Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovitch

[LisaDavidson]

Thank-you everyone. Would anyone be able to tell me the correct way to introduce the Grand Duke Alexis? And yes, people in America were fascinated by him. He was this country's first celebrity. In Milwaukee, which had a large number of Russian immigrants, the throngs of women had to be moved out of the way so he could pass through, by point of bayonet by the Wisconsin Volunteers. At a ball in Chicago one reporter wished to interview the Grand Duke, but said he could not even get within shouting distance because of the crowd of women surrounding him. Us Americans will always love royalty, I suppose. When Princess Diana was killed we as a country may have not shown the sympathy our good friends the Brits expected of us. That was because we were too busy dealing with our own shock, grief, and disbelief. She was our little princess too and we loved her. We are still obsessed with her. This was how Americans felt about the Grand Duke Alexis. Every major newspaper reported on his whereabouts in this country almost every day. The General.

It would not be good form for anyone to be introduced to the Grand Duke. Rather, people would have been introduced to him or presented to him. For example, if introducing General Custer to the Grand Duke, one would say to the Grand Duke:

"If it pleases Your Imperial Highness, may I present to you General George Armstrong Custer". He would always be addressed as "Your Imperial Highess" and would be referred to as "His Imperial Highness".

If I understand the reports correctly a large percentage of Americans saw the Grand Duke during his tour.

[General Sheridan]

Hi,

In the book (catalogue) "The Tsar and the President" about Alexander II and Abrahoam Lincoln, ther e is a chapter about the Grand Duke Alexei's trip to USA.  Very intersting reading.

Alexei was the Dowager Empress Maria's favourite brother-in-law and in fact, her favourite Roamnov relative...
Both would dance the night away at balls;  and Alexander III (who hated dancing & parties) had a devil of a time getting them to "go home'...
Picture it:  diminuative Minnie and big feet Alexei dancing on into the night!!!

Larry

Thank you for that info Larry. Can you tell me more? The author of that chapter in "The Tsar and the President" made it sound as if I (General Sheridan) had fought several battles with Indians in the area of the hunt.  I became the commander of the Military Department of the Missouri in March of 1868. I "generaled" (from headquarters) several battles but never did I take up a rifle and shoot at an Indian. Susan Massie also says the Grand Duke was a poor dancer and we both know that is incorrect. One of my favorite books on the Grand Duke is "The Grand Duke Alexis in the United States of America" by William Tucker. Basically it is newspaper accounts about his travels here. I have some copies of other clippings stuck in my copy that he didn't put into print. There are several times when the Grand Duke's excellent dancing is referred to. She also has me inviting him on the hunt, which I did, but this was already in the works as "The Salt Lake Tribune" reported on 2 October, 1871, after the "Millionaires Hunt" that " ... Enough game will be left, we hope, for the Grand Duke Alexis when he takes a scurry over the hunting grounds." (The Grand Duke did not land on these soils until 22 November.) She made several more mistakes. I actually met the Grand Duke in Chicago, we later trained over to Omaha and met General Custer there, and then went to North Plattte before getting off the train and meeting Buffalo Bill. I wish you the best Larry. The General.

[General Sheridan]

Did you know that during the last weekend of September we have what we call The Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous very near the spot of his 1872 buffalo hunt in Nebraska. All the big names are there like; "His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch of the Royal Romanov Family of the Great Empire of Russia," Generals Custer and Sheridan (me), California Joe, Chief Spotted Tail, Two Lance, President Grant and Buffalo Bill. We entertain about 2500 people on average and this will be our 10th year. Everyone is welcome and its free. Google up the Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous for more info.

Sounds very neat General.  I'd love to see that sometime.

While the title you have been using isn't his exact Russian title, it might be actually more authentic in this context.  If that's what you've found in newspapers it's a good indication of what Americans may have used at the time.  As an aside you could explain the proper title and what the common American reference was.

Funny country, tossing over their King yet still fascinated by royalty years later.

