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.

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 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.