4–10 September 1854

At Skuleni. Marched all day. Twice started writing, but it does not get on. In the evening played cards. Lack of money and my relations with my acquaintances and commanders hurt me. Most important of all for me is to cure myself of idleness, irritability, and lack of character.

Both I and my Diary are becoming stupid. My writing positively does not get on. Wrote an irritable letter to Nikolenka. Most important of all for mp is to cure myself of idleness, irritability, and lack of character.

Most important of all for me in life is to cure myself of idleness, irritability, and lack of character. Love of everybody and contempt for myself.

Marched to Koloram. A pleasant day. Most important of all for me is to cure myself of idleness, irritability, and lack of character.

Marched to — the devil knows its name. Health and state of mind good. The ease and modesty to which I try to accustom myself are beginning to have a good influence on me and I feel comfortable. Most important of all for me is to cure myself of idleness, irritability, and lack of character.

Marched to Kishinev. ... I was rude to the Councillor’s wife. Most important of all is to cure myself of idleness, irritability, and lack of character.

. . . Am being despatched on a mission to a place versts away. Read the Contemporary. (1) Disputed with Tishk^vich, (2) did nothing. (3) Cure myself of idleness, lack of character, and irritability.