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Achille François Bazaine Correspondence
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Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
Bazaine, Achille François, 1811-1888
General Achille François Bazaine was commander-in-chief of the French Expeditionary Corps of Mexico from 1863 to 1867. Under his command the French troops seized control of Mexico from the legal government of Benito Juarez.
The collection consists of 74 letters and documents received by Bazaine from various French and Mexican military and political figures. Because Bazaine controlled all military activities, several of the letters have important military content, including battle and spy reports. Others illuminate the more mundane affairs of running a country from day to day--reports on railroads, executions, collecting taxes, paying bills, prisoners, public works, etc. Many of these letters have Bazaine's autograph remarks on their contents. Also included are several other personal letters not sent to Bazaine that give insight into everyday affairs of ordinary citizens. Finally, there is an autograph letter from Bazaine himself, and there is one letter by him to a "Captain Clary. Bazaine's correspondents include a wide range of military and political figures, both Mexican and French. The condition of the letters vary. At one time, all were mounted in an album and contain traces of the old mounts on their blank versos.
The following standard abbreviations, or their variations, are used to identify materials in this collection: ALsS = autograph letters signed, LS = Letter Signed.
The letters are arranged chronologically in one box.
Purchased from Howard S. Mott in 1999.
This collection was processed in 1999. Finding aid written in 1999.
No appraisal information is available.
People
Organization
Place
- Publisher
- Manuscripts Division
- Finding Aid Date
- 1999
- Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open for research use.
- Use Restrictions
-
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to RBSC Public Services staff through the Ask Us! form. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.
Collection Inventory
ALS in Spanish from Dublundey to Ramon Osequero, who is confined in the national prison, demanding to know why he is in Mexico. Folio, ½ page, 1862 May 31. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Printed passport form in Spanish accomplished to Francisco Zarega so that he may carry out a mission given to him by General Ignacio Comonforte. Signed by Ignacio Zaragoza, who issued the form. Several visas document his trip. Folio, 2 pp., 1862 July 10. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
San Juan del Rio. LS in Spanish from General Comonforte to General Luis Ghilardi relaying a military order. Folio, 1 p., 1862 October 30. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Geronimo. LS in Spanish from General Comonforte to an unspecified correspondent stating that the artillery ammunition has arrived at the fort and is in servicable condition. Folio, ½ page, 1863 April 17. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[no place]. LS in Spanish from [illegible] to the political chief of Tepuatepec concerning some public works. 4to. 1 ¼ pp, 1863 September 15. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from José Salazar to Colonel Boyer informing him of improvements to the road between Pueblo and Mexico City. Folio, ½ p. With holograph note of Bazaine in left margin, 1863 October 14. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Jose [—] y Boccenegro to General Bazaine explaining that he is investigating the alleged criminal conduct of José Peres Castillo and a Frenchman named Coffe. Folio, 1 p., 1863 October 29. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in French from [illegible] to General Bazaine concerning the difficulties collecting 25% federal tax. Folio, 1 p., 1863 November 10. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from J. Raigora to General Bazaine concerning political matters in Morelia and Queretano. Folio, 1 p., 1863 November 16. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[no place]. ALS in French from J. N. Almonte to General Baron Neigre requesting that Colonel Barragan be given space on the next packet boat. 8vo. 1 p., 1863 December 16. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Guadalajara. LS in Spanish from Miguel Miramar to General Bazaine. Extremely important and detailed letter concerning the defense of Guadalajara and the condition of the troops defending it and the surrounding countryside. States that he has enough soldiers but insufficient weapons with which to arm them, although he has bought a few such items locally. Requests that Bazaine send him more weapons. Folio, 2 pp., 1864 February 12. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish fron Juan de D. Peza to General Bazaine concerning executing his order about troop assignments. Folio, 1 p. Right edge wrinkled and torn, affecting the text, 1864 February 25. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Guernavaca. LS in Spanish from Felipe Chacon to General Bazaine reporting that there have been no new developments in his territory and stating that the people named on an enclosed list (not present) have been pardoned. Folio, ½ p., 1864 April 11. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from J. M. Arroyo to Napoleon Boyer enclosing Abadro's passport (not present). Folio, ½ p., 1864 April 27. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Guanajuato. LS in Spanish from [illegible] to General Bazaine sending a copy (not present) of the recently published issue #45 of the official periodical of his department. Folio, 1 p., 1864 August 20. