The Fall of the Dynasties: The Collapse of the Old Order: 1905-1922

by Edmond Taylor

When Nicholas left Moghilev on March 21, escorted by three special envoys from Petrograd, it was with the understanding — arrived at somewhat vaguely between the General Staff and the Provisional Government — that he would live in discreet retirement at Tsarskoe Selo until arrangements could be made for the entire Imperial Family to sail for England, via Murmansk. Military honors were accorded Nicholas as he entrained, but at almost the same moment, General L. G. Kornilov, the new commander of the Petrograd district, presented himself to Alexandra at Tsarskoe Selo with the words, “Your Majesty, it is my heavy duty to inform you of the decision of the Provisional Government You are henceforth to consider yourself under arrest.”