The records are manuscript volumes, in French, grouped into four sub-series. There appears to be orverlapping portions of sub-series 1 and 2; this supports the interpretation of group 1 as being extracts from other records of the Conseil de Ville since there are many acts recorded in 2 that are not represented in 1. Since there are no pre-1816 records in subseries 2, it would appear that the acts for that period (as represented in subseries I) are incomplete. Information about such earlier acts, if not the complete text thereof, can be found by reference to the proceedings of the Conseil de Ville and the messages of the Mayor to that body.

In addition to the ordinances and resolutions themselves, these volumes also contain lists of individuals for whom relief benefits were authorized by the Conseil de Ville as well as numerous letters and other documents. This is especially true in the volumes for the earlier years. Among the correspondents represented in these letters are Rev. Patrick Walsh, Vicar General of Louisiana; Jacques Villere; Sister de Ste. Michel Gensoul, Superioress of the Ursuline Nuns in New Orleans; Louis Moreau-Lislet; Benjamin Henry Latrobe. There are also letters from various local institutions and/or their representatives, including the Library Society, the Medical Society, the Church Wardens of the Church of St. Louis, and the Trustees of the Presbyterian Church.

Researchers should note that Sub-Series 3 (the original English volume) is the only volume that is indexed; however, the WPA indexed its English translations, providing additional access points for these records.