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

Concerning the route of the voyage, and his prospects and plans in South America.

Concerning whether or not he would go abroad, Dr Maskelyne's close observation of him, his tasks at Greenwich, and clothing required for the voyage.

Giving news, including an account of Mr Peacock's successes towards being named Senior Wrangler.

Concerning his Cambridge examinations and his progress against Mr Peacock who was ultimately declared Senior Wrangler, with Gooch as Second Wrangler.
Also enclosing ranked lists of Wranglers and Senior and Junior Optimes [Mm.6.48: 13] and two copies of the tripos for the year 1791 (one translated) [Mm.6.48: 14-15].

Giving news and an account of a journey to Cambridge.

Giving news of Cambridge and of his plans to study Latin, Greek, French, Spanish and Italian during the voyage.

Concerning a delay to the departure and his expected duties as astronomer.

Concerning progress on his appointment as astronomer and Joseph Banks' opposition to it.

Concerning an interview with Nevil Maskelyne.

Concerning his preparations for going abroad and attention paid to him by William Wales, including his advice on suitable clothing and on bringing items to trade for profit.

Concerning a meeting of the Board of Longitude and an interview with Sir Joseph Banks, his first meeting with Captain New, his salary arrangements, and advice from William Wales on bringing his old coats and waistcoats for the voyage.

Concerning the Board's resolution with regard to his salary, a box received from his mother, and a visit to Sir Joseph Banks.

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 a visit by Mr Hankinson; thanking his mother for writing to him; requesting stockings and breeches; and listing some of his provisions for the voyage.

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.

Written from the Downs, giving a detailed inventory of the books, instruments and other belongings in his cabin; describing an accident in which a timekeeper by Earnshaw was broken by a cat [Mm.6.48: 56v]; and discussing their probable route.

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 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.

Stating that the ship was obliged to turn back to Portsmouth due to a change of wind, and giving other news.

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'.

Written on the first part of the voyage at sea and concluding at Tenerife. The letter includes a description of a storm encountered in the Bay of Biscay and mention of his plans to make Captain New's son and Mr Pitts computers of his observations.

Written on the departure of the Daedalus from Rio de Janeiro, with mention of taking down his observatory and of his disappointment at observing in bad weather.