The letter book covers Cole's naval service under Sir Edward Pellew and his successor, William O'Brien Drury. Much of the correspondence, including several long memoranda, are concerned with Cole's claim to a senior appointment in Pellew's squadron, which led to a breakdown in relations with his senior commander. His correspondence whilst serving at Penang includes a number of letters to the Governor in Council of an administrative nature. There is also a letter to Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, 11 October 1809, who was then secretary to the Governor, concerning his dual role in charge of the Naval Office, together with related correspondence. The letter book ends after Cole's return to Penang in November 1809. At the back of the volume are handwritten transcripts, ship orders, rules for unmooring, rules in the event of fire, sea duty and regulations of the marines.