The records consist of individual manuscript lists of incoming passengers compiled by ship masters. These lists identify the name, port of origin, and date of arrival of each ship, along with the master's name and signature. Generally, the lists give the name, age, place of birth, occupation, place last from, nation owing allegiance to, and remarks (sometimes referring to means of subsistence) of each passenger. Many of the lists also include a physical description of each passenger, including height and complexion. Lists written in foreign languages generally are accompanied by manuscript English translations, possibly made at a later date by archives workers.

In addition to the individual ship lists, there are also manuscript monthly lists of all vessels entering the port of New Orleans (excepting those at Bayou St. Jean), giving date of entry, name and type of vessel, master's name, "whence from," tonnage, and remarks. These lists are signed by D. Prieur, who served as Recorder for the city during 1822.

At least some of the individual passenger lists in this series also appear in the Customs lists now held by the National Archives. This series also includes, however, lists from ships arriving from other U.S. ports, whereas the National Archives lists represent vessels arriving only from foreign ports..