Beaumont's journal details his transatlantic voyage from England to the United States, with stops in New York and finally Richmond, Virginia. Accompanied by his brother William, Beaumont gives a detailed account of his journey. He describes extreme seasickness (pg. 2-3); surviving through an Atlantic Ocean hurricane (pg. 3); the abundant marine life, including whales, sharks, cod, and other large fish; information sharing with other passing ships; confusion about their ship's exact location (pg. 5-6); as well as a detailed narrative of his journey up the James River (pg. 13-21).

In this latter section, Beaumont describes arriving at the Cape Henry Light House and witnessing a ship wreck (pg. 13); taking a small boat to explore the James with 4 fellow passengers, including his brother William (pg. 14-17); exploring the abandoned Jamestown Island site and encountering horses and birds (pg. 14-15); and rowing across the James to visit a farmer's home (pg. 16). This expedition incurred the wrath of the ship's captain, who though Beaumont and his party were lost in the river. Beaumont also describes meeting a group of enslaved persons living along the James River "55 miles" from Richmond (pg. 18-19) before arriving in the city. Upon his landing in Richmond, Beaumont recounts his attempt to secure work in the tobacco industry and connect with his family members. He moved to Lynchburg, Virginia but travelled back to Richmond when his sister Harriet's family was killed in an accident on the James River. His sister Maria also died while in Richmond.

The final 8-pages detail Beaumont's accounting: his ship passage, his room and board, clothing purchased, funds lent, and other miscellaneous costs.