29 January–4 February 1855

It was not enough for me to lose all that I had, I have also lost on credit to Meshch^rski 150 rubles which I have not got. On this trip I showed Saken my project for reorganising the batteries. Hfe quite agrees with me. I admit that now that I am submitting the project I expect a reward for it. As a punishment for my losses, and to make up for them, I condemn myself to work for money. However I fancy that I am quite incapable of doing so. Must write to Nikolenka admitting my loss, and to Friede abandoning the Society.

Have been in Sevastopol. Showed my project to Kashmski : he seems dissatisfied. I did not manage to see Krasnokutski who called to see me but did not find me in. The fleet has collected, something is being undertaken. There has been an action at Eupatoria. I asked to be sent there, but in vain.