Murphy's diary is a small (13 cm.) volume of English manufacture, with vellum binding and marbled endpapers. It contains entries in Murphy's hand for most dates between 1 March and 13 April 1865; these vary in length from around 30 to more than 200 words. The entries chronicle Murphy's movements up and down the Shenandoah Valley; describe his interactions with soldiers and civilians; and relay news and impressions of the local and broader war. The volume also contains memoranda, ciphering, and other notations of Murphy's, some of which are contemporary with the diary entries. Writing is exclusively in pencil; one opening, bearing entries for 16 to 19 March, is badly smudged and in large part illegible.