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.