The index, contained in 3 boxes of 3"x5" file cards, is in 2 parts. The first part, indexing only vol. 1 of the Detroit Gazette (July 25, 1817-July 17, 1818) includes abstracts of most of the news items indexed. Most entries are under personal names, with some entries under the names of organizations and places. A few subject entries are also found. The index is in alphabetical order by the entries assigned by the compiler. The second part, indexing vol. 1-13 (1817-1830) includes only a few abstracts, containing primarily only page references to items in the newspaper. Entries are grouped under 34 general topics, with specific subjects arranged within each topical group. Most entries are under subjects or the names of organizations. Only a few personal name entries are used, mainly the names of political figures. The 34 topical groups are arranged alphabetically, while order within each group is chronological or by subject. Since both parts of the index cover vol. 1 of the Gazette, there is overlap between the parts. The researcher should be aware that all relevant articles might not be indexed. There is no documentation to show how complete the index is.
