Volume one has printed headings with the title, "Bills receivable of the testamentary executors of the estate of John McDonogh," at the front of the book, with "Bills payable ..." at the rear. The front section appears, however, to have been used to record various types of financial paper held by the estate, including bills, notes, bonds, and warrants. Individual obligations, or series of obligations, are recorded by date of issue, name of drawer and/or endorser, date payable, and the amount of the obligation. In some cases other information (e.g., date of actual payment) is also included. The book appears to have been in use from 1850-1853.