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Iguala. LS in Spanish from Juan Vicaro to General Bazaine enclosing a copy of a broadside (not present) recently circulated in the vicinity. Folio, 1 p., right edge chipped and torn into text, 1864 September 3. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Azcarate to General Bazaine stating that in accordance with the General's suggestion, he has put the local bums, prisoners, and old men to work on the local railroad. Notation in Bazaine's hand in upper left. Folio 1 p., 1864 September 20. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS from Francisco de P. Fabera to General Bazaine concerning military readiness in his district. Long notation in Bazaine's hand across top. 4to. 1 p., 1864 September 22. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. ALS in French from [illegible] to Mr. Maillefest stating that his friend Ortega has asked to see the drawings of the Derosne engine for working sugar cane and asking that Maillefest return a set of the drawings to him. 8vo. 1 p., with integral address leaf. On letterhead of Commission Scientifique, Littéraire et Artistique of Mexico, 1864 October 6. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Minister of State Velazquez de Leon to General Bazaine enclosing a telegram (not present) concerning the troop movements in Omealca and Cuellar. Folio, 1 p., with integral blank, 1864 October 15. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Parral. ALS in Spanish from F. G. Ortega to Manuel Querada. Personal letter asking Querada's assistance in relocating his family, whom he is moving because of threat of war. 4to. 1 p., with integral blank, 1864 October 16. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[no place]. ALS in Spanish from J. M. Gonzalez to Manuel Andrade. Personal letter requesting permission to supply a local prisoner, who has been recommended to him by an aquaintance, with certain personal articles (mattress, pillow, etc). 8vo. 1 ½ pp., on mourning paper with integral blank, 1864 October 21. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from H. De Estillo to General Bazaine acknowledging receipt of a letter from him concerning J. M. Santillan's request to be reinstated as a tax commisioner for Tula. Folio, 1 p., 1864 November 8. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Jalisco. LS in Spanish from Vigata (?) To Manuel Querada stating the because General Antonio Carvajal is taking care of personal matters, he is appointing Querada in his place as governor and military commander of Durango. Folio, 1 p., with integral blank, 1864 November 9. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Allende. LS in Spanish from M. Quezada to Cayetano Pardo asking that he deliver wool and cattle for the army, because he has no other way to pay his troops. 8vo. 1 p., with integral address leaf, 1864 November 15. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Contes y Esparza to General Bazaine stating that he has informed the Emporer of the occupation of Manzanillo by Marquez's troops. Folio, 1 p., 1864 December 10. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Minister of Justice Escudero to General Bazaine stating that his office has received the documentation concerning Antonio Morales, Francisco Morales, Blas Morales, and Maximiliano Soto, all of whom were condemned to death and executed 31 December 1864. Folio, ½ p. Escudero was one of the few ministers Maximilian could trust, 1865 January 2. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Minister of Justice Escudero to General Bazaine stating that his office has received the documentation concerning Dolores Zetina, condemned to death and executed 31 December 1864. Folio, ½ p., right edge wrinkled and dirty, affecting text, 1865 January 3. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Minister of Foreign Affairs to General Bazaine stating that he is sending diplomas and military medals for the Order of Guadalupe to be presented to certain French troops, as ordered by Maximilian. Folio, ½ p., right edge wrinkled, dusty, and torn, affecting text, with 5-line notation in Bazaine's hand, 1865 April 12. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Puebla. LS in French from Fancisco Guera (?) To General Bazaine stating the General Arces, the two Romeros, another man named Arces, and Gongora have been released. Only General Tapia remains a prisoner of war. Folio, ½ p., right edge torn and wrinkled, affecting text, 1865 March 24. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Morelia. LS in French from Baron van der Smissen to General Bazaine informing him that the man named Legorreta, for whom the police are searching, his disappeared without a trace, along with his baggage. 4to. 1 ½ pp. Van der Smissen, even though disliked by Bazaine and Maximilian, was a trusted confidant and friend of Empress Charlotte, 1865 June 11. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from [illegible] to [illegible] requesting that the persons who have this letter be allowed to continue to Sinaloa at the Emporer's request. 4to. 1 ¼ p., extremely faint, 1865 June 23. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
San Luis Potosi. LS in Spanish from A. Panadi to General Bazaine. Excellent letter relating a see-saw encounter at the Hacienda de la Soledad between Imperialist and Republican troops in which the former finally prevailed. Folio, 1 ½ pp, 1865 July 3. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. ALS in Spanish from Luis Roble Remuda to General Bazaine stating that he has missed the last transport and requesting the date of the next appropriate one. 8vo, 1 p., with integral blank, 1865 July 4. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
