The first portion of the volume is entitled "Journal of HMS Sylvia's Proceeding From May 1st 1867 To kept by Lieut J. W. Gambier R.N." It gives daily course, position, current, wind, f force, "w", pressure, temperature, number of sick, and quite detailed remarks, sometimes rather unofficial. First anchorage was off Singapore on May 5, 1867. Some entries of note include August 16, 1869: "Yokohama. Capt Brooker invalided & was succeeded by myself." August 20: "Heavy typhoon...a great deal of damage." "For further remarks vide Commanders remark book until 9th January 1870--(transmitted to Agent--to pass accounts." January 9, 1870: "HMS Sylvia. Joined Comd. St John." There is also a sketch of South Cape Formosa, June 14, 1867. Some descriptions of shore journeys. Ship uses both sails and engines.

The second portion of the volume, reversed and written in the back of the volume, is "Log of the ship Ellenborough from Hong-Kong to England," dating from May 22 to December 12, 1870. This gives course changes, wind, speed, noon position, and brief remarks daily. Apparently a troop-ship. Under sail, but stops for coaling. Hand differs from item 1. Mentions Lieutenant Gambier on June 13.

On the leaf before this second log starts is a list of HM Ships "Retribution" "Iris" "Malacca" "Defence" "Sylvia", [list of captains, etc, including] Sylvia. Capt L [?] W Brooker, Act Comdr Gambier, Comdr H.C. St John.