12 October 1888

London

Father Vicente Garcia’s courage is inspiring – The Noli is being analyzed critically in the Philippines – Rizal: “My work has defects.” – Too engaged to manage a periodical – Intensive research in the history of the Philippines at the British Museum to prepare himself for his tasks.

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37 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, N.W. London

12 October 1888

Jose Rizal

My very dear Friend,

Appreciating the interest you have taken in sending me an extract of the reply as well as the copy of the Noli, I am writing you this because there are in your letter things that need a prompt reply and decision.

There is nothing I object to in the letter of our countrymen theologian.[1] I ought to appreciate his disinterested defense, for I do not know him and to rejoice that we have now fellow countrymen who even there dare to look face to face at our now powerful enemies and answer them. This erases all my displeasures and gives me courage and confidence. If you cannot tell me his name at least express to him my sincere compliments, etc. etc.

What does La Oceanía say of us and of Friend Blumentritt?

Basa has no other address but his name in Hong Kong – José María Basa.

I see that they are winnowing a great deal my work here and there. It seems that it does not please them, but Holy God! If besides their liking for us and to our dislike, I still have to write to give them pleasure, what is going to happen to us? Notwithstanding, I myself admit that my work has defects and I have said so at the very beginning, but I believe that they are not so many nor are they so colossal. For the rest I shall try to avoid them in my next week.

With regard to the newspaper, I appreciate very much your wish, but I am already more or less engaged to manage one. Now I am devoting myself day and night to certain studies, for I should not want to manage any periodical without possessing some knowledge about the country, its history, its government, because it seems to me that we shall have to fight a great deal and it would be desirable to fight and defeat the enemy. For this purpose I am making use of the very rich library of the British Museum the like of which cannot be found anywhere else. For this reason, I am going to remain here for a long time yet. From here it is easy for me to go to Belgium, Sweden, and Norway, passing through Holland, Germany and Denmark.

Concerning the management of España en Filipinas, I am greatly honored by what you tell me.[2] I shall always be at the service of my country and what my fellow countrymen think I can do I shall do. However, in my opinion it is much better if you manage it, if it is published in Barcelona, or one at Madrid if in Madrid, and for God’s sake, may it not be so weak as La Paz! It is not possible for one to manage it from abroad.

I greet affectionately our countrymen, regards to Luna, and to friends Esquivel and Aguirre; may they enjoy and form with you a league.

Enclosed is the little work that was presented in Manila and stirred noise.[3] As I expect that the clerk who copied it committed some errors, you may correct it. I am very busy.

Remember me to Plaridel.

Yours,

Rizal

01-336 [Family]