The documents are in English and French, and are dated Lyon, Marseilles and Paris, 1859-1894 and undated, including one document with the paper watermarked 1831. They include accounts of Arlès-Dufour and Co. and Desgrand père and fils with Matheson and Co.; a market report of Henry Fiertz and Co., Marseilles; a statement of the import of Chinese silk into France for 1848-1861; lists of parcels of Jardine, Matheson and Co. remaining unsold by Arlès-Dufour and Co.; memoranda regarding shipments of silk; stock accounts of Arlès-Dufour and Co.; memoranda from Arlès-Dufour and Co. to Jardine, Matheson and Co. regarding silk and cocoons, October 1855, April 1875 and January 1876, including one copy; copies of letters (in French) from A. Mazade, Marseilles, to Matheson and Co., 2 and 5 May 1865, regarding cocoons; and 'Note pour Shanghaë', regarding buyers and quality of silk, May 1884. The documents include reference to Armandy and Co.; Compagnie Lyonnaise d'Assurances Maritimes; and fabric.