Octavio Cassano's Diary - Revision history

Keith: /* July */

2026-03-01T02:17:40Z

July

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:17, 28 February 2026
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	===July===		===July===
	July 4, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 4, 1858====
	Naples, 8 PM<br>		Naples, 8 PM<br>
	Henry Baraday took the day to celebrate his country’s independence. Grimiscos, Paolo, and I found a building that I am pretty sure is a temple. I have loaded several shipping carts with items from there. I have lifetimes work just cataloguing it all. I had a brief scare today; my keys went missing. I found them at dusk under some of my cataloguing materials. Grimiscos had come to discuss their dig and helped me find them.		Henry Baraday took the day to celebrate his country’s independence. Grimiscos, Paolo, and I found a building that I am pretty sure is a temple. I have loaded several shipping carts with items from there. I have lifetimes work just cataloguing it all. I had a brief scare today; my keys went missing. I found them at dusk under some of my cataloguing materials. Grimiscos had come to discuss their dig and helped me find them.

	July 5, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 5, 1858====
	Pompeii, 7PM<br>		Pompeii, 7PM<br>
	Weather hot and dry. Harsh breeze off Vesuvius. I found a box with scrolls in it. Not sure of their origin but appear Latin in language. The vellum is very brittle. Petroso sent more men down to work.		Weather hot and dry. Harsh breeze off Vesuvius. I found a box with scrolls in it. Not sure of their origin but appear Latin in language. The vellum is very brittle. Petroso sent more men down to work.

	July 7, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 7, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8 PM<br>
	Spent the day treating the vellum so it could be unrolled. A long process of oils and herbs to soften the material without damaging it. Appears to be written by a priest. References to Apollo being on hand seem dubious, perhaps an apocryphal tale?		Spent the day treating the vellum so it could be unrolled. A long process of oils and herbs to soften the material without damaging it. Appears to be written by a priest. References to Apollo being on hand seem dubious, perhaps an apocryphal tale?

	July 10, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 10, 1858====
	Herculaeum, 10 PM		Herculaeum, 10 PM
	Petrosio Giovanni invited myself and the dig team up for dinner. He is arranging the ship for transport of the items to London. Thinks the ship will be ready to sail beginning of September.		Petrosio Giovanni invited myself and the dig team up for dinner. He is arranging the ship for transport of the items to London. Thinks the ship will be ready to sail beginning of September.

	July 12, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 12, 1858====
	Naples, 3 AM		Naples, 3 AM
	Spent the night being entertained by Cerini and Cucinato. Bedded Cerini, may my Sainted wife never know. It was an amazing experience, and I am weary. The whole night seems a blur.		Spent the night being entertained by Cerini and Cucinato. Bedded Cerini, may my Sainted wife never know. It was an amazing experience, and I am weary. The whole night seems a blur.

	July 14, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 14, 1858====
	Naples, 6 PM<br>		Naples, 6 PM<br>
	Day was warm, but I spent most of it in bed. I was cold and have been drinking a lot of fluids, resting. Scorfolo and his men stopped by, and left raisins and meat when they heard I was sick. Scorfolo looked me over like a worried father. Henry is worried I have picked up some wasting sickness here. I keep telling him that is nonsense and a good Italian man doesn’t get wasting sickness. Henry assures me the dig is moving forward in my absence.		Day was warm, but I spent most of it in bed. I was cold and have been drinking a lot of fluids, resting. Scorfolo and his men stopped by, and left raisins and meat when they heard I was sick. Scorfolo looked me over like a worried father. Henry is worried I have picked up some wasting sickness here. I keep telling him that is nonsense and a good Italian man doesn’t get wasting sickness. Henry assures me the dig is moving forward in my absence.

	July 18, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 18, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8 PM<br>
	Weather is hot and dry. Sun shined all day. I am very frustrated!! Spent the day having to drive the men, they keep insisting that we are digging up ghosts. Several men swear that they are hearing voices as they dig. I saw men down by the sea tonight giving sacrifices to who-knows-what in order to quiet the voices. On top of that there were two earthquakes today of strong variety.		Weather is hot and dry. Sun shined all day. I am very frustrated!! Spent the day having to drive the men, they keep insisting that we are digging up ghosts. Several men swear that they are hearing voices as they dig. I saw men down by the sea tonight giving sacrifices to who-knows-what in order to quiet the voices. On top of that there were two earthquakes today of strong variety.

	July 20, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 20, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8 PM<br>
	Weather has cooled, but still warm. Several of SCorfollo’s men brought up a fresh goat and we did a roast tonight. Scorfollo did not attend. The food was good and after a long day at the dig the rest was worth it. The mountain is quiet again. Being here makes you appreciate the ominous feeling of it’s moods. When it is quiet it can almost be forgotten. The bodies we find remind us of it’s wrath.		Weather has cooled, but still warm. Several of SCorfollo’s men brought up a fresh goat and we did a roast tonight. Scorfollo did not attend. The food was good and after a long day at the dig the rest was worth it. The mountain is quiet again. Being here makes you appreciate the ominous feeling of it’s moods. When it is quiet it can almost be forgotten. The bodies we find remind us of it’s wrath.

	July 21, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 21, 1858====
	Pompeii, 7:45 PM<br>		Pompeii, 7:45 PM<br>
	Weather warm and dry. Vesuvius is belching ash and smoke. Good day. Three laborers left this morning. Demanded pay and walked away, saying that the devil has come to Pompeii.		Weather warm and dry. Vesuvius is belching ash and smoke. Good day. Three laborers left this morning. Demanded pay and walked away, saying that the devil has come to Pompeii.

	July 22, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 22, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8:15 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8:15 PM<br>
	Weather cooler, a storm coming. Cerini sent word she wants to see me again! Hired some young lads from the fishing village south of us to come work.		Weather cooler, a storm coming. Cerini sent word she wants to see me again! Hired some young lads from the fishing village south of us to come work.

