Alfred I de SAXE-COBOURG et GOTHA (1844-1900) Duke of Edinburgh, son of Queen Victoria, penultimate sovereign of Saxe-Coburg. L.A.S., Coburg September 8, 1878, to a countess; 4 pages in-8 with his crowned cypher; in English. He announces the birth of his fourth child (Alexandra, born September 1, 1878). The delivery was easy, although the baby is larger and taller than the three eldest, "a splendid child". The mother, Marie [Maria Alexandrovna of Russia], is recovering well and has written to her mother the Empress of Russia. He is delighted that the war is almost over and that the Empress has recovered: "Thank Lord, the war is at last quite over & the Impress has recovered from her allarming illness". He gives news of the three eldest children: Alfred no longer wears dresses but a sailor suit, Nicky is the prettiest and sweetest child, Victoria, who was really ugly, is becoming more beautiful. The baby will be called Alexandra, Louise, Olga.