In Siberia epilepsy developed to such a point that it was no longer possible to entertain any doubt as to the character of his malady.
On leaving prison, in 1854, and becoming a soldier, Dostoevsky was much better off.

He was soon promoted to the rank of ensign, wrote a little, planned "Notes from a Dead House," and in 1856 married.

At last, after prolonged efforts, he received permission to return to European Russia, in July, 1859, and settled in Tver.

In the winter of that year, his rights, among them that of living in the capital, were restored to him, and in 1861 he and his elder brother began to publish a journal called "The Times." The first number contained the first installment of "Humiliated and Insulted," and simultaneously, during 1861-1862, "Notes from a Dead House" appeared there also, in addition to critical literary articles from his pen.

This and other editorial and journalistic ventures met with varying success, and he suffered many reverses of fortune.