	July 25, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 25, 1858====
	Pompeii, 7PM<br>		Pompeii, 7PM<br>
	The wind is hot and windy. The vellum is finally partially readable and seems to be a liturgy on talking with the God Apollo. The priest was making arrangements for symbols of his Lord to go north to Gaul. It seems that the mountain Vesuvius is in unrest, and the priest didn’t want this effigy of his lord to be damaged. Hadrian Overiness sailed out with the effigy in the spring of 73 AD as I read it.		The wind is hot and windy. The vellum is finally partially readable and seems to be a liturgy on talking with the God Apollo. The priest was making arrangements for symbols of his Lord to go north to Gaul. It seems that the mountain Vesuvius is in unrest, and the priest didn’t want this effigy of his lord to be damaged. Hadrian Overiness sailed out with the effigy in the spring of 73 AD as I read it.

	July 26, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 26, 1858====
	Pompeii 9 PM<br>		Pompeii 9 PM<br>
	The weather changed in the night and it has been raining since dawn. We have water everywhere, we had to pull back from the tomb in the villa for fear that the water would damage the interior. We are preparing to move the statues on the stone slab out as soon as the weather permits.		The weather changed in the night and it has been raining since dawn. We have water everywhere, we had to pull back from the tomb in the villa for fear that the water would damage the interior. We are preparing to move the statues on the stone slab out as soon as the weather permits.
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	July 27, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 27, 1858====
	Pompei,i, 9 PM<br>		Pompei,i, 9 PM<br>
	Weather is cooler, heavy clouds. Spent the day moving the three statues (one male, 2 female) today. This was slow work. The stone was remarkably light, but the corridor and entrance made removing them difficult. Everyone seemed distracted and almost confused. I was frustrated to find men out almost dazed instead of working.		Weather is cooler, heavy clouds. Spent the day moving the three statues (one male, 2 female) today. This was slow work. The stone was remarkably light, but the corridor and entrance made removing them difficult. Everyone seemed distracted and almost confused. I was frustrated to find men out almost dazed instead of working.

	July 28, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 28, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8 PM<br>
	Scorfollo showed up today. He seemed upset and looking for something. When I asked him what was wrong he told me that the devil had been released, he could smell it. I walked him through the dig and showed him all the spaces, and that we had found no devil. He stayed agitated, and finally left in an angry storm. I am not sure what to make of that.		Scorfollo showed up today. He seemed upset and looking for something. When I asked him what was wrong he told me that the devil had been released, he could smell it. I walked him through the dig and showed him all the spaces, and that we had found no devil. He stayed agitated, and finally left in an angry storm. I am not sure what to make of that.

	July 30, 1858~~<br>~~		====July 30, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8 PM<br>
	We are getting rain from inland, some lightning. I spent the day working with the mask of Jupiter and Vulcan. The sun seems to catch the material and make it glow. In between bouts of rain I would take out the masks to catch the best light of the sun. Toward evening there was a heavy earthquake. Several of our tents were knocked down, Scorfollo again came, talked to me briefly and left again. I think two of his men are watching us work.		We are getting rain from inland, some lightning. I spent the day working with the mask of Jupiter and Vulcan. The sun seems to catch the material and make it glow. In between bouts of rain I would take out the masks to catch the best light of the sun. Toward evening there was a heavy earthquake. Several of our tents were knocked down, Scorfollo again came, talked to me briefly and left again. I think two of his men are watching us work.

Keith: /* June */

2026-03-01T02:03:17Z

June

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:03, 28 February 2026
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	===June===		===June===
	June 1, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 1, 1858====
	Pompeii, 7:15 PM<br>		Pompeii, 7:15 PM<br>
	The day was hot and clear. Edward spent the day doing much cross sectioning and sifting. He has uncovered a number of petrified bodies in the shape of their death. It is amazing stuff. Death came on them suddenly, and the ash and heat from the mountain entombed them as they are forever. Exciting times!!		The day was hot and clear. Edward spent the day doing much cross sectioning and sifting. He has uncovered a number of petrified bodies in the shape of their death. It is amazing stuff. Death came on them suddenly, and the ash and heat from the mountain entombed them as they are forever. Exciting times!!
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	June 5, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 5, 1858====
	Naples, 6 PM<br>		Naples, 6 PM<br>
	I have been lax at my diary because I have been so busy making notations on the things we are unearthing. Just had dinner with Scorfolo and his wife. Lovely people, beautiful children. I got some idea about Scorfolo being uncomfortable with my digs. It seems that his brother was an amateur archaeologist and disappeared after he told them he had found something very valuable. Benedict Scorfolo is who we found the first day of our dig. Scorfolo told me to be careful what I dig up.		I have been lax at my diary because I have been so busy making notations on the things we are unearthing. Just had dinner with Scorfolo and his wife. Lovely people, beautiful children. I got some idea about Scorfolo being uncomfortable with my digs. It seems that his brother was an amateur archaeologist and disappeared after he told them he had found something very valuable. Benedict Scorfolo is who we found the first day of our dig. Scorfolo told me to be careful what I dig up.
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	I am in Herculaeum because Edward has come undone in the heat and keeps saying that he is hearing voices speaking in Latin to him. When I asked him what they are saying, he mealy looked at me and said that what was covered wanted out. We have to keep digging. I worried he might have gotten a contact poison, but the doctor here assures me it is just too much sun.		I am in Herculaeum because Edward has come undone in the heat and keeps saying that he is hearing voices speaking in Latin to him. When I asked him what they are saying, he mealy looked at me and said that what was covered wanted out. We have to keep digging. I worried he might have gotten a contact poison, but the doctor here assures me it is just too much sun.

