19–25 March 1855

For two days I have written literally nothing except the rough draft of a letter to Valerian and two letters to Nekrdsov : one a reply to a letter I received from him to-day in which he asks me to send him articles about the war. Shall have to write them myself — will describe Sevastopol in various phases, and an idyll of officer life.

Have done nothing. Received an enchant- ing letter from Masha in which she describes how she has made Turgenev’s acquaintance. A dear charming letter, raising me in my own opinion and inciting me to activity. But I have been morally and physically ill all day. On the 24th we are going to Sevastopol.