Letters home, written during Gooch's final examinations at Cambridge and in the preparatory and early stages of his voyage on the Daedalus (up to the ship's arrival at Tenerife in September 1791). The series also includes a note received from a friend and various bills of receipt.

Letter written from O’Whyhee a few days before his death. Gooch mentions his concern upon discovering that he had used a false meridian, and subsequent corrections he had made to his observations. He also mentions his expectations of returning to England in 1794 or 1795.

Congratulating her on her twentieth birthday.

Congratulating her on her birthday.

Mentioning his son's good character and prospects.

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 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.

Written as the ship left Rio de Janeiro, concerning journal entries he had sent to Miss Smithson.

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.

Describing their arrival at Portsmouth where he met Mrs and Miss Smithson. The letter begins with a drawing of a ship at sail.

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