Papers of the Board of Longitude : Log book of HMS 'Resolution'

Daily log entries beginning on 21 June at Sheerness, where Wales 'got on board the timekeepers' and his instruments, which he spent the following days examining.

Log entries covering the voyage between Plymouth and Madeira. The entries are mostly daily, with some summarised. On 2 July Wales notes that [Admiral Sir Hugh] Palliser and some other gentlemen came on board and were saluted with 'three cheers' by the seamen. Before the ship set sail, Wales and Bayly took observations on shore at Drake's Island []. On 10 July he carried the timekeepers ashore to set the time, noting that Mr [John] Arnold set his timekeeper himself; the timekeepers were then checked by Captain Cook and Lieutenant Cooper before being carried on board. In the entry for 12 July, Wales provides details of his equipment, which included compasses made by Mr Gregory and Mr Adams, and a map of Plymouth by Mr Gilbert. The ship set sail from Plymouth on 13 July with the Adventure in company. The following entries record information on the ship's course, latitude and longitude readings, variations, barometer and thermometer readings, and other observations by Wales. On 20 July they sighted the coast of Spain, landing at Madeira on 29 July, where Wales records that he was obliged to take his instruments ashore to the Custom House, 'where every box was opened and examined, which took up much time'.

Note that the entries for 13-31 July continue over two pages for each day.

Daily log entries, travelling from Madeira [] towards the Cape of Good Hope [], via the island of São Tiago [Cape Verde]. Each entry continues over two pages. On 12 August the Resolution anchored in the Bay of Porto Praya, São Tiago where Wales drew an accurate plan of the bay (enclosed). In the following entries, Wales records his observations and notes that the ship was watered and its decks cleaned and smoked. He also logs information on the ship's water stills, noting on 27 August, for example, that they had distilled about 14 gallons of 'very good tasted water' from salt in about three hours. Two deaths are recorded in the log entries: on 19 August, a carpenter named Henry Smock fell overboard and drowned while at work on the side of the ship, while on 26 August Wales reports that a gentleman named Mr Lambright on the Adventure had died of a cold caught at St. Iago RGO 14/58: 4a.

Drawn at a scale of three inches to a mile and signed by William Wales. The location of a watering place and fortification and town are noted, as are the latitude, longitude, and variation, with soundings in the bay noted.

Daily log entries, travelling towards the Cape of Good Hope. Entries include observations on the effectiveness of the two timekeepers on board, as well as remarks on seabirds spotted as the ship drew nearer to land, some of which were caught. Wales also reports observing a Dutch East India ship [] on the approach to Cape Town. On 29 October Table Mountain was sighted.

The time spent at Cape Town [] between 30 October and 21 November is covered by three summary entries, with daily entries provided for the rest of November. During that time, Wales brought his instruments [] on shore to take observations, with the permission of the Governor. In the entry for 14-16 November he describes an incident which occurred after returning the instruments to the ship, which caused Mr Arnold's watch to stop [RGO 14/58: 5v]. Wales records that the watch ran slow in the following days, requiring him to adjust his calculations of longitude accordingly. On 22 November the ship sailed out of Table Bay for the first Antarctic sweep. On 23 November Wales records that the ship's company were provided with very thick jackets and trousers by the government, in preparation for their journey further south [RGO 14/58: 6v].

Daily log entries for December, covering the Resolution's first Antarctic sweep. The weather quickly worsened and Wales reports sightings of whales, penguins and many islands of ice, which he often describes the shape of. In an entry on 14 December Wales records that he went with the master [Joseph Gilbert] to 'try the current & heat of the sea' and were almost lost in thick fog, 'after rowing some time backward & forward, hallowing & listening, we were lucky enough to find the Adventure' [RGO 14/58: 12]. The following night, in fog and snow, the ship's guns had to be sounded for much of the night to enable the Adventure to keep company, and Wales notes that they experienced great difficulty as the rigging was encumbered with ice. On 17 December, they found themselves surrounded by low ice on every side, and got free only with great difficulty [RGO 14/58: 12v]. An entry on 19 December records that wort was brewed for crew members who had begun to show symptoms of the scurvy [RGO 14/58: 13]. Wales also makes observations on the movements of penguins underwater, noting that some of the crew had managed to draw them close to the sides of the ship by imitating their calls [RGO 14/58: 15]. On 30 December, he records seeing ice stretching from nearly north-east to south-west, and while some of the men thought that they had sighted land beyond it, others disagreed.

