Scope and arrangement
The diary was kept by a New York City man named Henry, whose first name is identified on the front endpaper, during the year 1856. Henry's last name and address, and the name of his church, are not identified in the diary. Along with spaces for daily entries, the diary contains an almanac with time and interest tables for the year.
Henry's diary features his daily entries, which consist of brief notes and sentences, never more than several lines (and sometimes only several words). Nearly every day from January to June has an entry. There are only three entries from July to December: July 20, October 10, and October 11.
In the diary, Henry summarizes his day-to-day activities and often comments on the weather. Activities that Henry addresses include piano lessons, where he usually mentions his students by name; organ practices at his church; meetings with church choir members; prayer meetings; and social visits at his home or other locations. He also discusses scheduling lessons for new students, maintaining his organ, and the health of his mother.
Henry names locations in New York City and elsewhere; during late May and June, he travels to Toronto and Montreal, Canada. He names other performers and friends with whom he visits, usually by either first or last name; full names are infrequently noted.