February 14, 1919

Dear Elizabeth (I apologize, I do not know your patronymic) Targonsky-Okrent!

I apologize that I did not respond to your first letter—I do not recall whether I received it. I received the second one; I sent an inquiry to Zinoviev in Petrograd. I fear that you are mistaken when you write that Dobrovolsky is not a hostage. I fear that he is a hostage, and if that is the case, little can be done.

But I have nonetheless asked the Petersburgers to consider whether he could be released on surety.

Accept my assurance of respect and devotion

V. Ulyanov (Lenin)