The entries for 1773 were provided by Wales on a more or less daily basis, with no entries from the end of March until 11 May, while the ship was in New Zealand []. Two maps are included with the entries for August and September.

Daily log entries for January, crossing the Antarctic Circle on 17 January with the Adventure still in company. The entries include observations on ice-islands seen and on the difficulty of navigating in such conditions: 'the rigging is so encumbered with ice that it is with the utmost difficulty the ship is worked' [RGO 14/58: 16v]. An entry for 8 January reports that boats were sent out to collect a cargo of ice for drinking water, which Wales describes as 'more precious to us than gold' [RGO 14/58: 18]. Wales also reports on his equipment [], recording that on 22 January he had placed a thermometer near each of the timekeepers, which were kept on each side of the cabin, in case the fire in the cabin affected their accuracy [RGO 14/58: 21v], while on 29-30 January he mentions having problems with his marine barometer [RGO 14/58: 23v].

Daily log entries, made while in the Southern Ocean. An entry for 1 February records that they saw a large bed of sea-weed and some divers, and were certain land was near, 'but were equally at a loss which way to look for it' [RGO 14/58: 24]. Wales records that the Resolution lost sight of the Adventure in thick fog on 7 February; they fired guns and lit 'false fires' the following day and night but received no answer [RGO 14/58: 26v-27]. On 16 February Wales notes that he had asked the crew to report to him any 'extraordinary or uncommon appearance in the heavens' that they saw while on the voyage; Mr [Richard] Pickersgill had therefore reported seeing 'something like the Aurora Borealis', while Wales also witnessed and described the phenomenon over the following nights [RGO 14/58: 28-29]. There are regular reports on the frequency of ice-islands, which made travelling hazardous, while one entry on 23 February reports a curious ice-island shaped like a castle [RGO 14/58: 29v].

Log entries covering the voyage through the Southern Ocean and the return voyage to New Zealand [], to which the ship bore away on 16 March. Entries include reports on electrical experiments carried out by Wales [RGO 14/58: 31v] and on seeing the Southern Lights. The entry dated 26 March in fact covers the period until 28 March, and includes descriptions of Dusky Bay [] and Pickersgill's Cove [], New Zealand, where Wales was required to fell some trees in order to take observations [RGO 14/58: 37v]. There are no entries from the end of March until 11 May, but Wales notes that they travelled by a new sea passage in contrary winds, as a result of which they did not leave until 9 May; he also notes that he was suffering from a cold and fever all that time.

Daily log entries for 11-18 May, travelling from Dusky Bay [], New Zealand, to Stephen's Island. A detailed entry for 17 May describes experiencing water spouts at sea [RGO 14/58: 39v]. The entry for 18 May records that they reunited with the Adventure (at Queen Charlotte Sound, South Island) and Wales went on land to take observations. Wales also relates an incident relating to Mr Arnold's watch, the middle lock of which was found to have been broken by someone forcing the key, and the efforts required to open it without damaging the watch [RGO 14/58: 40].

Daily log entries are provided from 6 June when the ship left Queen Charlotte Sound with the Adventure in company, travelling on a course towards the Society Islands [] and Tahiti []. Wales records that Mr Arnold's watch stopped on 7 June [RGO 14/58: 40v]. On 22 June he went on board the Adventure and found that Mr Arnold's No. 1 timekeeper was slower than Mr Kendall's [RGO 14/58: 44]. On 10 and 14 June the Resolution briefly lost sight of the Adventure again, but the two fell in upon firing signals. An entry for 16 June records a near accident at the tiller [RGO 14/58: 42v].

Daily log entries, covering the journey towards the Society Islands and Tahiti. Wales repeatedly found that Mr Arnold's timekeeper was slower than Mr Kendall's. On 15 July the Resolution briefly lost sight of the Adventure again, but the two fell in upon firing signals. On 25 July Wales records seeing a tropical bird, with further sightings on 30 July.

