Scope and arrangement
The diaries document the expedition down the Green and Colorado rivers and through the adjacent country. Diary entries have to do mostly with the topographical surveys, with frequent mention of inhabitants including Uinta, Navajo, Pai Ute, Moqui (Hopi) and Shewits Indians, and Mormon settlers.|||Volume 1 (1871 April 24 - November 28). Voyage from Green River, Wyoming to the mouth of the Paria River, Arizona (including a visit to the Uinta Indian Reservation) thence overland to Kanab, Utah. Beginning of the topographical survey in the vicinity of Kanab.|||Volume 2 (1871 November 28 - 1872 August 13). Exploration of the Uinkaret plateau, Hurrican ledge, Virgin mountains, etc. and the region of the Dirty Devil to Kanab, thence to the mouth of the Paria.|||Volume 3 (1872 August 14 - September 7). Voyage down the Colorade River from the mouth of the Paria River through the Grand Canyon to the mouth of Kanab Canyon.|||Volume 4 (1872 September 8 - 1873 January 24). Journey up the Kanab Canyon from the mouth to Kanab; exploration of Kaibab plateau, Mt. Trumbull, Mt. Logan, Mt. Dellenbaugh, etc.|||Volume 5 (1873 February 1 - 1874 April 27). Journey through various sections in the vicinity of Kanab, thence to Salt Lake City, Aurora, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.