James Scott Melville's diary seems primarily to record his emigration in 1833 from New York State to Boston, and from there by sea to Quebec, on the Brig Mars out of Liverpool, under the command of Captain Watt . On 7 March 1833 Melville left his home in New York State, probably Fowlerville, the next day reaching Avon, also in Livingston County . Melville then traveled to Le Roy in Genesee County, and perhaps Orangeville as well, reaching Waterville in Oneida County by 19 April 1833. By 11 May 1833 Melville took ship at Boston bound for Quebec, making a stop enroute at Barrington, Novia Scotia on 27 July 1833.
A penciled draft by Melville of a testimonial to the ship's Captain Watt, states that Melvlle had been delegated by the other passengers to deliver the encomium upon the safe completion of their journey. Other entries indicate that he was interested in court trials, and may have had training in the law from the succinct manner in which he records the court proceedings and witness interviews for a fairly colorful domestic dispute, involving a contrived marriage scheme tried at Orangeville in Genesee County, N.Y .
The drafted testimonial also establishes that the emigrants ' ship left Boston destined for Quebec . One of the diary's most substantial entries, dated 27 July 1833, recounts the ship's stop enroute to Quebec at Barrington on the shore of Nova Scotia . Melville records that he and several other passengers have been ashore there to visit with local inhabitants, enjoying the hospitality of a good meal. Melville comments on the shoredweller's surroundings and way of life, particularly the crops, orchards, timber, and other natural resources being cultivated. He also describes a the wreck of a ship which was said to have a valuable cargo of silks, fine linen and wine, reported to have been salvaged by Americans . Melville himself observed the wreckage still left on the shore of Cape Sable Island . Fairly remarkable in this diary is the account of a substantial number of letters for which Melville records himself as having taken either the responsibility to deliver on his travels, or to write himself.
From the guide to the Inventory of James Scott Melville Diary Ragan MSS 00108., ca. 1833, (Cushing Memorial Library, )