Daily log entries are provided from 1-16 August, followed by summarised entries. On 12 August they passed a reef and small island which they named 'The Devil's Girdle' (map is enclosed). On 14-15 they sighted the island of Maitea [Mehetia], and on 15 August, Wales describes the arrival of local inhabitants in canoes filled with coconuts and fruit which they got in exchange for glass beads [RGO 14/58: 57v]. The following day he records that the ship struck a reef and was eventually moved to safety [RGO 14/58: 58]. On 25 August the ship anchored in Matavai Bay [] (Port Royal Harbour) where Wales and William Bayly took observations.

Discovered August 12, 1773 by Captain Cook in the Resolution. The map shows the course of the ship, with the latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich provided in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Entries for 1-16 September take the form of three short summaries, with daily entries provided thereafter. On 1 September, Wales records that the Resolution travelled from Matavai Bay [] to Huahine Island [], where he made observations [RGO 14/58: 58]. The Resolution left the Society Islands [] in mid-September, travelling towards New Zealand via the Tongan islands []. On 23 September, Wales describes two islands which Cook named Hervey's Islands, which appeared 'exceedingly beautiful' and uninhabited (a map is included). Another entry for that day concerns rationing [RGO 14/58: 60], while that for 29 September reads, 'The bread got up on deck to air, being grown very bad and full of vermin' [RGO 14/58: 61v].

Discovered by Captain Cook in the Resolution on Thursday, September 23, 1773. The map shows the course of the ship, with the latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich provided in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Daily log entries covering the journey to New Zealand via the Tongan islands [] or 'Friendly Islands'. Wales records that on 1 October they sighted Tasman's Middleberg [], followed the next day by Tonga-Tabu or Amsterdam [RGO 14/58: 62]. On 4 October he went on shore on Amsterdam Island where he took observations and made a sketch of the north side of the island; Wales also records observations on the tides [RGO 14/58: 62]. On 9 October they saw P?lstreet's Island but did not stop there [RGO 14/58: 63]. On 20 October they saw New Zealand, and the following day Wales records the arrival of local inhabitants in boats and the reception of their chief on board the Resolution where he was presented with trinkets and gifts [RGO 14/58: 66]. The ship travelled on via Table Cape, Cape Turn, Cape Palliser and Cape Campbell, occasionally losing sight of the Adventure for short intervals, before losing her completely on 28 October.

Entries for 3-25 November take the form of three short summaries while the ship was in New Zealand. The ship sailed from Cape Campbell, via Cape Koameroo, arriving at Queen Charlotte Sound on 3 November, where Wales took observations. In the entry for 23-25 November Wales records having 'occular demonstration of the inhabitants of this country being canniballs' (sic) of which he had previously been sceptical; he does not provide further details [RGO 14/58: 69]. He also mentions that the ship fired guns so that the Adventure might hear them if sheltering nearby. On 26 November, the Resolution left New Zealand via Cape Palliser, for its second Antarctic sweep.

Daily log entries covering the Resolution's second Antarctic sweep. Wales records the occurrence of penguins, seals, birds and seaweed, and of 'islands of ice', noting their size and frequency and the difficulty they presented for navigation. On 25 December he records the presence of upwards of 200 icebergs, which led him to suggest that land might be near [RGO 14/58: 76v]. On 16 December the cutter was hoisted out to collect ice for water; Wales keeps notes on the quality of the water produced from such ventures. An entry for 6 December also records that they 'passed directly opposite to London & drank to our friends on that side of the Globe' [RGO 14/58: 71v].

Log entries were provided by Wales on a more or less daily basis. There are 15 maps included.

Daily log entries covering the Resolution's second Antarctic sweep. Wales records observations on sea conditions and on the frequency of sightings of 'islands of ice' and seabirds. Entries for 6-8 January include observations of longitude by the distance of the sun and moon. The entry for 8 January also records many large albatrosses about the ship, one of which was caught and found to have a wing-span of almost 10 feet [RGO 14/58: 80]. On 25 January Wales notes that he 'saw a remarkably strong appearance of land' [RGO 14/58: 84]. On 27 January he records an incident in which a midshipman entered his cabin and dropped his stopwatch, breaking the ruby cylinder [RGO 14/58: 84v].