T

Explain? But T, when reenacting one must stay in character all the time. Sometimes it is so funny to see the looks on peoples' faces when you know they want to ask you something but know you will give them an 1872 answer. I have been taught well. My friend General Custer (Steve Alexander) has been on the History Channel on 12 different programs and Buffalo Bill (Kirk Shapland) on three programs. Hmmm ... I'm still waiting for Hollywood to call. About being fascinated by royalty, in 1872 many Americans had just immigrated from some country that had royalty. T, this is your personal invitation to the Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous in southwest Nebraska on 26 and 27 September, 2009. Come see me. I will be the one with three stars. The General.

[General Sheridan]

Thank-you everyone. Would anyone be able to tell me the correct way to introduce the Grand Duke Alexis? And yes, people in America were fascinated by him. He was this country's first celebrity. In Milwaukee, which had a large number of Russian immigrants, the throngs of women had to be moved out of the way so he could pass through, by point of bayonet by the Wisconsin Volunteers. At a ball in Chicago one reporter wished to interview the Grand Duke, but said he could not even get within shouting distance because of the crowd of women surrounding him. Us Americans will always love royalty, I suppose. When Princess Diana was killed we as a country may have not shown the sympathy our good friends the Brits expected of us. That was because we were too busy dealing with our own shock, grief, and disbelief. She was our little princess too and we loved her. We are still obsessed with her. This was how Americans felt about the Grand Duke Alexis. Every major newspaper reported on his whereabouts in this country almost every day. The General.

It would not be good form for anyone to be introduced to the Grand Duke. Rather, people would have been introduced to him or presented to him. For example, if introducing General Custer to the Grand Duke, one would say to the Grand Duke:

"If it pleases Your Imperial Highness, may I present to you General George Armstrong Custer". He would always be addressed as "Your Imperial Highess" and would be referred to as "His Imperial Highness".

If I understand the reports correctly a large percentage of Americans saw the Grand Duke during his tour.

Thank-you so much for that info Lisa. I appreciate it greatly. And yes, the Grand Duke was met by large crowds wherever he went. At Fremont Nebraska it was supposed the Grand Duke would stop and say a few words. "The Tri Weekly Tribune" reported on a planned reception for the Duke; “The Grand Duke passed through the city Friday last enroute West. The eager crowd swayed to and fro straining their optics to get a view of the Duke. Councilman Tompkins was there to welcome and extend the hospitalities of the city. Judge Bell was there with a sample of Russian wheat, desirous of getting a learned opinion from the boy in regard to the genuineness of the article. Judge Usher had a well prepared speech on the history and progress of the town. Lou May was anxious to give Fremont quotations on groceries. Dr. Van Buren was prepared to urge him the immediate necessity of vaccination. Mr. Hawthorne was to have enlightened him on the existing affairs between the M.D.s and School Board. Uncle Jimmie Robinson was desirous of informing him that the Pebble Creek Mills made as good (as) flour as a “Juke” ever eat. Mr. Dorsey had one of his insurance cards ready to present. Attorney Munger was ready to get him out of any little scrape for nominal sum. Colson had a full exhibit of the finances in order to encourage him to locate among us. Rhodes was anxious for him to visit the whistle factory. And the ladies were ready to cheer him on his perilous journey. The Imperial (train) passed through the city at such a fearful rate of speed it was almost impossible to discover the color of the cars.”
The "Juke" part was poking fun at a misprint of another newspaper. And then there was this.
From The North Platte Democrat is a report of “ An attempt to assassinate Alexis-an obstruction of the U.P.R.R. track-from very reliable authority we gather information of a dastardly attempt to ditch the train that transported the royal visitor from Grand Island to this place. The occurrence took place near Elm Creek and if the train had been running on fast time would have succeeded in throwing it from the track and perhaps killing many persons on board.”
This turned out to be made up by a reporter trying to grab headlines.
Thanks again Lisa, My campaign hat is off to you. The General.

[LisaDavidson]

Thank-you everyone. Would anyone be able to tell me the correct way to introduce the Grand Duke Alexis? And yes, people in America were fascinated by him. He was this country's first celebrity. In Milwaukee, which had a large number of Russian immigrants, the throngs of women had to be moved out of the way so he could pass through, by point of bayonet by the Wisconsin Volunteers. At a ball in Chicago one reporter wished to interview the Grand Duke, but said he could not even get within shouting distance because of the crowd of women surrounding him. Us Americans will always love royalty, I suppose. When Princess Diana was killed we as a country may have not shown the sympathy our good friends the Brits expected of us. That was because we were too busy dealing with our own shock, grief, and disbelief. She was our little princess too and we loved her. We are still obsessed with her. This was how Americans felt about the Grand Duke Alexis. Every major newspaper reported on his whereabouts in this country almost every day. The General.

