Volume I - 21 December 1826 - 15 September 1827. Primarily regarding the unsettled state that Henry Williams perceived the Bay of Islands to be in, as well as apprehensions for the safety of the mission and considerations of removing it. Williams also writes of the brig Victoria being taken by prisoners from Port Jackson while bound for Norfolk Island, the arrival of Samuel Marsden, and the wounding of Hongi Hika.

Volume II - 26 September 1827 - 29 February 1832. Account of numerous journeys by land and sea to the various settlements, Keri Keri, Rangihoua, Kawakawa, Mangungu, Tirohanga, and Mahurehure. he writes of sailing the Herald to Whakatane and Tauranga, and of launching the Karere and sailing it to Tauranga, Maketu, Rotoiti, lake Rotorua, Mokoia, and Ohinemutu. Also begun in this volume is an account of Williams' journey southward to meet with different iwi to discuss the war.

Volume III - 1 March 1832 - 9 July 1833. Continuation of Vol. II Williams journey southward. He visited Mercury Bay, Whakahau Island, Tairua, Whangamata, Amahu, Katikati, Matakana, Karopua, and Otumoetai. Also covers William involvement in peace negotiations between Ngapuhi and Ngatiawa and a small account of the war. other peace making missions are described, such as his journey with Mr Fairburn and the account of their dangerous passage.

Volume IV - 10 July 1833 - 31 January 1840. An account of his journey to Pakihi, Te Totara Pa, Te Kari Pa, Rau Pa, Wanake, Matamata, Warekaua, Matutapu, Rangitoto, Omaha, Whangamata, and Tutukaka. Also included are accounts of the Busby family moving into the residence at Waitangi, which was subsequently attacked. Williams also writes of the beehives. also accounts of missionary journeys, such as when he visited Octavius Hadfield's station.