The collection consists of Enoch Stephens's diary from his time in the 5th NY Veteran Volunteers from January 1st, 1865 to December 26th, 1865. Most entries describe the weather and the time of daily drills and dress parades, but the diary also documents such events as the fall of Richmond, the surrender of General Robert E. Lee, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Stephens' time guarding the Lincoln Conspirators and witnessing the executions, and the paying off of several regiments.

The diary itself is relatively small (8cm x 5cm) and the entries are mostly legible and written in pencil. Transcript available.