The Commander-in-Chief and his Staff were located in trains drawn up near the station of Baranovitchi. My quarters consisted of a small compartment about the size of one of our 'sleepers,' in which I was to live all the time, except on occasional visits to the various armies. The morning after my arrival an A. The Grand Duke welcomed me very heartily and said a few complimentary words about the British Alliance. On first acquaintance he appeared somewhat cold and reserved, but our friendship rapidly made headway, growing later on into a cordial and unforgettable intimacy.
I know him for a gallant gentleman, a keen soldier and a most kind friend, whose life I trust may be spared to see the country he loves so well under happier conditions; a commanding figure and a commanding personality, who would, I believe, had a Romanoff been left to create order out of chaos, have done much to help his country and the Allied cause. I little thought in those days that I should have to say my final farewell to him as a Russian officer under such tragic circumstances.
Our train was drawn up with some others in a pine forest alongside a few huts which served as the 'workshops' of the C. The troops of the escort were quartered a little way off, the train being guarded by a few Cossacks and Gendarmerie. Next to our table was that of the C. We had many happy talks across from table to table during our long months together. The C.
Many a ride did we have together through the forests and over that dreary prairie country surrounding them. Plenty of chaff and laughter passed between the two tables, and especially, I remember, over some of the messages of congratulation received by the C. Operations and military affairs were never discussed at table, and the Staff were strictly forbidden to give any information except that approved and passed by the C.
On Sundays, saints' days, etc. All the Headquarters troops were drawn up at the entrance to the Church, Guards and Cossacks, Cossacks of the Guard and the rest, all in khaki, with long grey overcoats reaching to their feet - still as rocks - looking almost like a line of stone statues against the background of the pine forest.