It would not be good form for anyone to be introduced to the Grand Duke. Rather, people would have been introduced to him or presented to him. For example, if introducing General Custer to the Grand Duke, one would say to the Grand Duke:

"If it pleases Your Imperial Highness, may I present to you General George Armstrong Custer". He would always be addressed as "Your Imperial Highess" and would be referred to as "His Imperial Highness".

If I understand the reports correctly a large percentage of Americans saw the Grand Duke during his tour.

Thank-you so much for that info Lisa. I appreciate it greatly. And yes, the Grand Duke was met by large crowds wherever he went. At Fremont Nebraska it was supposed the Grand Duke would stop and say a few words. "The Tri Weekly Tribune" reported on a planned reception for the Duke; “The Grand Duke passed through the city Friday last enroute West. The eager crowd swayed to and fro straining their optics to get a view of the Duke. Councilman Tompkins was there to welcome and extend the hospitalities of the city. Judge Bell was there with a sample of Russian wheat, desirous of getting a learned opinion from the boy in regard to the genuineness of the article. Judge Usher had a well prepared speech on the history and progress of the town. Lou May was anxious to give Fremont quotations on groceries. Dr. Van Buren was prepared to urge him the immediate necessity of vaccination. Mr. Hawthorne was to have enlightened him on the existing affairs between the M.D.s and School Board. Uncle Jimmie Robinson was desirous of informing him that the Pebble Creek Mills made as good (as) flour as a “Juke” ever eat. Mr. Dorsey had one of his insurance cards ready to present. Attorney Munger was ready to get him out of any little scrape for nominal sum. Colson had a full exhibit of the finances in order to encourage him to locate among us. Rhodes was anxious for him to visit the whistle factory. And the ladies were ready to cheer him on his perilous journey. The Imperial (train) passed through the city at such a fearful rate of speed it was almost impossible to discover the color of the cars.”
The "Juke" part was poking fun at a misprint of another newspaper. And then there was this.
From The North Platte Democrat is a report of “ An attempt to assassinate Alexis-an obstruction of the U.P.R.R. track-from very reliable authority we gather information of a dastardly attempt to ditch the train that transported the royal visitor from Grand Island to this place. The occurrence took place near Elm Creek and if the train had been running on fast time would have succeeded in throwing it from the track and perhaps killing many persons on board.”
This turned out to be made up by a reporter trying to grab headlines.
Thanks again Lisa, My campaign hat is off to you. The General.

Thank you for the appreciation, General Sheridan. We'd love to see what you can post for us involving the Grand Dukes's visit.

My mother had an interesting "reenactor" experience years ago while travelling in Virginia. The reenactor introduced himself as General Stonewall Jackson's company clerk. Mom said, then you would be my great grandfather! Mom told the man about my g-g-g grandfather, who arrived in the US in the 1850's and was conscripted into the Confederate Army due to his talent with languages and writing. He was known in the US as Will Schilling and lived into the 20th century. She sent the man more details and photos.

As it happens, the reenactor's name? William!

[General Sheridan]

Thank-you everyone. Would anyone be able to tell me the correct way to introduce the Grand Duke Alexis? And yes, people in America were fascinated by him. He was this country's first celebrity. In Milwaukee, which had a large number of Russian immigrants, the throngs of women had to be moved out of the way so he could pass through, by point of bayonet by the Wisconsin Volunteers. At a ball in Chicago one reporter wished to interview the Grand Duke, but said he could not even get within shouting distance because of the crowd of women surrounding him. Us Americans will always love royalty, I suppose. When Princess Diana was killed we as a country may have not shown the sympathy our good friends the Brits expected of us. That was because we were too busy dealing with our own shock, grief, and disbelief. She was our little princess too and we loved her. We are still obsessed with her. This was how Americans felt about the Grand Duke Alexis. Every major newspaper reported on his whereabouts in this country almost every day. The General.