	June 6, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 6, 1858====
	Pompeii, 7 PM<br>		Pompeii, 7 PM<br>
	Weather is bad, rain coming in torrents. Spent the day cataloguing. A laborer named Julian disappeared in the night. I think he was going to a well that has been here since the city of Pompeii was alive. It has been dug out and has been used for fresh water by the people of La Civita all these years. In He was out near the ruins that Grimiscos and Paolo are working on. We had organized a small search party. They found him; throat cut on one of the stone humps farther up the mountain. Grimiscos found him as the crew had given up and decided to return to work. This sets the crew back several hours. I am told Julian had been drinking with Grimiscos and Paulo. The gendarmes said it was a robbery and carried the body to town.		Weather is bad, rain coming in torrents. Spent the day cataloguing. A laborer named Julian disappeared in the night. I think he was going to a well that has been here since the city of Pompeii was alive. It has been dug out and has been used for fresh water by the people of La Civita all these years. In He was out near the ruins that Grimiscos and Paolo are working on. We had organized a small search party. They found him; throat cut on one of the stone humps farther up the mountain. Grimiscos found him as the crew had given up and decided to return to work. This sets the crew back several hours. I am told Julian had been drinking with Grimiscos and Paulo. The gendarmes said it was a robbery and carried the body to town.

	June 8, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 8, 1858====
	Herculaeum, 10 PM<br>		Herculaeum, 10 PM<br>
	I brought the team to Herculaeum for a show. “Figaro” is being performed at the theatre there. An opportunity to see the opera performed in the coliseum there and spend some time away from camp. We dined at Fabergies and drank too much vino. The lead actress is one Antonia Cerini came to our table to meet the “foreign researchers” I am as Italian as her! Beautiful woman, dark of hair, her eyes golden brown and soft as pigeon wings, She has a full, soft figure, voluptuous breasts and broad hips. She has asked to see our digs. I extended an invitation.		I brought the team to Herculaeum for a show. “Figaro” is being performed at the theatre there. An opportunity to see the opera performed in the coliseum there and spend some time away from camp. We dined at Fabergies and drank too much vino. The lead actress is one Antonia Cerini came to our table to meet the “foreign researchers” I am as Italian as her! Beautiful woman, dark of hair, her eyes golden brown and soft as pigeon wings, She has a full, soft figure, voluptuous breasts and broad hips. She has asked to see our digs. I extended an invitation.

	June 11, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 11, 1858====
	Pompeii, Midnight<br>		Pompeii, Midnight<br>
	The day cooled here much, clouds hiding the sun all day. Night seemed to fall early, and we stopped early. Cerini and her friend Cucinato showed up at our dig after dark in a huge coach. They insisted that they had spent the day in town dining with the Mayor and had to see our work. I spent all evening walking with them through our dig by torchlight tripping over myself like a fool. Could barely hide the bump in my trowsers as Cerini laid on my arm and spoke in my ear. At one point she pulled me into the dark and kissed me, telling me she loved educated men. Once again, I have drunk too much wine, parts of the night seem fuzzy, and I am struggling to remember it all. I have gotten lax about my diary entries; I will try to be more disciplined.		The day cooled here much, clouds hiding the sun all day. Night seemed to fall early, and we stopped early. Cerini and her friend Cucinato showed up at our dig after dark in a huge coach. They insisted that they had spent the day in town dining with the Mayor and had to see our work. I spent all evening walking with them through our dig by torchlight tripping over myself like a fool. Could barely hide the bump in my trowsers as Cerini laid on my arm and spoke in my ear. At one point she pulled me into the dark and kissed me, telling me she loved educated men. Once again, I have drunk too much wine, parts of the night seem fuzzy, and I am struggling to remember it all. I have gotten lax about my diary entries; I will try to be more disciplined.

	June 12, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 12, 1858====
	Pompeii, 6 PM<br>		Pompeii, 6 PM<br>
	I haven’t felt well all day, very tired. Not much work. Weather moist, some rain. Scorfolo and his men came by to check on us. They seemed on edge. The whole crew seems to come down with a malady. There is much paleness and weakness in our crew. I have called a general halt for five days for rest. Perhaps we will travel to Naples for fresh supplies.		I haven’t felt well all day, very tired. Not much work. Weather moist, some rain. Scorfolo and his men came by to check on us. They seemed on edge. The whole crew seems to come down with a malady. There is much paleness and weakness in our crew. I have called a general halt for five days for rest. Perhaps we will travel to Naples for fresh supplies.

	June 20, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 20, 1858====
	Pompeii, 1 PM<br>		Pompeii, 1 PM<br>
	Weather is fine, laborers getting much digging done. I have been gone from the dig and forgot my diary. Naples was fine. Saw Cerini in Naples, much fun! Feeling better.		Weather is fine, laborers getting much digging done. I have been gone from the dig and forgot my diary. Naples was fine. Saw Cerini in Naples, much fun! Feeling better.

	June 21, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 21, 1858====
	Pompeii, 7 PM<br>		Pompeii, 7 PM<br>
	Weather is hot, humid. Vesuvius rumbling a lot. Another laborer left in the night.		Weather is hot, humid. Vesuvius rumbling a lot. Another laborer left in the night.
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	June 22, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 22, 1858====
	Pompeii, 7 PM<br>		Pompeii, 7 PM<br>
	Weather steady. Vesuvius quiet today. Cataloguing going a-pace. Paulo seems distant, distracted.		Weather steady. Vesuvius quiet today. Cataloguing going a-pace. Paulo seems distant, distracted.

	June 29, 1858~~<br>~~		====June 29, 1858====
	Pompeii, 7PM<br>		Pompeii, 7PM<br>
	The mountain is grumbling and jumping. There were three earthquakes today, scaring the men. I found myself having to move from dig to dig to keep the laborers calm. In the afternoon I found a woman rutting with Grimiscos at lunch. A gorgeous red-haired woman with magnificent breasts and porcelain skin. I had never seen her before here. I understand needing a woman, but he was supposed to be leading the dig. She ran to Paolo’s bunk and took clothes and ran off into the necropolis. I went to find Paulo and he was missing. I found him insensate at dusk near the well. He seems dead drunk and had the mask of Venus with him. he couldn’t/wouldn’t say why when asked. I fired him. He cried and asked my forgiveness. I am too soft hearted. I locked all of the masks in my trunk.		The mountain is grumbling and jumping. There were three earthquakes today, scaring the men. I found myself having to move from dig to dig to keep the laborers calm. In the afternoon I found a woman rutting with Grimiscos at lunch. A gorgeous red-haired woman with magnificent breasts and porcelain skin. I had never seen her before here. I understand needing a woman, but he was supposed to be leading the dig. She ran to Paolo’s bunk and took clothes and ran off into the necropolis. I went to find Paulo and he was missing. I found him insensate at dusk near the well. He seems dead drunk and had the mask of Venus with him. he couldn’t/wouldn’t say why when asked. I fired him. He cried and asked my forgiveness. I am too soft hearted. I locked all of the masks in my trunk.

