25CatherinePalace
Tsarskoe Selo, Russia
June 6, 1905
George Meyer, United States ambassador to imperial Russia, had his instructions directly from the president of the United States. He carried a message for the Tsar’s eyes only. Through the Russian foreign minister, Count Lamsdorff, Meyer had requested a private meeting with Nicholas. Lamsdorff balked at first, noting that the imperial family was at Tsarskoe Selo to celebrate the Tsarina’s birthday the following day, June 7. Meyer convinced the foreign minister to allow him to visit the Tsar that very day.
Meyer traveled by train to Tsarskoe Selo and hoped that his mission would be successful, but he had his doubts. He had never been impressed with Tsar Nicholas, either as a statesman or as an intellect. He had warned the president no
