This journal describes Welch's journey from his home in England to the coast, the long wait for the wind, the voyage, preparations against possible attack by pirates, visits to Barbados, Nevis, and other islands, and his arrival at Port Royal in Hispaniola.

These papers include sketches made on a trip to the United States, Canada, and the West Indies; catalogs of objects of natural history, such as fish, animals, insects, and fossils, sent by him to the Museum; and notes.