Note 61 — Chapter XVIII · FIVE MONTHS’ CAPTIVITY AT TSARSKOÏE-SELO (MARCH—AUGUST, 1917)

These were Count and Countess Benckendorf, whom their great age and uncertain state of health prevented from following us; Baroness Buxhœveden, who was kept back by illness and was to join us at Tobolsk as soon as she could, and a certain number of servants. Kerensky had asked the Czar whether he wished Count Benckendorf to be replaced. The Czar had replied that he would be very glad for General Tatichtchef to come and share his captivity. On learning his Czar’s wish General Tatichtchef only allowed himself time to put his affairs in order, and a few hours later started, valise in hand, for Tsarskoïe-Selo. We found him in the train at the moment of departure. General Tatichtchef held no Court appointment; he was one of the Czar’s numerous aides-de-camp.