Daily log entries covering the Resolution's second Antarctic sweep. Wales includes observations on weather conditions and sightings of seabirds. On 5 February he records the occurrence of a large water spout at sea [RGO 14/58: 87]. In an entry for 15 February he observes that 'It is a little remarkable that in all our track to the Southward this year we have never once seen the least glimpse of the Southern Lights' [RGO 14/58: 89v].

Daily log entries recording the approach to and arrival at Easter Island. An entry for 11 March records Wales' first glimpse of the Easter Island Moai statues [], 'Saw by the help of our glasses several large statues or obelisks of wood or stone which are probably the Idols mentioned by the relators of Roggervin's [Roggevein's] voyage' [RGO 14/58: 95v]. Further descriptions of the statues and of their individual names are provided in the entry for 14 March [RGO 14/58: 96]. Wales also describes Easter Island and its inhabitants, who were 'extremely friendly but very thievish' [RGO 14/58: 95-96], and records sightings of tropical birds, Man-of-War birds, and a sea snake. A map of the island is included.

Discovered by Roggervein [Roggevein] in 1722 and seen by Captain Cook in the Resolution, 1774. The course of the Resolution is plotted, along with the depth in fathoms at various points around the island, and the latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich. Signed by William Wales.

Daily log entries until 21 April, travelling via the Marquesa Islands [], Palliser's Islands, King George Island and Matavai Bay [] (Tahiti). These are followed by summarised entries covering the period until the end of May, when the ship was anchored in Matavai Bay. The entries for 7-11 April include mention of being greeted in the Marquesa Islands by local inhabitants in canoes bearing fruit and plantains, records of observations taken, and descriptions of the islands [RGO 14/58: 102]. That for 17 April records encountering locals armed with spears on the islands identified as King George's Islands; according to Wales the islands were strongly contested by most of the officers to be the Labyrinth of Roggevein [RGO 14/58: 103v]. The entries from 22 April to 14 May record observations made at Matavai Bay where Wales went ashore with his instruments and found that his reflecting telescope had been made useless 'by dampness' [RGO 14/58: 105]. On 15 May the ship travelled on to Owharre Harbour [] on the island of Huaheine, where Wales made further observations but could not go on shore as the inhabitants were 'too troublesome' [RGO 14/58: 105]. Four maps are included.

Discovered by Mendana in 1595 and seen by Captain Cook in the Resolution 1774. The map shows the course of the ship and five islands: Hood's Island (to the north), Ohevahoa or La Domenica, Ohitahoo or Christina, Onateayo or St. Pedro, and Madga Lina (to the south). The latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Discovered by Captain Cook in the Resolution on Tuesday, April 19, 1774. The course of the ship is plotted and the east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

So called by Commodore Byron, 1765, and seen by Captain Cook in the Resolution, 1774. Taoukaá and a second, unnamed island are shown, along with a plot of the ship's course. The latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

The map also shows the reef surrounding Point Venus (DDD), the location of the observatory (O), and places where tide levels were recorded by Captain Cook, William Wales and William Bayly (A, B and C). Further details on the tide levels are provided in a reference table. A scale rule in furlongs is also provided.

The log entries cover the journey from Tahiti [] to Tonga [] via Howe's Island [Lord Howe Island], Palmerston Island, and Savage Island [Niue]. They consist of a single summarised log for 23 May-3 June, followed by daily entries. In the entry for 4 June, Wales records hearing from an islander who arrived by canoe from Huaheine [] that the Adventure was anchored there along with Mr Banks' ship, and that he had boarded and they had made him drunk [RGO 14/58: 105v]. On 14 June Wales notes that the crew were served bread, 'all our stock of bread-fruit and plantains being done' [RGO 14/58: 108]; the following day he records sightings of 'many hundreds of small sharks' [RGO 14/58: 108v]. The entry for 16 June includes a description of Palmerston Island [RGO 14/58: 108v]. Further entries record encounters with the local inhabitants. The log for 21 June, for example, describes a skirmish which took place on 'Savage Island' [RGO 14/58: 108v], while the entry for 28 June includes physical and behavioural observations about the inhabitants of the Friendly Isles [] [Tonga], described as 'by far the most friendly and civilised People of any we have met with in those seas, but ... as great Thieves as any and perhaps the most dexterous '. Wales also notes their skill in canoe-making, 'neater workmanship being not to be met with in any carpenter's shop about London' [RGO 14/58: 111]. Four maps are included.

