As shown by the log, by Mr Earnshaw's three timekeepers, by Mr Arnold's two timekeepers, and also by lunar observations. The journal includes a summary of the latitudes and longitudes of 'most of the remarkable places seen in the voyage' [RGO 14/68: 145v].

The observations begin with a note on the going of the astronomical clock and on Mr Arnold’s watch. Included are observations of equal altitudes observed with an astronomical quadrant by Bird; observations for finding the latitude; comparisons of Mr Arnold’s Watch No. 2 with the astronomical clock; transits of the moon and stars over the meridian; and observations on the west variation of the meridian.