Dr. Silver's diary for the year 1863, includes his observations on the Civil War and politics, farming, gold prices, social events, and medicine. Dr. Silver often mentioned social gatherings, church meetings, and trips. One trip to the oceanside at Cape May, New Jersey, was described in some detail, from their swimming costumes and people they met to their travel arrangements and expenses. Finally, Dr. Silver's medical practice was noted in his diary. He listed each patient's illness, his prescribed treatments, and often made some personal comment about the patient's life.