The journal consists of brief daily notes, covering the journey to V.D.L., his arrival and the first year of his appointment as Registrar of the Supreme Court. There are many references to other settlers, especially his friends William Fletcher the Deputy Assistant Commissary General; Edward Bromley, Naval Officer and Treasurer of the Police Fund; Judge J. L. Pedder, and Anthony Kemp. Sorell also notes his personal expenses and expenses of his horse and share of the house and land leased at New Town.