Response to Deputies of Moscow, Aug. 18.
At this stormy, warlike hour, which, suddenly and against my
wishes, has fallen upon my peaceful people, I seek, according to
the custom of my ancestors, to strengthen the forces of my soul in
the sanctuaries of Moscow.
Within the walls of the old Kremlin I greet in you, inhabitants of
Moscow, my beloved ancient capital, all my people, who everywhere,
in the villages of their birth, in the Duma, and in the Council of
the Empire, unanimously replied to my appeal and rose with vigor
throughout the country, forgetting all private differences, to
defend the land of their birth and the Slav race.
In a powerful common impulse all nationalities, all tribes of our
vast empire, have united. Russia, like myself, will never forget
these historic days.
This union of thought and sentiment in all my people affords me
deep consolation and a calm assurance for the future. From here,
from the heart of the Russian land, I send a warm greeting to my
gallant troops and to our brave Allies who are making common cause
with us to safeguard the down-trodden principles of peace and
truth. May God be with us.
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