NIKOLAI DEMENKOV TO GRAND DUCHESS MARIA NIKOLAEVNA (LAST LETTER)

 

NIKOLAI DEMENKOV TO GRAND DUCHESS MARIA NIKOLAEVNA (LAST LETTER)

 

Grand Duchess Maria and Lieutenant Nikolai Demenkov.

 Linear ship “Empress Maria”. 18 July, 1916. Sevastopol. 

Your Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna! 

 Loyally I dare to report a significant day in the life of our ship: on the 9th July we took first military shots at the cruiser “The Breslau”, into which we ran at sea. We shot from 12 cannons, but unfortunately we were not able to sink it, because having had speed privilege, it changing course at far distance from us and releasing white smoke screen, which merged with the clouds on the horizon, – it escaped. It shot a few explosives at us, which fell without reaching [their target].
 

 
Most amusing of all [is that], when the course we followed while shooting at “Breslau” was outlined on a map, the result was the exact profile contour of “The Breslau’s” commander, which I am enclosing here.  We also added some tears on him, since we assumed that he did not have a sweet time being chased by us for the duration of three hours. 
 
Pencil drawing enclosed with the letter dated 18 July, 1916 written by Lieutenant Nikolai Demenkov to Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna.

Currently the former commander of our regiment General Komarov is getting [medically] treated in Sevastopol. I was so happy when I met with him. Twice I invited the general to our ship.

I dare ask Your Imperial Highness to receive and pass on to Their Highnesses my sincere heartfelt regards.

I pray to the Lord God to grant health and happiness to Your Imperial Highness.

Your Imperial Highness’ most loyal servant,

Lieutenant Demenkov.
 

Original letter dated 18 July, 1916 written by Lieutenant Nikolai Demenkov to Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna.
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