Keith: /* May 25, 1858 */

2026-03-01T02:01:07Z

May 25, 1858

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:01, 28 February 2026
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	Pompeii, 8:45 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8:45 PM<br>
	Paulo ran to me this afternoon to tell me that Grimiscos found an irregularity in the back part of the villa. They were sure it was some sort of hidden door. After taking almost an hour finding all its outlines, the pair was able to suss out how to open it without damaging it. We worked carefully and when it released to slide open there was the hiss of sealed air coming out. The hallway beyond fell into darkness leading to something that looks like a tomb buried into the original dirt and stone. Once we got into the tomb, we found three statues done in a very unusual stone lying on a table of stone also. The statues were that of three people, one man and two women. Both women were of exquisite beauty, the man tall, and of strong Italian looking face. The three are cut separately, lying almost shoulder to shoulder, their hands crossed over their stomachs as if in sleep. The clothing is that of wealthy Romans. I have never seen anything like it. Normally statues are standing, this is a first to find them as asleep on a table. Edward spent much time taking measurements and checking the statues. He said they were so well done it was like they would wake up and talk to him. There is also a chest here with several masks. Paulo opened it and laid several out on the floor nearby. They are wondrous works of art and seem to be representations of various Roman Gods. We will pack them up and pack them out to be examined first.		Paulo ran to me this afternoon to tell me that Grimiscos found an irregularity in the back part of the villa. They were sure it was some sort of hidden door. After taking almost an hour finding all its outlines, the pair was able to suss out how to open it without damaging it. We worked carefully and when it released to slide open there was the hiss of sealed air coming out. The hallway beyond fell into darkness leading to something that looks like a tomb buried into the original dirt and stone. Once we got into the tomb, we found three statues done in a very unusual stone lying on a table of stone also. The statues were that of three people, one man and two women. Both women were of exquisite beauty, the man tall, and of strong Italian looking face. The three are cut separately, lying almost shoulder to shoulder, their hands crossed over their stomachs as if in sleep. The clothing is that of wealthy Romans. I have never seen anything like it. Normally statues are standing, this is a first to find them as asleep on a table. Edward spent much time taking measurements and checking the statues. He said they were so well done it was like they would wake up and talk to him. There is also a chest here with several masks. Paulo opened it and laid several out on the floor nearby. They are wondrous works of art and seem to be representations of various Roman Gods. We will pack them up and pack them out to be examined first.
			;[[File:Pompeii Tomb Octavio Cassano's Diary.jpg]]

	May 26, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 26, 1858====
	Pompeii, 7 PM<br>		Pompeii, 7 PM<br>
	I have initially catalogued the masks from the chest. Working with Henry and Edward we are confident that almost half of the Dii Consentes are represented here. I have found Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, Vulcan, Venus, and a female mask that I am unsure who it represents. The last mask has different markings and seems to be of a Goddess I am not at first familiar with. The crafting is exquisite, and I will be fascinated to find out who the makers mark belongs to.		I have initially catalogued the masks from the chest. Working with Henry and Edward we are confident that almost half of the Dii Consentes are represented here. I have found Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, Vulcan, Venus, and a female mask that I am unsure who it represents. The last mask has different markings and seems to be of a Goddess I am not at first familiar with. The crafting is exquisite, and I will be fascinated to find out who the makers mark belongs to.

Keith: /* May 25, 1858 */

2026-03-01T02:00:29Z

May 25, 1858

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:00, 28 February 2026
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	May 27, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 27, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8 PM<br>
	The day is warm and breezy. The masks I found are of a similar creation, I suspicion they have a singular creator. Some of them are slightly damaged, but on the whole seem in good repair. Magnificent works of art. I believe from my research they represent a section of the Dii Consentes from Rome. The crypt around them is rather plain, which surprises me. If it were the crypt of a sculptor or other wealthy person, I would have expected more effort at decoration. So much to learn!		The day is warm and breezy. The masks I found are of a similar creation, I suspicion they have a singular creator. Some of them are slightly damaged, but on the whole seem in good repair. Magnificent works of art. I believe from my research they represent a section of the Dii Consentes from Rome. The crypt around them is rather plain, which surprises me. If it were the crypt of a sculptor or other wealthy person, I would have expected more effort at decoration. So much to learn!

	May 28, 1868~~<br>~~		====May 28, 1868====
	Pompeii, 7:30 PM<br>		Pompeii, 7:30 PM<br>
	The day was hot and clear. A local businessman named Rodolpho Scorfollo came and talked with us some before dark. He had several men with him, all walking. They brought Uzo with them, and we talked of the town, and the city buried underneath. He seems a fine fellow of much energy. Scorfollo seemed very interested in our digs but declined to see them. When I asked him why, he told me that as a man of science I would scoff at him, and because he likes me, he doesn’t want that today. He smiled a little and said we would talk another day.		The day was hot and clear. A local businessman named Rodolpho Scorfollo came and talked with us some before dark. He had several men with him, all walking. They brought Uzo with them, and we talked of the town, and the city buried underneath. He seems a fine fellow of much energy. Scorfollo seemed very interested in our digs but declined to see them. When I asked him why, he told me that as a man of science I would scoff at him, and because he likes me, he doesn’t want that today. He smiled a little and said we would talk another day.

