"31st July. Monday. The last day of our stay at Tsarskoe Selo. The weather was wonderful. In the afternoon we worked in the same spot; cut down three trees and sawed down yesterday's. After dinner we waited for the appointed time of departure, which was constantly postponed. Unexpectedly Kerensky arrived and announced that Misha will soon appear. And sure enough, around 10 1/2 darling Misha came in accompanied by Kerensky and the head of the guard.
It was very pleasant to see each other, but to talk in front of strangers was uncomfortable. When he left, the sharp shooters from the guard started to drag our luggage into the circular hall. There already sat the Benkendorfs, the ladies in waiting, maids and our people. We walked back and forth, awaiting the arrival of the trucks.
So secret was the nature of our departure that the motors as well as the train were ordered after the appointed hour of departure. The result turned out colossally [bad]! Alexei wanted to sleep; he would lie down, then get up. A few times there was a false alarm, we put on our coats, came out onto the balcony and again returned to the halls. It got completely light [outside] by then.
We had tea, and, finally at 5 o'cl. Kerensky appeared and said that we can go. We got into our two motors and drove to the Alexander station. Got into the train at the crossing. Some sort of Calvary regiment galloped behind us all the way from the park. By the entrance we were met by: I. Tatischev and two commissars from the government to accompany us to Tobolsk. The dawn was beautiful, during which we departed on our way to Petrograd and via the connecting [rail] branch which led out to the Northern railroad line. Left Tsarskoe Selo at 6.10 in the morning."
Nikolay II