Discovered by Captain Wallis in the Dolphin [] and seen by Captain Cook in the Resolution, June 6, 1774. The latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Discovered by Captain Cook in the Resolution on Thursday June 16, 1774. The ship's course is plotted and the latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Discovered by Captain Cook in the Resolution on Tuesday June 21, 1774. Bearings clear of the island are plotted, and the latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Discovered by Tasman in 1643 and seen by Captain Cook in the Resolution in the years 1773 and 1774. The lower part of the map shows the route of the Resolution and Adventure in 1773 and the islands of Tonga, also known as Tabu or Tasman's Amsterdam, and Eaoowe or Tasman's Middleburg []. The upper part shows the route of the Resolution in 1774 and the islands of Aggoa and Mattafoa, and south of these, Annamocka, Annamocka-Ette, Comango and Comango-Ette, Tonamai and Tellefageo, along with an indication of the depth in fathoms of the stretch between Comango-Ette and Tonamai and Tellefageo. The latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are clearly indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Daily log entries covering the journey between Tonga [] and the New Hebrides [], via Turtle Island. The entry for 3 July describes Turtle Island and records that boats were sent out to try to strike at the turtles, with no success [RGO 14/58: 112v]. The New Hebrides were sighted on 16 July. Wales provides descriptions of the islands and their inhabitants: an entry for 18 July describes the local inhabitants of Leper Island who wore plates of pearl oyster shells 'but seemed otherwise entirely naked' [RGO 14/58: 116]. Wales also records a bout of food poisoning on the ship as a result of eating a large fish caught the previous day [RGO 14/58: 117].

Note: there is no entry for 31 July, and Wales evidently missed a day as the entry for 30 July is marked Sunday but that for 1 August is marked Monday. Three maps are included.

Discovered by Captain Cook in the Resolution, on Saturday, July 2, 1774. The map also shows the course of the ship past the island. The latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Showing the islands of Terra del Espiritu Sancto (including Cape Cumberland, Cape Lisburne, and Cape Quiros), Table Isle, Bartholomew Isle, Passage Island, Aurora, Isle of Lepers, Whitsuntide Isle, Ambrim, Mallicola [], Malkelyne's Islands, Paoom, Alphae, Shepherd's Islands, Three Hill Island, Two Hill Isle, The Monument, Erramanga [], Immer, Tanna [], Irraname, and Enatum. The course of the Resolution is also plotted, with variation notes.

The map shows soundings in the harbour and complements the log entry for 4 July 1774. The latitude and longitude are provided, along with a compass arrow and a scale bar. Signed by William Wales.

Daily log entries covering the period spent in the New Hebrides [] [Vanuatu]; there are no entries 5-18 August. The entries include a description on 3 August of an attack on the crew by inhabitants of Tanna island [], whilst out looking for water [RGO 14/58: 120]. The following day Wales records that he was anxious to take readings on land, so in spite of local hostility and high surf he brought Kendall's timekeeper [] ashore, noting that the active volcano on the island 'fell in disagreeable showers' and was 'a very troublesome neighbour' [RGO 14/58: 120]. The entry for 23 August describes Mallicola [] [RGO 14/58: 121], while those for 26-27 August relate to the Bay of St. Philip and James, with detailed descriptions of the local inhabitants and their dress [RGO 14/58: 122]. Includes a map of Tanna Harbour.

