This small journal contains John Nicholson's record of two military assignments. The earlier one dates from May to October 1848 and is written in a slightly smaller book with blue paper covers and is sewn into the center of an outer diary. Here John Nicholson, Lieutenant in the 3rd West India Regiment, describes his post in Demerara and his journey up the Massaruni River to a penal settlement. He records other soldiers and doctors in the regiment, sickness, other ships that come to port, his journey to the penal settlement, and punishment of other soldiers in the regiment. The outer diary records Nicholson's assignment in Gambia, West Africa from October 1849 to December 1850. One of the chief goals of the regiment was to secure MacCarthy Island, a major trading post, as rival tribes disputed land rights and tolls. Nicholson describes sickness and fever, which he suffers from during his time in Gambia. Nicholson writes of a search for a missing paymaster and the outcome, church parades, illnesses, and deaths. In Gambia Nicholson receives word of his promotion to captain and his transfer to the 77th regiment of Foot. Nicholson leaves West Africa on a small French cutter bound for Belgium, called the Zephyr. He arrives in London on 26 January 1850. Some entries have the date written with a blank line next to them. Written sideways on the last leaves is a list of books, authors, and publication dates. One entry includes Nicholson's thoughts regarding the book.
