Series III. Edward Augustus Silsbee Papers include his correspondence, notes and articles reflecting his literary activities, and his shipping papers. The series has been organized into three subseries.

Subseries A. Personal Papers include Edward's correspondence, memorandum books, invoices and receipts, and passport. The bulk of his correspondence, which is undated, concerns activities of friends, travels abroad, or literary and poetical themes. A large number of the letters sent are Edward's copies, which do not bear a salutation or closing. Of special note in the folder for Letters/diary is Edward's account of an early shipping venture for Neal & Company. The memorandum books, 1854 to 1896, contain not only daily reminders but Edward's personal observations and thoughts on a variety of subjects. Also included in this subseries are invoices and receipts for purchases made in Boston and abroad and Edward's passport which documents his travels from 1854 to 1862. Subseries B. Literary Activities includes Edward's essays, notes, abstracts, and quotations on literary figures and subjects. Literary figures mentioned include Shelley, Tennyson, and Lessing. The bulk of Edward's literary pursuits are represented by the notes and drafts of articles or lectures, many of which appear to be incomplete or in random order. Therefore, the original order in which Edward's notes were received has been maintained. In addition, miscellaneous notes include portions of writings that are not easily identifiable as letters, articles, essays, or lectures. Subseries C. Shipping Papers contain papers and memorandum books. The memorandum books are lists of goods, invoices, and observations made by Edward while in foreign ports. Edward's shipping papers pertain to the ships Syren, Columbia, and Windsor Fay. Of note in the shipping papers is a letter from Edward to Neal & Company relating damage which occurred to one of their vessels.