San Juan de Dios. LS in Spanish from General [illegible] to General Bazaine requesting a meeting to discuss private matters. 4to. ½ p., 1865 July 5. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from José Maria Esteva to General Bazaine informing him that Maximilian has appoved of General Brincourt's plans to reorganize the administration of Parras. Folio, 1 p., 1865 July 16. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from M. Duran to General Bazaine, stating that Ignacio Mariscal is not to be found in Mexico City and that the imprisoned Francisco Mariscal really is a judge and should be released. 4to. 1 p., 1865 August 25. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Minister of War Peza to General Bazaine discussing the imprisonment of one Mariano Pico. ½ p., 1865 October 11. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Azcapatzalco. ALS in Spanish from General Carlos Rivas to General Bazaine stating that the condition of the roads forces him to remain where he is until the passage of a French force. 4to. 1 p., 1865 October 12. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in French from Baron Tindaz (?) to one of Bazaine's aides informing him that he has carried out Bazaine's orders to transfer to the French arsenal several weapons captured from some Mexican nationals who were arrested and imprisoned at Belen. Folio, ½ p., 1865 October 16. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Minister of Foreign Affiars H. De Astillo to General Bazaine sending him three notes (not present) from the Imperial Consul in New Orleans about the reaction of the U.S. to dissidents residing there. Folio, 1 p., 1865 November 7. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[no place]. ALS in Spanish from Felipe N. Chacon to General Bazaine requesting an audience to receive his orders. 4to. ½ p., with Bazaine's notation that he could perhaps meet with him on the 19th from 2-4, 1865 November 16. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Cuernavaca. LS in Spanish from J. S. Casanova to General Bazaine informing him that Maximilian has granted amnesty to Bonaficio Castelo and his subordinates. Folio, 1 p., 1865 November 22. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Guadalajara. LS in Spanish from Marrano Monett to General Bazaine stating that he has, after several attempts, been appointed political prefect and expressing confidence in Bazaine. 4to. 1 p., 1866 January 10. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[no place]. LS in Spanish from L. Roblu to General Bazaine stating that his employee says he left a book with a sergeant. 4to. 1 p., on mourning paper, 1866 January 26. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from General Rosa to General Bazaine. Rosa states he knows that Captain Echeverria, although on trial for the mutiny of his garrison, has gone to Mexico City on Bazaine's orders. He asks that Echeverria be returned as soon as possible, since his absence is complicating the trial. Folio, 1 ¼ p., top edge wrinkled and chipped, touching a few letters, 1866 January 28. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Matamoros. LS in Spanish from Misal to General Bazaine recommending General Herrara y Losada for command of the department of Queretaro. 4to. 1 p., left edge torn and clumsily repaired. Contemporary notes in blue crayon on left side, one of them summarizing the answer to this letter, 1866 February 5. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[illegible]. LS from D. Bineau to General Bazaine sending him a copy in confidence of a recently published "Boletin oficial." 4to. 1 p., 1866 February 10. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Hermosillo. ADS in Spanish by General Langberg repeating a January 31, 1866 report from F. A. Gandara in Magdalena. A document that is basically a spy report provided by Francisco Padres, whom Gandara has debriefed. Includes extensive discussions about Americans being organized in California to help the Republican troops and about other military plans. Folio, 2 pp., some edge wear affecting a few words, 1866 February 11. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Tepic. LS in Spanish from Manuel Rivas to General Bazaine enclosing some items (not present). Folio, ½ p., 1866 February 14. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in French from Voutulaine to General Bazaine stating that, in keeping with Commander Kermarec's findings, there appears to be no reason not to allow the Sangronis Company to reopen an existing railway entrance into Vera Cruz, so long as it can be firmly shut when neccessary. Folio, 1 p., with integral blank, 1866 February 17. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Guaymas. LS in Spanish from Emilio Langberg to General Bazaine. Langberg explains that Colonel Almada's defeat at Alamos was caused primarily by the poor state of his artillery. Folio, 1 p., right and bottom edges chipped slightly into text, 1866 March 12. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Saltillo. LS in French from Peluma to General Bazaine enclosing a summary (not present) of correspondence seized from Davila, who was captured on 2 March. Folio, ½ p., 1866 March 19. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Oaxaca. LS in Spanish from "El Visitador Imperial" J. P. Fanco to General Bazaine informing him that on the 26th Frederico Larrainzar gave testimony to a court concerning the condition of the province and requesting that Bazaine give the testimony careful attention. Folio, ½ p., 1866 March 28. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Tampico. LS in Spanish from Desamadrio to General Bazaine, stating that he presented Bazaine's recommendation to Le Strange and the English League, and informing Bazaine that Le Strange departed on March 28. Folio, 1 p., right edge wrinkled and torn with loss, 1866 April 3. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Minister of War José M. Garcia to General Bazaine requesting a meeting with him soon. 4to. 1 ½ p., 1866 April 14. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from J. Lopez Portilo (?) to General Bazaine stating that he has been appointed commander of the 4th division in Guadalajara and that he stands ready to support the French troops in this capacity. 4to. 1 p., 1866 April 16. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from Nicola de la Portilla to General Bazaine stating that he has been appointed commander of the 7th military division and awaits Bazaine's orders. 4to. 1 p., 1866 April 17. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from José M. Tribamen (?) to General Bazaine's secretary stating that he is not sure when he will be returning to the 8th division and would like an audience with the general to receive his orders. 4to. 1 ½ p., 1866 April 23. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in French from Triant (?) to General Bazaine. A denunciation of a merchant named Martin Levy who has been engaged in dishonorable dealings with the French, the Mexicans, and the Austrians. It is recommended that his spurious claim be rejected. Folio, 1 p., with integral blank, edges wrinkled and torn affecting text, 1866 May 3. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in Spanish from [illegible] to General Bazaine stating the the proposed repairs at Rio de los Morales will be modified to address the General's military concerns. Folio, 1 p., 1866 May 6. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Tepic. LS in Spanish from Manuel Lozada to General Bazaine. Long letter of military content explaining the complicated reasons that his victories at Concordia and Jacobo were not total. Folio, 2 ½ pp., with extensive notes in Bazaine's hand, 1866 May 19. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Morelia. LS in Spanish from Ramon Menendez to General Bazaine concerning a proposed visit to Morelia by Mr. Patino. Menendez states that he has no objections to the visit so long as it is brief and of a non-political nature. 1 p., with 5-line notation in Bazaine's hand, 1866 June 1. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Jalapa. LS in Spanish from J. Calderon to General Bazaine. A glowing recommendation for José Ochoa, who is praised in the highest terms. Folio, 1 p., with brief note in Bazaine's hand, 1866 June 3. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[illegible]. LS from J. O'H[illegible] to General Bazaine informing him that the railroad to Chalco will be inaugurated on the 7th in San Angel and requesting his attendance at the ceremony. 4to., 1 p., with 6-line notation in Bazaine's hand, 1866 June 4. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Rioverde. LS in Spanish from General Aureliano Rivera and two others to an unspecified correspondent; on the verso is the person's answer. Rivera and the others announce that they are ready to restore their correspondent to his rightful position as Governor of San Luis Potosi. In his answer (dated 11 July and signed "C.C."), their correspondent equivocates and puts them off. Folio, 2 pp., with integral blank, 1866 June 10. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Durango. LS in French from Dafastagy (?) To General Bazaine enclosing two reports (not present) from Mr. Rubia in Batapilas about recent events and about Ramirez's death. Folio, 1 p., 1866 June 15. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[Mexico City?]. ALS in French from Campbell Scartell (?) to General Bazaine, stating that tomorrow he intends to send his courier, Rafael Beraza, to Vera Cruz with dispatches and requesting that he be accompanied by an armed escort, because since the railroad workers have quit they are plundering everything right and left. 8vo., 1 p., with integral blank, 1866 June 27. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. ALS in French from General Bazaine to Captain Clary ordering him to bring his infantry and cavalry to San Francisco for duty there. 8vo., 1 p., with integral blank, 1866 June 30. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[no place]. Printed receipt form in French signed by General B. Magruder acknowledging receipt of a dispatch from General Bazaine. 12 mo., 1 p., 1866 July 1. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in French from M. Blauchot to General Bazaine's secretary asking for instructions concerning Primo Ameche, who alleges he is a colonel and has been confined to prison for the past month on Bazaine's orders. 1 p., 1866 July 29. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Queretiro. LS in Spanish from [illegible] to General Bazaine welcoming him to the city and asking for an audience the next day. Folio, 1 p., bottom edge wrinkled and torn, wth Bazaine's three-line remark: "At 4 this evening with all his retinue. Done.", 1866 August 21. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in French from Triant (?) to General Bazaine concerning who is responsible for paying postal service charges. Folio, 1 p., with integral blank, bottom and top edges chipped and torn, 1866 November 17. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
Mexico City. LS in French from [illegible] to General Bazaine. Concerns the payment of 80,000 francs for the repair of the harbour piers at Vera Cruz. 4 to. 1 p., with integral blank, extensive note in Bazaine's hand at upper left across part of the original text, 1866 December 25. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[Mexico City?]. ALS from Napolean Sogy stating that there is no trunk anywhere that he can find that was supposed to be sent to Colonel Boyer. 8 vo. 1 p., undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[Mexico City?]. ALS from L. De Noue to Mailifest concerning collecting a debt from Captain St. Arma. 8 vo. 1 p., with integral blank, undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder
[Jalapa?]. Last page only of an LS from General Feliciano de Luiaga apparently fo General Bazaine. Folio, ¼ p., undated. 1 folder.
Physical Description
1 folder