	May 29, 1868~~<br>~~		====May 29, 1868====
	Pompeii, 8:30 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8:30 PM<br>
	Grimiscos and Paolo have catalogued the art that they can. They have determined to begin digging at a building that is mostly buried. They have found the west outline of the building and have begun to unearth the edges in search of a window or door. Very exciting graffiti on the walls, obviously a public place.		Grimiscos and Paolo have catalogued the art that they can. They have determined to begin digging at a building that is mostly buried. They have found the west outline of the building and have begun to unearth the edges in search of a window or door. Very exciting graffiti on the walls, obviously a public place.

Keith: /* May 10,1858 */

2026-03-01T01:59:12Z

May 10,1858

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 28 February 2026
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	''As dinner wore on Octavio and his men enjoyed the food, it was well cooked and had a beautiful, unique presentation. Fowl, pork, and many roasted vegetables were served. Fine Italian wine flowed freely. An old man came in and was seated at the far corner, playing an accordion while being accompanied by an elderly woman who might have been his wife on guitar and singing softly. Petrosio was charming and warm, engaging the men around the table, guiding his servants with gestures and looks. Octavio watched him, and how the face of Petrosio would still from time to time, and seemed apart from his guests. In those moments Octavio was chilled by the stillness of his host, and even doubted that he breathed. It was well past midnight when the expedition was rounded up and returned to their Hotel. Octavio's last look at the mansion of Petrosio Giovanni showed the master of the house standing like a statue watching them leave, his eyes seeming to glow from the reflected torch light of the coach. ''		''As dinner wore on Octavio and his men enjoyed the food, it was well cooked and had a beautiful, unique presentation. Fowl, pork, and many roasted vegetables were served. Fine Italian wine flowed freely. An old man came in and was seated at the far corner, playing an accordion while being accompanied by an elderly woman who might have been his wife on guitar and singing softly. Petrosio was charming and warm, engaging the men around the table, guiding his servants with gestures and looks. Octavio watched him, and how the face of Petrosio would still from time to time, and seemed apart from his guests. In those moments Octavio was chilled by the stillness of his host, and even doubted that he breathed. It was well past midnight when the expedition was rounded up and returned to their Hotel. Octavio's last look at the mansion of Petrosio Giovanni showed the master of the house standing like a statue watching them leave, his eyes seeming to glow from the reflected torch light of the coach. ''

	''~~'Octavio's Diary says'''~~		''At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.''
	At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.

	====May 12, 1858====		====May 12, 1858====

Keith: /* May 12, 1858 */

2026-03-01T01:57:42Z

May 12, 1858

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:57, 28 February 2026
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	The weather is warm and moist today. We spent the day loading wagons and mules with supplies. The roads between Naples and Pompeii are cobblestone at best. There is no rail line between Naples and Pompeii. I have hired twenty local men to act as laborers. The Mountain Vesuvius puffs contentedly above us. I am so excited I can barely think of sleep.		The weather is warm and moist today. We spent the day loading wagons and mules with supplies. The roads between Naples and Pompeii are cobblestone at best. There is no rail line between Naples and Pompeii. I have hired twenty local men to act as laborers. The Mountain Vesuvius puffs contentedly above us. I am so excited I can barely think of sleep.

	May 15, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 15, 1858====
	Herculaeum, 10 PM<br>		Herculaeum, 10 PM<br>
	Edward is doing many drawings along the way. I think I will give him my diary from time to time to sketch what we see as he has a better hand for it than I. We spent some time here examining the ruins of Herculaeum. Much of this has been excavated by the Italian government, and while they are willing to talk to us, they are not really willing to share findings yet. Damned nationalistic pride getting in the way of research. Travel is slow, we are carrying a lot of equipment. I wish we had been able to set off the ship farther down the coast, but it is unavoidable.		Edward is doing many drawings along the way. I think I will give him my diary from time to time to sketch what we see as he has a better hand for it than I. We spent some time here examining the ruins of Herculaeum. Much of this has been excavated by the Italian government, and while they are willing to talk to us, they are not really willing to share findings yet. Damned nationalistic pride getting in the way of research. Travel is slow, we are carrying a lot of equipment. I wish we had been able to set off the ship farther down the coast, but it is unavoidable.
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	[[File:OCDpic1.png]]		[[File:OCDpic1.png]]

	May 17, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 17, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8 PM<br>
	Our party arrived in the town of La Civita. Only a few scattered hovels are here that people live in. A parish church, and some scattered businesses, a diner, a black smith. A dry goods market supplies the rural needs of this town. At the same time, the humps and bumps of the old city buried here are evident. Here and there I can see pillars, and the edges of buildings, crumbling parts of walls. As in many places, a town has been built on the bones of a city built beneath it. In the structure of the current town in places I see the parts of the old city in use to build this new habitation. It is very quiet here, and the folk don’t seem to like having a pack of strangers in their city. They like our money though. A hush holds over the town, and I imagine the ghosts of the dead lingering in these empty spaces.		Our party arrived in the town of La Civita. Only a few scattered hovels are here that people live in. A parish church, and some scattered businesses, a diner, a black smith. A dry goods market supplies the rural needs of this town. At the same time, the humps and bumps of the old city buried here are evident. Here and there I can see pillars, and the edges of buildings, crumbling parts of walls. As in many places, a town has been built on the bones of a city built beneath it. In the structure of the current town in places I see the parts of the old city in use to build this new habitation. It is very quiet here, and the folk don’t seem to like having a pack of strangers in their city. They like our money though. A hush holds over the town, and I imagine the ghosts of the dead lingering in these empty spaces.

