Vol 1 - Private journal of Adm William Henry Maxwell, 27 December 1873 - 9 June 1876, written from his home, Holywych House, in Cowden, Kent. Beginning with his birth in June 1840, the journal covers reminiscences of Maxwell's early childhood and accounts of his career, including details of his time as a Cadet and early voyages. Significant events include a voyage to Pitcairn Island, where Maxwell met some of the Bounty mutineers' descendants, and anti-slavery voyages that he was involved in. It also records his time in HMS EXCELLENT.