Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1871-12-01
From the Tribune
Sketch Of the Grand Duke.

The Grand Duke Alexis is the fourth born but
third surviving son Of the Emperor Alexander
H. Of Russia and his Empress, formerly Princess
Of Hssse. He Is nov IN his twenty-secOnd year,
having been born January ,, 1850. His birth
was attended with great danger 10 the mother,
and there we're fears that the babe was still-b0rn
When the father presented himself TO the Impe-
rial group With his son in his arms the Emper-
er Nicholas stepped forward ahI invested the
infant Prince With the official dignity Of Colonel
Of the Eka'heriuenbourg regiment of infantry.
The fret i've years Of Alexis's life was a period
Of deep anxiety for the reigning family, the
country being disturbed By the contentious with
Turkey, which ended in actual wsr The disas-
ters which we're continually befalling the Rus
sian arms in the Crimea preyej 50 heavily on
the Emperor Nicholas that be died March >,
ls5j, when the present Emperor ssceuded the
throne The Grand Duke Alexis was at this
time but 8 sickly child, ami required the most
constant nursing. The Emperor Alexander soon
restored pesce to the Empire, and in 1856 his
coronation took place in Moscow. Alexis, then
six years OF age, made bic irst appearance be
fore the assembled nooiity Of the Empire At this
brilliant ceremony, snd joyous welcome was
accorded 10 the beautiful Empress when she ap-
pesrel surrounded by her children.
The Imperial family went, Immediately after
*
young prince was placed for the purpose Of
receIv.n ng MS early education under the charge
Of M.isme de Barnard. French isly, aud Of
FrSuilen Juhthsof, the orphan daughter OF
COurtiaud uobemsn. Ire lad proved a quick
scholar, sud was soon not only able 10 rest
Russian, French and German, but understood
any Conversation addressed 10 him in those Ian
gusges At the age OF seven he suffered 60
severely from measles that his life was despair
ed Of, but under the care Of Polish physician,
noted for the remarkable cures he had perform
ed, the patient rapidly recovered and was found
much improved in constitution when fully re-
stored 10 health. Ia due time the young prince
was transferred frori the care Of his go7eruess
snt placed IN Ter he tuition o. Profs. IurysnOt
aud Won Stein, the former instrucuug him IN
mathematics and geography and the latter IN
history, while be was taught English by Scotch
gentleman named Gordon When twelve years
old he hsl scquired very fair ku0wledg ge
Of English.
When about twelve years OF sge. the Grand
Duke accompanied his uncle, the Grand Duke
Constantine, on a voyage Of inspection to
Sweaborg, and thus had his frst experience Of
the perils of sesf4riug life. During the voyage
there was j terriihc storm Of several hours
duration, but the boy-voysger was uut.smsyet,
and DO sm0uut Of persuasion could induce aim
TO reJi-e 10 his state room. The life Of sailor
had become so attractive 10 him thst on return
ing 20 ST. Petersburg he anxiously besought his
father 10 permit his entering the naval service.
The Emperor, however, declined 70 scceie &c the
request, codsisriug bis son OF too delicate
constitution TO undergo the hariships which are
incidental 90 life On he ocean. llt afterward
yielded so far as TO give him the position Of in
spec.0r Of the Russ 80 var vessels stationed IN
the ports Of Finland. Since that time he has be
come fairly enrolled in the navy Of tis country,
sud in the cspscity Of First Lieuteuan; on the
frigate Svetlana be visits TIE United States for
the drst time.
Il is thought in Europe that the Grand Duke
Alexis Will marry the Princess Mary Elizabeth,
eldest laughter Of Prince Frederic Charles Of
Prussia, and the Princess Mary Cf AM olt. Il
is probable that their betrotaal will soon be ott-
cially announced. The Princess Is in her six
teeuth wear