1–7 October 1855

These three last days I have been in a continual bustle of marching. Yesterday I even fired two rounds of grape shot. I did not wash, did not undress, and behaved absurdly. I quite forgot my aims. For the first of them I have done absolutely nothing during this time : I have put no compulsion and no restraint on myself. For the second, I have applied for rewards for the soldiers. For the third I have done nothing ; for the fourth I could do nothing ; for the fifth, have fired and exerted myself a good deal. For the first aim, come what may, I will write Youth and Sevastopol in August to-morrow. For the second I will write to my brother Nikolenka and to Kryzhandvski. For the third, will make up my accounts and write a letter to Valerian. For the fourth, will write Youth and Sevastopol in August ; for the fifth, will ride to Teterevnikov and apply to be sent on a mission.

For the first aim, nothing. For the second, nothing except a report. For the third, nothing. For the fourth, nothing. For the fifth, I gadded about. Am much dissatisfied with the day — was occupied with the officers of the Fourth Light Battery. But to-morrow for the first aim I will work all day, and for the second, will write to Kryzhanbvski and, if I can, will ask Sukhozanet ; for the third aim, will post up my accounts. For the fourth, will write Youth and Sevastopol in August , and for the fifth, will ride to Teter^vnikov’s.