It would not be good form for anyone to be introduced to the Grand Duke. Rather, people would have been introduced to him or presented to him. For example, if introducing General Custer to the Grand Duke, one would say to the Grand Duke:

"If it pleases Your Imperial Highness, may I present to you General George Armstrong Custer". He would always be addressed as "Your Imperial Highess" and would be referred to as "His Imperial Highness".

If I understand the reports correctly a large percentage of Americans saw the Grand Duke during his tour.

Thank-you so much for that info Lisa. I appreciate it greatly. And yes, the Grand Duke was met by large crowds wherever he went. At Fremont Nebraska it was supposed the Grand Duke would stop and say a few words. "The Tri Weekly Tribune" reported on a planned reception for the Duke; “The Grand Duke passed through the city Friday last enroute West. The eager crowd swayed to and fro straining their optics to get a view of the Duke. Councilman Tompkins was there to welcome and extend the hospitalities of the city. Judge Bell was there with a sample of Russian wheat, desirous of getting a learned opinion from the boy in regard to the genuineness of the article. Judge Usher had a well prepared speech on the history and progress of the town. Lou May was anxious to give Fremont quotations on groceries. Dr. Van Buren was prepared to urge him the immediate necessity of vaccination. Mr. Hawthorne was to have enlightened him on the existing affairs between the M.D.s and School Board. Uncle Jimmie Robinson was desirous of informing him that the Pebble Creek Mills made as good (as) flour as a “Juke” ever eat. Mr. Dorsey had one of his insurance cards ready to present. Attorney Munger was ready to get him out of any little scrape for nominal sum. Colson had a full exhibit of the finances in order to encourage him to locate among us. Rhodes was anxious for him to visit the whistle factory. And the ladies were ready to cheer him on his perilous journey. The Imperial (train) passed through the city at such a fearful rate of speed it was almost impossible to discover the color of the cars.”
The "Juke" part was poking fun at a misprint of another newspaper. And then there was this.
From The North Platte Democrat is a report of “ An attempt to assassinate Alexis-an obstruction of the U.P.R.R. track-from very reliable authority we gather information of a dastardly attempt to ditch the train that transported the royal visitor from Grand Island to this place. The occurrence took place near Elm Creek and if the train had been running on fast time would have succeeded in throwing it from the track and perhaps killing many persons on board.”
This turned out to be made up by a reporter trying to grab headlines.
Thanks again Lisa, My campaign hat is off to you. The General.

Thank you for the appreciation, General Sheridan. We'd love to see what you can post for us involving the Grand Dukes's visit.

My mother had an interesting "reenactor" experience years ago while travelling in Virginia. The reenactor introduced himself as General Stonewall Jackson's company clerk. Mom said, then you would be my great grandfather! Mom told the man about my g-g-g grandfather, who arrived in the US in the 1850's and was conscripted into the Confederate Army due to his talent with languages and writing. He was known in the US as Will Schilling and lived into the 20th century. She sent the man more details and photos.

As it happens, the reenactor's name? William!

That is so awesome Lisa. What is fun as a reenactor is to travel on an airline. I wear my uniform because airlines do not have a great reputation for getting your luggage to the same destination you are travelling to. Then you are at some big reenactment without a uniform. You would be surprized at how many new friends you can meet with just a smile. They all want to know where you're going and who you are. Sometimes after a short conversation they say, "It was good to meet you General Sherman." I have to say, "No, General Sheridan." I have met very few people who are not interested in history and especially the Civil War. And yes, many times I have had to stick up for my Indian fighting friend, General Custer, and to stay in character these "discussions" can become heated. By the way, in my "real" life one of my best friend's legal first name is "Duke" and I have an employee named Alexis Custer. The General.

[Aglaya]

GD Alexei Alexandrovich:


Here he looks like his nephew Dmitri Pavlovich, isn't he?

[IrinaAlexandrovna]

Wonderfulllll totally thank you about this ones 

[General Sheridan]

Recently I've came across an on-line article about some new-discovered albums and papers of the Yusupovs and there was a mention there on a journal that GD Alexei had been writing all his life. This journal - a sort of diary - was discovered in the Yusupovs' papers! The journal begins in 1862 and ends in 1907 (year of Alexei's death). Seems to me the late bios on Grand Duke don't mention the journal so the find is really unique. The notes in the journal were not of a periodical character, and the article quotes some interesting lines and resumed that it's definitely the time to look at GD Alexei not only as a womanizer and fast-living person...
 