	May 19, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 19, 1858====
	Pompeii, 2 PM<br>		Pompeii, 2 PM<br>
	Our camp is mostly set up. Henry suggested that we just stay in the hotel, then come to work. I told him no, that doing so would allow the people of the town free reign of our dig, with us too far away to know what was happening. Better as we progress to be close to our work, so we can make sure robbers don’t disturb what we uncover. A squall has come up off the coast and forced us to hunker down in our tents. Henry and Edward are playing cards, Grimiscos and Paolo are sorting tools and preparing for when we can start digging at our first site tomorrow. Paolo is grinning and singing like a fool. He and Grimiscos are a happy team. We plan to open six digs, with men working all of them in groups, only coming together from time to time. The laborers are restless. A small quake woke us in the dark of the morning, a reminder that we are in the shadow of an active volcano.		Our camp is mostly set up. Henry suggested that we just stay in the hotel, then come to work. I told him no, that doing so would allow the people of the town free reign of our dig, with us too far away to know what was happening. Better as we progress to be close to our work, so we can make sure robbers don’t disturb what we uncover. A squall has come up off the coast and forced us to hunker down in our tents. Henry and Edward are playing cards, Grimiscos and Paolo are sorting tools and preparing for when we can start digging at our first site tomorrow. Paolo is grinning and singing like a fool. He and Grimiscos are a happy team. We plan to open six digs, with men working all of them in groups, only coming together from time to time. The laborers are restless. A small quake woke us in the dark of the morning, a reminder that we are in the shadow of an active volcano.

	May 20, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 20, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8:45 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8:45 PM<br>
	The weather is better, with only puffy clouds and wind today. Henry has chosen a building complex that we suspect is the Forum. The tufa and stone seem to indicate more than one eruption has covered the city of Pompeii. Clearing the rock and ash is hard work, but the only way to uncover these hidden mysteries from the past. Edward has chosen some buildings that might be a military camp. Grimiscos and Paolo are cataloguing the standing art for now, and I am trying to clear some rubble from a building that looks promising to me.		The weather is better, with only puffy clouds and wind today. Henry has chosen a building complex that we suspect is the Forum. The tufa and stone seem to indicate more than one eruption has covered the city of Pompeii. Clearing the rock and ash is hard work, but the only way to uncover these hidden mysteries from the past. Edward has chosen some buildings that might be a military camp. Grimiscos and Paolo are cataloguing the standing art for now, and I am trying to clear some rubble from a building that looks promising to me.

	May 21, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 21, 1858====
	Pompeii, 1 PM<br>		Pompeii, 1 PM<br>
	Lunch was interrupted by the gendarmes of the region. Early this morning Edward found the body of a local man stuffed in a corner of the area he is excavating. It seems that the man has been missing for a few days before our arrival. The man killed was badly mauled by animals after death, though Edward said he thought the man wasn’t dead during the mauling due to blood spatter. Edward has some experience with such things due to time he spent working with Scotland Yard during his early University days. The man died of a broken neck. Edward said it was broken in the jaws of a great dog. The local gendarmes threatened to shut down our dig but relented when I paid them in Sterling. I don’t need things like this interrupting our time in the field. The Capitan seemed anxious for the death to just be an accident. I told Edward to stay out of the investigation as he is not an official here.		Lunch was interrupted by the gendarmes of the region. Early this morning Edward found the body of a local man stuffed in a corner of the area he is excavating. It seems that the man has been missing for a few days before our arrival. The man killed was badly mauled by animals after death, though Edward said he thought the man wasn’t dead during the mauling due to blood spatter. Edward has some experience with such things due to time he spent working with Scotland Yard during his early University days. The man died of a broken neck. Edward said it was broken in the jaws of a great dog. The local gendarmes threatened to shut down our dig but relented when I paid them in Sterling. I don’t need things like this interrupting our time in the field. The Capitan seemed anxious for the death to just be an accident. I told Edward to stay out of the investigation as he is not an official here.

	May 21, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 21, 1858====
	Pompeii, 9 PM<br>		Pompeii, 9 PM<br>
	We were able to access the outside of my building today. I do believe it was some sort of villa prior to the eruption. The ash and stone here appear to have lain undisturbed and I am hoping for a rare find.		We were able to access the outside of my building today. I do believe it was some sort of villa prior to the eruption. The ash and stone here appear to have lain undisturbed and I am hoping for a rare find.

	May 22, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 22, 1858====
	Pompeii, 9:45 PM<br>		Pompeii, 9:45 PM<br>
	Grimiscos and Poulo both say that they have found the edges of a door. We are working to excise it without damaging it. It appears to be carved and marked. The inscriptions are religious in nature. I have found inscriptions that seem to be about Persephone though surrounded by Roman drawings of the darkened world. The digging was slow going. We had to move a marble slab to get to the door this evening. The slab had ash and stone between it and the iron and wood on the other side, suggesting that between eruptions this slab was laid in place. Paolo went into town to find more laborers. Two of ours went missing in the night.		Grimiscos and Poulo both say that they have found the edges of a door. We are working to excise it without damaging it. It appears to be carved and marked. The inscriptions are religious in nature. I have found inscriptions that seem to be about Persephone though surrounded by Roman drawings of the darkened world. The digging was slow going. We had to move a marble slab to get to the door this evening. The slab had ash and stone between it and the iron and wood on the other side, suggesting that between eruptions this slab was laid in place. Paolo went into town to find more laborers. Two of ours went missing in the night.
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	[[File:OCDPic2.png]]		[[File:OCDPic2.png]]

	May 23, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 23, 1858====
	Pompeii, 11:30 PM<br>		Pompeii, 11:30 PM<br>
	Amazing find today! We entered a villa that seems to have been sealed since before the eruption of the volcano. We searched the inside of the villa, finding many amazing frescoes, and a building that looks to have been undisturbed by grave robbers. The building seems to be bare of many of the trappings of normal life. There is no evidence of food or a food preparation area. There are cups and wine amphora here and there, mostly near the couches. Dead braziers and candle holders are here and there. The building has only eastern and southern windows. The colors of the frescos that are left are brilliant and beautiful. Anything not clay or stone virtually crumbles when we touch it. We spent a long time taking measurements and double checking the placement of things here. There were several scrolls, but they did not withstand the ravages of time. I will spend much time here just exploring this villa.		Amazing find today! We entered a villa that seems to have been sealed since before the eruption of the volcano. We searched the inside of the villa, finding many amazing frescoes, and a building that looks to have been undisturbed by grave robbers. The building seems to be bare of many of the trappings of normal life. There is no evidence of food or a food preparation area. There are cups and wine amphora here and there, mostly near the couches. Dead braziers and candle holders are here and there. The building has only eastern and southern windows. The colors of the frescos that are left are brilliant and beautiful. Anything not clay or stone virtually crumbles when we touch it. We spent a long time taking measurements and double checking the placement of things here. There were several scrolls, but they did not withstand the ravages of time. I will spend much time here just exploring this villa.
	Grimiscos and Paulo are measuring and working every corner. After more work and clearing the outside we found several petrified bodies there. These are gruesome reminders of the lives lost as the volcano erupted and spewed its fiery burden onto the city.		Grimiscos and Paulo are measuring and working every corner. After more work and clearing the outside we found several petrified bodies there. These are gruesome reminders of the lives lost as the volcano erupted and spewed its fiery burden onto the city.

