The volume comprising this collection is a handwritten, Italian translation of Dr. Basch's memoir, which was originally written in German. It is unknown who translated/transcribed this volume, which correlates closely, but not exactly with the 1869 published Italian version, Gli Ultimi Dieci Mesi Dell' Impero del Messico. Translated into English, the title page to this memoir reads, "Memorandum of the last 10 months of the Emperor of Mexico." The cover bears the label, "G.A. Moscheni, Trieste." The title page of the memorandum is dated February 3, 1866, however, this volume begins at the end of Chapter 9, late-January 1867, when Maximilian is planning to lead his troops into Queretaro. Basch documents the ensuing historic events including the siege of Queretaro, suspicions and evidence of treason, the defeat of Maximilian's army at Queretaro, and Maximilian's capture through the first 20 days of his imprisonment. The volume ends with an empty entry for June 4 (Chapter 19), when plans for an escape are underway. The published versions end with Maximilian's trial. Dr. Basch's memoir does more than provide a first hand narrative of historic events, it also provides an account of Maximilian's personal thoughts and internal wranglings, from his confidante at the time. The published English version of this memoir has the title, Recollections of Mexico.