The map shows soundings in the harbour and the locations of dry rocks at low water, rocks with sounds on them, a watering place, and the observatory. A reference table and a compass arrow are provided, along with latitude, longitude and variations. A note records that the soundings came from Mr Smith; signed by William Wales.

Daily log entries covering the ship's course through New Caledonia []; entries for 7-11 September appear to be covered in the log for 6 September. Wales provides a detailed account of his observation of an eclipse, and discusses the value of using Hadley's Quadrant for making such observations [RGO 14/58: 124v]. An entry for 28 September describes a difficult night anchored in a dangerous coral reef during bad weather [RGO 14/58: 129]. That for 30 September describes a small inhabited island where the ship anchored for supplies of wood and greens, which abounded with tall pine trees suitable for making a good mizzen mast and also with snakes with black and white rings [RGO 14/58: 129]. Wales records that he collected Lamb's Quarter, 'a most excellent green' resembling spinach, while the men shot at birds, but having eaten, many of the men fell ill again, suffering 'very severe gripings' (Wales on the other hand, had eaten sparingly, for fear of 'being affected by eating after so long an abstinence'). Includes a map of New Caledonia.

The map shows the course of the Resolution, with variations. The locations of Ballabea Isle, Pudyoua Isle, Cape Collinet, Cape Coronation, Queen Charlotte's Foreland and the Isle of Pines are indicated. The latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Daily entries from 1-18 October only, covering the voyage via the Norfolk Islands to Ship's Cove, New Zealand [], and including a map of the Norfolk Islands [RGO 14/58: 134]. An entry for 8 October records that a porpoise was caught and brought on board 'which made a feast for the whole ship's company' [RGO 14/58: 131v]. The entry for 10 October includes a description of Norfolk Islands [RGO 14/58: 132a] while that for 18 October describes landing at Ship's Cove and the difficulties Wales encountered in taking observations there. Wales also discusses the difference in longitude between his readings and those taken at the same location the previous year. In a detailed entry for 13 October, Wales records learning of an incident in which a party of men from the Adventure had been killed and cannibalised in Queen Charlotte's Sound some months earlier [RGO 14/58: 134].

Discovered by Captain Cook in the Resolution, on Monday, October 16, 1774. The map shows the course of the Resolution and the depth in fathoms at various locations. The latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Daily entries beginning on 10 November when the Resolution left Ship's Cove, New Zealand, travelling via Cape Campbell and Cape Palliser. Includes an entry for 13 November concerning an experiment by Wales to determine the greatest angle that a ship lies down when going on a wind [RGO 14/58: 135]. An entry for 21 November notes that the southern lights were visible 'but very faint and no ways remarkable' [RGO 14/58: 137].

Daily log entries, except for 21-26 December for which there is a single summarised entry. The Resolution was travelling on a course via Cape Noir to Tierra del Fuego. An entry for 20 December includes a detailed account of the observations taken by Wales on shore, and a description of Tierra del Fuego where they resupplied with wood, wild celery and plentiful wild geese (which enabled a Christmas feast to be had). Wales notes that 'excepting the Society & Friendly Islands, Terra del Fuego is the most plentiful place we have been' [RGO 14/58: 144v]. The entry for 3 December also records that the loss of the ensign staff which went overboard [RGO 14/58: 140].

Log entries are provided from 1 January until 1 August, covering the journey from Tierra del Fuego to the return landing at Spithead, London []. Four maps are included. The final entry records that Wales had brought the timekeeper to London in a post-chaise, where he returned it to Nevil Maskelyne, the Astronomer Royal, at Greenwich.

Daily log entries, covering the voyage from Tierra del Fuego to South Georgia Island [], and towards the South Sandwich Islands. Three maps are included. An entry for 3 January describes Staten Land [Staten Island] of which he says 'It did not appear to me by far so frightful as it seems to have done to the relator of Lord Anson's voyage'. He observes that it abounded with ducks and geese, and with sea fowl such as penguins and seagulls 'of which most of our people eat (sic) and thought very good: I must confess I did not much relish them' [RGO 14/58: 146]. The entries also mention seeing many penguins, whales and porpoises. On 30 January, they saw land at Thule [RGO 14/58: 152v].

