The record book is a manuscript log of the messages received and sent through the system. Each message is identified by the time sent, the station sending (with operator's initials), the station receiving (also with operator's initials), and, in most cases, the date. The text of each message is recorded, along with the text of the answering message. Messages deal with sightings of criminals, fire alarms, lost children, runaway enslaved persons, etc. Several messages around the time of the Federal capture of the city in May, 1862 may be of special interest.

An example, from February 21, 1862 (10:30 AM, station 7): "A stray boy about 3 1/2 years old named Joseph, dressed with a blue woolen shirt and a reddish woolen hat can be found at this station. Ans: OK."