Sophia finally gained over the support of the National Guard and turned them loose on Peter's adherents. A carnage of three days ensued, during which two of Peter's uncles, brothers of his mother, and sixty of their kindred were put to death. Natalia, Peter's mother, who still survived, fled from the capital, taking with her her son. It is said that for over fifty miles she carried him in her arms, the guard following close upon her path, determined to put her and her son to the sword.
She finally sought refuge in the convent of the Holy Trinity, having barely time to reach the alter and place her child upon it when the murderous horde entered. One of them seized the boy and was about to cut off his head, when the sounds of approaching horsemen were heard outside, and the frightened ruffians fled and Peter the Great was preserved to Russia.
In the meantime Ivan was declared sovereign, but, idiotic as he was, he knew that he was unfit for the crown and requested that Peter might be associated with him.
This request was granted and the young princes were declared joint sovereigns, with Sophia as Regent during the minority. During the regency an expedition was undertaken against the Mongols in the Crimea, but little was accomplished.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