	May 25, 1858~~<br>~~		====May 25, 1858====
	Pompeii, 8:45 PM<br>		Pompeii, 8:45 PM<br>
	Paulo ran to me this afternoon to tell me that Grimiscos found an irregularity in the back part of the villa. They were sure it was some sort of hidden door. After taking almost an hour finding all its outlines, the pair was able to suss out how to open it without damaging it. We worked carefully and when it released to slide open there was the hiss of sealed air coming out. The hallway beyond fell into darkness leading to something that looks like a tomb buried into the original dirt and stone. Once we got into the tomb, we found three statues done in a very unusual stone lying on a table of stone also. The statues were that of three people, one man and two women. Both women were of exquisite beauty, the man tall, and of strong Italian looking face. The three are cut separately, lying almost shoulder to shoulder, their hands crossed over their stomachs as if in sleep. The clothing is that of wealthy Romans. I have never seen anything like it. Normally statues are standing, this is a first to find them as asleep on a table. Edward spent much time taking measurements and checking the statues. He said they were so well done it was like they would wake up and talk to him. There is also a chest here with several masks. Paulo opened it and laid several out on the floor nearby. They are wondrous works of art and seem to be representations of various Roman Gods. We will pack them up and pack them out to be examined first.		Paulo ran to me this afternoon to tell me that Grimiscos found an irregularity in the back part of the villa. They were sure it was some sort of hidden door. After taking almost an hour finding all its outlines, the pair was able to suss out how to open it without damaging it. We worked carefully and when it released to slide open there was the hiss of sealed air coming out. The hallway beyond fell into darkness leading to something that looks like a tomb buried into the original dirt and stone. Once we got into the tomb, we found three statues done in a very unusual stone lying on a table of stone also. The statues were that of three people, one man and two women. Both women were of exquisite beauty, the man tall, and of strong Italian looking face. The three are cut separately, lying almost shoulder to shoulder, their hands crossed over their stomachs as if in sleep. The clothing is that of wealthy Romans. I have never seen anything like it. Normally statues are standing, this is a first to find them as asleep on a table. Edward spent much time taking measurements and checking the statues. He said they were so well done it was like they would wake up and talk to him. There is also a chest here with several masks. Paulo opened it and laid several out on the floor nearby. They are wondrous works of art and seem to be representations of various Roman Gods. We will pack them up and pack them out to be examined first.

Keith: /* May 10,1858 */

2022-05-13T04:28:18Z

May 10,1858

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:28, 12 May 2022
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	''As dinner wore on Octavio and his men enjoyed the food, it was well cooked and had a beautiful, unique presentation. Fowl, pork, and many roasted vegetables were served. Fine Italian wine flowed freely. An old man came in and was seated at the far corner, playing an accordion while being accompanied by an elderly woman who might have been his wife on guitar and singing softly. Petrosio was charming and warm, engaging the men around the table, guiding his servants with gestures and looks. Octavio watched him, and how the face of Petrosio would still from time to time, and seemed apart from his guests. In those moments Octavio was chilled by the stillness of his host, and even doubted that he breathed. It was well past midnight when the expedition was rounded up and returned to their Hotel. Octavio's last look at the mansion of Petrosio Giovanni showed the master of the house standing like a statue watching them leave, his eyes seeming to glow from the reflected torch light of the coach. ''		''As dinner wore on Octavio and his men enjoyed the food, it was well cooked and had a beautiful, unique presentation. Fowl, pork, and many roasted vegetables were served. Fine Italian wine flowed freely. An old man came in and was seated at the far corner, playing an accordion while being accompanied by an elderly woman who might have been his wife on guitar and singing softly. Petrosio was charming and warm, engaging the men around the table, guiding his servants with gestures and looks. Octavio watched him, and how the face of Petrosio would still from time to time, and seemed apart from his guests. In those moments Octavio was chilled by the stillness of his host, and even doubted that he breathed. It was well past midnight when the expedition was rounded up and returned to their Hotel. Octavio's last look at the mansion of Petrosio Giovanni showed the master of the house standing like a statue watching them leave, his eyes seeming to glow from the reflected torch light of the coach. ''

	~~Mist Guide 22:26, 12 May 2022 (MDT)~~Octavio's ~~DiaryMist Guide 22:26, 12 May 2022 (MDT)~~		'''Octavio's Diary says'''
	At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.		At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.

Keith: /* May 10,1858 */

2022-05-13T04:26:38Z

May 10,1858

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:26, 12 May 2022
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	''As dinner wore on Octavio and his men enjoyed the food, it was well cooked and had a beautiful, unique presentation. Fowl, pork, and many roasted vegetables were served. Fine Italian wine flowed freely. An old man came in and was seated at the far corner, playing an accordion while being accompanied by an elderly woman who might have been his wife on guitar and singing softly. Petrosio was charming and warm, engaging the men around the table, guiding his servants with gestures and looks. Octavio watched him, and how the face of Petrosio would still from time to time, and seemed apart from his guests. In those moments Octavio was chilled by the stillness of his host, and even doubted that he breathed. It was well past midnight when the expedition was rounded up and returned to their Hotel. Octavio's last look at the mansion of Petrosio Giovanni showed the master of the house standing like a statue watching them leave, his eyes seeming to glow from the reflected torch light of the coach. ''		''As dinner wore on Octavio and his men enjoyed the food, it was well cooked and had a beautiful, unique presentation. Fowl, pork, and many roasted vegetables were served. Fine Italian wine flowed freely. An old man came in and was seated at the far corner, playing an accordion while being accompanied by an elderly woman who might have been his wife on guitar and singing softly. Petrosio was charming and warm, engaging the men around the table, guiding his servants with gestures and looks. Octavio watched him, and how the face of Petrosio would still from time to time, and seemed apart from his guests. In those moments Octavio was chilled by the stillness of his host, and even doubted that he breathed. It was well past midnight when the expedition was rounded up and returned to their Hotel. Octavio's last look at the mansion of Petrosio Giovanni showed the master of the house standing like a statue watching them leave, his eyes seeming to glow from the reflected torch light of the coach. ''

