The Castilla
She can send him things through the sailor bearing this letter – Don’t send his nephews to the ship – Instructions on how to send him letters – He is in good health.
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On board the Castilla, August 12, 1896
Sra. Da. Teodora Alonso
My very dear Mother:
The sailor who takes this letter is the one placed at my disposition thru the kindness of the Commander of this cruiser, and I send him ashore, first so that he may give you news of me and then get some things that I wish to have, like some Laguna cheese, terrinas de foie gras, mangoes, etc. If you want to send me something through him you can do so.
I request you not to bother sending here any of the boys for it is useless and it is a superfluous expense. Drop the letters in the mail box, and deliver the packages to the post office of the Navy, a small house which, they say, is near the General Headquarters of the Navy; place an inscription which says: officials of the cruiser Castilla.
I am in good health,
Love to my aunts, cousins sisters, etc., etc.
Your son who adores you,
JOSE RIZAL
01-904 [Family]