Very intresting news...rather odd that the Yusupov's would have GD Alexei's journal. Did the article mention if they plan to release the journal for the public?




Yes,the author of the article also wonders how the Alexei's journal appeared in the Yusupovs papers. No mention of the planning publishing, the journal is being preserved in the Russian National Library for detailed research.


My profesor friends have a contact in Russia who did research on this and made this report.

Russian National Library.
Manuscript Department.
Fond 890 [Prince Yusupov] file 83. Journal of Grand Duke Aleksei
Aleksandrovich. Years 1862-1907.
131 pages and versos.
 
It is written in Russian, includes pictures.
There are no notes for necessary period.
He writes about voyage on Volga in 1869; then a break.
First next entry is dated with the year 1872 (no date):
Page 258. A note on the page top: "Frigate Svetlana in round-the-word navigation".
Text is started with: "I did not write in this journal for a long, very long time". Then, he writes about his childhood, relations with parents, sad general reflection about his life.
The note from one side of the page: "The pages should be burnt down. They were precious for me, but it is not for others".
Next four pages are cut out.
Then, there are notes for 1899, 1907.
 
Best wishes,
 
Elena.

There did not seem to be anything I could use in my next book I am writing about his trip to America. My last one was called The Last Great Buffalo Hunt. The General.

[General Sheridan]

Great pics. Thank-you so much. The General.

[General Sheridan]

Did you know that during the last weekend of September we have what we call The Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous very near the spot of his 1872 buffalo hunt in Nebraska. All the big names are there like; "His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch of the Royal Romanov Family of the Great Empire of Russia," Generals Custer and Sheridan (me), California Joe, Chief Spotted Tail, Two Lance, President Grant and Buffalo Bill. We entertain about 2500 people on average and this will be our 10th year. Everyone is welcome and its free. Google up the Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous for more info.

Sounds very neat General.  I'd love to see that sometime.

While the title you have been using isn't his exact Russian title, it might be actually more authentic in this context.  If that's what you've found in newspapers it's a good indication of what Americans may have used at the time.  As an aside you could explain the proper title and what the common American reference was.

Funny country, tossing over their King yet still fascinated by royalty years later.

T

[General Sheridan]

Did you know that during the last weekend of September we have what we call The Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous very near the spot of his 1872 buffalo hunt in Nebraska. All the big names are there like; "His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch of the Royal Romanov Family of the Great Empire of Russia," Generals Custer and Sheridan (me), California Joe, Chief Spotted Tail, Two Lance, President Grant and Buffalo Bill. We entertain about 2500 people on average and this will be our 10th year. Everyone is welcome and its free. Google up the Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous for more info.

Sounds very neat General.  I'd love to see that sometime.

While the title you have been using isn't his exact Russian title, it might be actually more authentic in this context.  If that's what you've found in newspapers it's a good indication of what Americans may have used at the time.  As an aside you could explain the proper title and what the common American reference was.

Funny country, tossing over their King yet still fascinated by royalty years later.

T

Another thing I have noticed is the pronouncing of his name. After spending one day last week with 5 Russian women (long story) they all told me it should be pronounced Ah-lex-see. One (Svetlana) pointed at the word Alexis and said, "That wrong." I have only seen his name spelled Alexsei in modern literature. I have thousands of examples of his name spelled Alexis in 1872. Could it be that it was actually pronounced Ah-lex-see in 1872, but spelled Alexis???  The General.

[Svetabel]

Another thing I have noticed is the pronouncing of his name. After spending one day last week with 5 Russian women (long story) they all told me it should be pronounced Ah-lex-see. One (Svetlana) pointed at the word Alexis and said, "That wrong." I have only seen his name spelled Alexsei in modern literature. I have thousands of examples of his name spelled Alexis in 1872. Could it be that it was actually pronounced Ah-lex-see in 1872, but spelled Alexis???  The General.

'Alexis' is French form of 'Alexei'. Alexis was a more comfortable way for people in other countries to spell Alexei's name.

[Ally Kumari]

[Carolath Habsburg]

Grand duke Alexis Alexandrovich. From the Musee D`Orsay