This daily diary covers the entirety of 1872 with only a few missed entries. It also contains cash account notes for 1872-1873. People and subjects mentioned in the diary include: E.W. Morse, the Bowers Family, A.E. Horton and Mrs. Horton, Horace Greeley, Horton House and its guests, gardening, local weather and concerns about drought, real estate work and a deflating market, social activities and celebrations, arrival of steamers (especially the Orizaba), attending Church services by various preachers, involvement with the San Diego Daily Bulletin and later seeing it sold to Gould, city elections, Tom Scott and attempts to bring in railroad, increase in real estate business after railroad declared, railroad construction and dealings with San Diego & Gila Railroad, reports of work on ranch in Jamul, news of local murders and trials, and Shepherd’s own general health and dental problems. A typed list of interesting entries is located in file with diary.

A typed index of correspondents is located in the inside cover of this letterpress book.

A portion of a letter written to sister and friends, and an open letter to the City Trustees.