Ten handwritten pages, two notes. This is not a day-by-day diary, entries were apparently made on a yearly basis; however, the writer likely kept notes throughout the year to add to the diary. Subjects include the weather, success of crops and some personal items. Speight records his filing for the NC Senate race at Kinston, his election in 1852, and his defeats in 1866 and 1875. During the war he mentions skirmishes near his home and news of other battles. He records the death of various people and the wounding of others. In 1876, he tells of going to Kinston to hear Zebulon B. Vance.