28 August–3 September 1854

I am twenty-six. Wrote something and thought of much. Spent the day with Ogldbzhe. In the evening read Uncle Tom's Cabin } (1) Twice got angry with Nikfta, (2) did not speak to Gorchakov about my brother, (3) condemned Golysh, (4) did not go up to the General, (5) bought Uncle Tom's Cabin , (6) did not speak. Most important of all is to correct myself of idleness, irritability, and lack of character.

Am very ill. Think it is consumption. Have written nothing, but read Uncle Tom's Cabin . Most important of all is to amend my idleness, irritability, and lack of character.

My health is very bad. Did not sleep all night. Read Uncle Tom's Cabin in the intervals allowed by toothache. Most important of all is to amend my idleness, indecision, and lack of character.

Read Uncle Tom's Cabin, and chatted in the evening with Kassovski. Most important of all is to amend my idleness, irritability, and lack of character.

Health is better. I went wrong yesterday. To-day borrowed money from Nover^zhski. Many reproaches for lack of character and laziness. Most important of all for me is to cure myself of laziness, irritability, and lack of character.

Marched to Skuleni. At the very frontier I sinned. I beat Davydenko. Most important of all for me is to cure myself of idleness, irritability, and lack of character.