Naval Manuscript Logbook/Journal.
A Journal of the Proceedings of his Majesty's Ship Chester Capt: Ric: Spry Commander, Commencing the Eleventh day of September One Thousand Seven Hundred & Forty Seven and Ending the Fourteenth Day of May One Thousand Seven Hundred & Fifty, By JS Lowell (?). 1747-1750, ink manuscript on paper, in a single hand, small folio (330mm x 210mm), approximtately 144pp., plus 4pp at the end of lunar calculations, and 37 blank leaves, each day includes winds, course, latitude & longitude, bearings and distance at noon, and remarks, general age-toning and spotting, contemporary vellum, inner hinges cracked but holding firm, vellum toned, various marks, extremities rubbed, boards a little bowed.

The journal begins in September 1747, and the ship was moored at Spithead (the Solent) until November. The ship headed south off the west coast of Africa, near the coasts of Madeira and Tenerife, and the vessel reached Table Bay on 28th March 1748. Whilst still moored in Table Bay, members of the ship's company were sent ashore for "3 chests of treasure". They sailed out of Table Bay on the 8th May and arrived in Turtle Bay, Mauritius, on the 24th June, eventually reaching Cuddalore on the east coast of India on the 27th July 1748, and on to Pondicherry (Puducherry) a few days later. The ship was bombarding the town for most of September; on Tuesday, 27th September, it notes the Admiral ordering them to head towards the shore and to attack the fortifications, where they were confronted by the French. The ship was moored in Trincomalee Harbour from October until May 29th 1749, carrying out ship repairs etc. On June 2nd, the ship saluted Edward Boscawen. In October 1749, the ship set sail again, reaching Table Bay at the end of December, before arriving back at Spithead on the 18th April 1750. There are several comments throughout the journey of the ships supplies, collections of treasure, and the transportation of prisoners of war.

The siege of Pondicherry (August – October 1748) was conducted by British forces against a French East India Company garrison. It was conducted by Admiral Edward Boscawen and continued until October 27th, 1748.