	~~**~~Octavio's Diary**		Mist Guide 22:26, 12 May 2022 (MDT)Octavio's DiaryMist Guide 22:26, 12 May 2022 (MDT)
	At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.		At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.

Keith: /* May 10,1858 */

2022-05-13T04:26:01Z

May 10,1858

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:26, 12 May 2022
Line 41:		Line 41:
	''As dinner wore on Octavio and his men enjoyed the food, it was well cooked and had a beautiful, unique presentation. Fowl, pork, and many roasted vegetables were served. Fine Italian wine flowed freely. An old man came in and was seated at the far corner, playing an accordion while being accompanied by an elderly woman who might have been his wife on guitar and singing softly. Petrosio was charming and warm, engaging the men around the table, guiding his servants with gestures and looks. Octavio watched him, and how the face of Petrosio would still from time to time, and seemed apart from his guests. In those moments Octavio was chilled by the stillness of his host, and even doubted that he breathed. It was well past midnight when the expedition was rounded up and returned to their Hotel. Octavio's last look at the mansion of Petrosio Giovanni showed the master of the house standing like a statue watching them leave, his eyes seeming to glow from the reflected torch light of the coach. ''		''As dinner wore on Octavio and his men enjoyed the food, it was well cooked and had a beautiful, unique presentation. Fowl, pork, and many roasted vegetables were served. Fine Italian wine flowed freely. An old man came in and was seated at the far corner, playing an accordion while being accompanied by an elderly woman who might have been his wife on guitar and singing softly. Petrosio was charming and warm, engaging the men around the table, guiding his servants with gestures and looks. Octavio watched him, and how the face of Petrosio would still from time to time, and seemed apart from his guests. In those moments Octavio was chilled by the stillness of his host, and even doubted that he breathed. It was well past midnight when the expedition was rounded up and returned to their Hotel. Octavio's last look at the mansion of Petrosio Giovanni showed the master of the house standing like a statue watching them leave, his eyes seeming to glow from the reflected torch light of the coach. ''

			**Octavio's Diary**
	At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.		At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.

Keith: /* May 10,1858 */

2022-05-13T04:24:51Z

May 10,1858

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:24, 12 May 2022
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	''Much was lost when the mountain erupted, and both cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii were buried. We here in Naples are fortunate, we were able to improve our lot because of what happened, and my ancestors have grown rich in the shadow of Vesuvius. He turned somber eyes to Octavio, who shifted his solid frame under the scrutiny. "I have provided for you several wagons and the supplies that were asked for on the list. I have also conscripted about 30 men to be laborers for you. Though I am sure there will be more men and women willing to work for you when you get to'' La Civita.''<br>		''Much was lost when the mountain erupted, and both cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii were buried. We here in Naples are fortunate, we were able to improve our lot because of what happened, and my ancestors have grown rich in the shadow of Vesuvius. He turned somber eyes to Octavio, who shifted his solid frame under the scrutiny. "I have provided for you several wagons and the supplies that were asked for on the list. I have also conscripted about 30 men to be laborers for you. Though I am sure there will be more men and women willing to work for you when you get to'' La Civita.''<br>
	''"I would warn you against allowing Scorfollo to become involved in your affairs. He is a local man there who seems to cause problems to my endeavors in the area." the rich merchant said, his face somber, his body still as he spoke. "He has cost me money and equipment in the area. If you do have to deal with him keep my name out of it, or it will be to your detriment." ''		''"I would warn you against allowing Scorfollo to become involved in your affairs. He is a local man there who seems to cause problems to my endeavors in the area." the rich merchant said, his face somber, his body still as he spoke. "He has cost me money and equipment in the area. If you do have to deal with him keep my name out of it, or it will be to your detriment." ''
			''As dinner wore on Octavio and his men enjoyed the food, it was well cooked and had a beautiful, unique presentation. Fowl, pork, and many roasted vegetables were served. Fine Italian wine flowed freely. An old man came in and was seated at the far corner, playing an accordion while being accompanied by an elderly woman who might have been his wife on guitar and singing softly. Petrosio was charming and warm, engaging the men around the table, guiding his servants with gestures and looks. Octavio watched him, and how the face of Petrosio would still from time to time, and seemed apart from his guests. In those moments Octavio was chilled by the stillness of his host, and even doubted that he breathed. It was well past midnight when the expedition was rounded up and returned to their Hotel. Octavio's last look at the mansion of Petrosio Giovanni showed the master of the house standing like a statue watching them leave, his eyes seeming to glow from the reflected torch light of the coach. ''

	At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.		At dinner tonight I met Petrosio Giovanni, he has been instrumental at arranging transport, laborers, and equipment for our dig. Petrosio is a man of medium height and fine features. He has been blessed with the flawless skin of our kind, and a fine head of dark black hair. He dressed as a Lord of the Manor in silks and fine fabric. His very air seems to be as a man who has always been very wealthy. I don’t believe he is married, and he never introduced a wife tonight. The women came and went on his arm tonight, they were all very adoring toward him. While he was engaging and kind, to be truthful diary he at times exhibited as cold a demeanor as I have seen in some time. I do not mean to impugn his welcome, but whenever we were not actively engaged, he seemed to be watching us as if apart, sifting out how useful we would be, not our kind host. I will be glad to be on the road. The rough time on ship has made me unkind.