and you can imagine the conditions. One soldier was invited to stay, and the other had gone to his father’s house — and it was there that tragedy struck.

You can imagine how much grief this caused in their gentle home in Ballerup. It’s such a charming family — the mother, the father, and three sons. It’s truly a wonderful household, and such a loss brings deep sorrow.

I went to visit them yesterday afternoon. They were calm, as true Christians often are, but their pain was immense. I stayed about an hour with them; they thanked me, poor souls, again and again.

This morning, we left early by train — we had to go to the regiment to take care of some business, and we’ll return there tomorrow.

The weather is awful here — violent winds and constant rain. We hardly sleep because of the storm. The nights are noisy, with the wind shaking the windows, and the days are grey. I long for a little sunshine.

As I write to you, I picture the blue sky and light of your beautiful home, and I find comfort in thinking of you there. You are lucky, my dear Viocha, to have the beauty of your garden and your kind husband. Even if life is not always easy, that gentleness of yours and your faith shine through everything.

I am also so fond of your husband — what a loyal and steady friend! I can imagine the two of you talking quietly, he reading his papers, you doing some small piece of sewing, and both of you together in calm and affection.

How I wish we could talk together again, as we used to — I can hear your voice when I write these lines.

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Page II

But enough of my melancholy — I must tell you some news.

On Saturday, I went with Charmont to visit some friends at Danois’s house. They welcomed us warmly — the man reminds me of you: gentle and charming. I love hospitals and caring for the sick! I’d love to work in one again; perhaps someday I will.

On Sunday, it was my birthday. I didn’t tell you before because I wasn’t sure when I’d write again. I received many kind words and a few gifts. My husband gave me a pretty box of chocolates and a little bouquet. Our friend Wendell came too — he told us about his research and new discoveries for treating animal illnesses.

He said he’s developed a new remedy against cattle disease, something with iodine injections. The results are excellent, he said, especially among cows and calves that had been affected. It seems to be a great success.

He’s now preparing a report for the veterinarians — and tomorrow, he’ll be speaking to professors for two hours to explain his method. He says they’re listening carefully and he’s full of hope.

If only science could advance faster to save so many lives! We keep faith, and we hope this terrible pest will end soon.

We still have our rationing, though it’s manageable here. I’m lucky to have enough vegetables and bread. The soldiers have their rations, but one must always share a little.

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Page IV

Our son is still in the barracks, but he’ll come home for Christmas if all goes well. How happy I’ll be! It’s been so long since we’ve seen him — I miss him terribly.

Yesterday evening I had such a sharp toothache; I barely slept. It was so cold! But today the pain has eased a little. My heart is calmer now.

I was drawing a little, making a sketch of the olive trees and the hills, to keep my hands busy and my thoughts clear. Art always helps me.

How are you, my dear Siocha? I hope you are resting and that your dear husband is well. Give him my warm regards and my tender friendship.

May God bless and protect you both always.

With all my heart,

Olga