Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1871-11-28
GRAND DUKE ALEXIS.

Cray Atter.
The Grand Duke Alexis, who arrived in
New York 90 Sunday morning week, on
Russian friSate, is the third 500 Of tho present
Emperor Of all the Russias, Alexander H.,
and the Empress Aleznudroyna, formerly
Princess Of Hcsse. The Emperor has been
twice married and has now large family, all
the children Of the present Empress. The
Cldes. is the Grand Duke alexander, heir ap.
parcut, who was born on the 10th OF March,
lS45, four years after the EmperOrs second
marriage the second, the Grand Duke Vlad.
imir, born April 20, lS47 the third, tho
Grand Duke Alexis, born January H. 1850 ;
the fourth, tho Grand Duchess Maria, born
October II, 1858; the fifth, tho Grand Duke
Scrgis, born May, 1857; and the youngest,
the Grand Duke Paul, born October 8, 1860.
1t is worth relating that there was no little
anxiety attending the Grand Dukes biith.
The imperial family aud the stute officials were
at first ovcrjoyod to hear the tdngs from the
sick chamber that the Grand Duchess was
beyond danger, and that a prince had been
born. The general delight and mutual con-
gratulations in the St. Petersburg palace soon
ceased, however, on the news coming soon
after that the child was deud An hour later
a third messenger came from the sick cham>
Der, saying that the court physician had sue
ceeded in bringing to life what had at the
moment Of birth appeared to be dead iniaut,
and when the Duke Alexander appeared at
the door Of the salon, his third sou iu his
arms, the rejOicings knew no bounds. The
child was chrhteued soon after at the magnit.
iccut cathedral Of St. lSaac in ST. Petersburg,
us Colonel Of the EkathcrinenbOurg Infantry
regiment, an honor conferred thus early Ouly
on princes of the blood imperial Rarely had
a more brilliant or distinguished assembly
gathered 10 the cathedral. The whole imps.
rial family, including the Emperor aud Ems
press, md oil the Grand Dukes, were present.
Most Of the foreign courts were represented
by Ministers in their robes OF state, and the
officers Of the Imperial Life Guard were
stationed ut regular intervals 10 various parts
Of the vast building. For period Of several
years after his birth, the young Prince was
in very ptecarlous health, aud it was scarcely
hoped that he would live till the years Of ma.
jority. But his slender health has grown
more robust with each year. In 1856 he &c.
companed his parents to Moscow, and was
then-st their cOrOuatiOn- presented for the
first time to the assembled representatives Of
the empirc. Upon the return Of tie imperial
family to St. Petersburg, tie Grand Dukes
education was Immediately commenced. =
Madame de Bernard, French lady, and
Fraucln Won lnlithchoit, the daughter OF
Courund nOblcmau, werO appointed as his
Governesscs since all the imperial children Of
Russia arc educated at home. Alexis early
showed great taste Tor aud application to study.
Few months passed before he was able to read
easily Russian, German and French mud
speak them with considerable fuency. When
farther advanced, he was placed under the
tuition Of Prof. EarganoII, who instructed
him in mathematics and geography; Prot.
Won Stein, who taught him ancient and modern
history, and Mr.. Gordon, Scotchmau, from
whom he learned English. ln the year 1862
he accompanied his uncle. the. Grand Duke
Constantine, Grand Admiral OF the Russian
navy, on u trip 10 the fortress of SweabOrg
During terrific storm, which lasted eight
hOurs, the young Duke displayed SO much in.
mepdity aud during that Constantine, on his
return to St. Petersburg, urgently requested
tho Emperor to appoint him 10 some position
in the navy. This the Emperor reluctantly
did, after delaying for long time, being fear.
ful OF the delicate constitution Of the Prince.
Since then it has been his passion to be on
shipboard, and he hes spent all the time that
his duties would permit lin on the water.-
The Dukes grandfather was Nicholas l., the
resolute and wnr>like Car, who oyeruwed the
widespread rebellion Incident on his acccs,
sion, and who conducted the beginning Of the
famous Crimeap war against the allied powers.
The blood Of Frederick the Great, Of Prussia,
also flows in his veins, SO that his disposition
should be worthy member of the Imperial
family Of Russia, whose character has ever
been prediction for war and military pur.
suits. Moreover, the Duke is said to inherit
much OF his fathers intellectual culture aud
polite tastes, SO that he comes naturally By all
the qualities so laudable in Il general aud .
statesman. His official positions arc captain
and aide>de.camp Of the Emperor, and chiel
of,he EEutherineubourg regiment Of iniantry,
aud Of the fret squadron uf the fleet Of Fin.
land, Of none Of which he is so proud us Of a
medal Of honor given biM for rescuing a young
lady from drowning, 1T the imminent peril OF
his own life. Such incidents, revealing his
general Dispositions show how well-dcserved is
his universal popularity among the Russian
people. His official title is, His lmperiul
Highness, the Grand Duke Alexis AIexau.
drOvich, and his rank in the Imperial Russian
navy is thut Of first lieutenant.
Reception Of The Russinn Grand Duke IN
NcW lork,-ThO reception" in New York,
was on q grand scarcely any thing
ever seen ike it," The people, it is said,
Seemed wild with excitement" lie landed
amidst the roar Of cannon, the waving u
flags, aud the Ginning Of bells There was
a splendid parade Of troops, aud broadway
was filed with thousands Of spectators. An
address Of welcome was made to him by Gen.
Dix, His reply was: 81 beg to express my
warm thanks for the manner 10 which have
been received, The feeling which exists
between Russia and the United States is rs
strong rs it is lasting. aud nothing eau disturb
it. shall pass rapidly through New York to
pay my respects to the President, whose high
character is greatly appreciated everywhere,
but on my return shall have the pleasure 10