Reporting from Rio de Janeiro on problems with his instruments and with discipline on board the Daedalus; transcribed by Sir Joseph Banks.

Vindicating the reputation of Lieutenant Hergest and informing Gooch of the execution of those people who were an accessory to the massacre.

Concerning the heavy percentage required of his son's money.

Concerning the money raised by the sale of his son's effects.

Giving news of the ship and sending on the regards of Mrs and Miss Smithson. The letter includes a note written in Greek characters.

Written immediately prior to embarkation and concerning his final preparations, his ship mates and his friendship with Lieutenant Hergest.

Written at sea, describing the 'crossing the line' ceremony performed upon crossing the equator and their touching at St. Iago (Cape Verde Islands), with a drawing of a woman of that island. Gooch also mentions his plan to publish a history of the voyage upon his return.

Providing a short account of their passage to the Falkland Islands and a heavy storm encountered there.

Concerning his salary, advice from William Wales on probable expenses during the voyage, his first meeting with Lieutenant Hergest, and his companions at sea.

Concerning the time of the ship's departure, and describing the companions with whom he would associate during the voyage.

Dated from Deal on route to Portsmouth, describing the Daedalus ship, the passage from Gravesend, and his friendship with Lieutenant Hergest, with mention of Hergest's entertaining accounts of places visited with Captain Cook. Gooch also discusses his attachment to Miss Smithson.

Continuing his account of the ship's arrival into Portsmouth and describing a meeting with Mrs and Miss Smithson. The letter includes a silhouette of Rev. R. Belward of Caius College, Cambridge.

Concerning a delay at Portsmouth and his concerns that the ship would be obliged to sail without Mr Pitts who had been sent to London with the damaged watch by Earnshaw.

Concerning further delays, his need for more money to pay the expenses of his equipment, and letters to Miss Smithson, his 'little Goody Two-Shoes'.