Drawn at a scale of one mile to an inch, with latitude and longitude provided, along with soundings and variation. Signed by William Wales.

Showing Cape Disseada [Deseada], Cape Noir, Schapenbam's Bay, Whintband's Bay, Nassau Bay, Success Bay, Cape Success, Port Maurice, Cape St. Vincent, Cape San Diego, Cape St. Anthony, Cape San Juan, Cape St. Bartholomew, Staten Land, New Isle, Terbalten's Isle, [Enouts?] Isle, Barnevelt's Isle, Hermete's Isles, and Cape Horn. The course of the Resolution is plotted, with soundings shown in Nassau Bay. The latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Showing Sandwich Bay, Cape Charlotte, Royal Bay, Cape George, Possession Bay, Bay of Islands, Willis's Isles, Bird Island, Pickersgill's Island, Green Isles, Cooper's Island, and Clerke's Isles. The course of the Resolution is plotted with soundings. The latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich are indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

Daily log entries covering the South Sandwich Islands and the voyage across the South Atlantic Ocean towards Cape Town [], South Africa. The entries include observations of many islands of ice. Includes a map of the Southern Thule.

The map shows the course of the Resolution, with the latitude and east and west longitude from Greenwich indicated in the border. Signed by William Wales.

The log entries are daily from 1-19 March and 27-30 April, with summarised entries only for 20 March-26 April when the ship was anchored at Cape Town []. An entry for 17 March notes that five ships sailed in company on the approach to Cape Town; the following day, the mizzen mast broke right through and had to be lashed together [RGO 14/58: 164v]. The entry for the 20 March records the ship's arrival in Table Bay, where, upon finding that the Ceres East Indiaman commanded by Captain Newt [Thomas Newte] was headed home, Wales gave him a copy of his observations and a journal of his results for delivery to the Admiralty [RGO 14/58: 165]. The following days were spent taking observations.

Daily log entries, except for 16-20 May for which there is a single summarised entry. The Resolution was travelling on a course via the island of St. Helena (sighted on 14 May) and Ascension Island. The entries include remarks by Wales on his calculations of longitude [RGO 14/58: 170]. That for 29 May includes a description of Ascension Island: 'The whole island of Ascension seems to be one great heap of lava or melted matter'; it also recounts the arrival of a sloop from New York, from which they learned that 'the disturbances in America still continued, and what was much worse not likely to mend soon' [RGO 14/58: 172].

Daily log entries, travelling from Ascension Island to the island of Fernando de Noronha, off the coast of Brazil, which Wales describes as having perhaps the most romantic appearance of any island in the world [RGO 14/58: 174v]. The entry for 6 June notes that Captain Cook had received Foxon's hydrometer or patent log-reel from Captain Rice of the Dutch East India ship [] at St. Helena [RGO 14/58: 174]; the distances run from the ship are measured from this in the log book thereafter, with comments on its performance.

Log entries for the return journey, travelling via Fayal [Faial] in the Azores to Spithead [], near Plymouth, where the ship anchored on 29 July. Entries for the 13-18 July record that when the ship anchored in Fayal Bay Wales went on shore with his instruments to take observations by which he found that the watch was too fast for mean time; he goes on to say that he had a troublesome job of adjusting the instrument [RGO 14/58: 183-183v]. The final entries after landing at Spithead recount how Wales went ashore with Captain Cook and brought Mr Kendall's watch to compare with the clock of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth, where it was found that the watch was too fast, the total error of longitude being 47 degrees by his calculations. The last entry records that he returned the watch to Nevil Maskelyne, the Astronomer Royal, at Greenwich [RGO 14/58: 186v].

The log book ends with an explanatory note by Wales on the log book and his observations. It includes a discussion of how his calculations were made, for example, by the Astronomical rather than the Nautical Day; of what was included or omitted in his accounts, noting for instance that he kept no log for the passage from England towards the Cape of Good Hope [] as that navigation was well known; an explanation of the columnar titles provided in each log entry; and further information on the maps. Wales also notes that no further calculations of longitude by Mr Arnold's watch were kept after 7 June 1773, when the watch stopped.