Paris
Returns to Manila summoned by his mother – Presentiment of a great disaster – Awaiting Rizal’s instructions for the triumph of good aspirations – Unity of the divided party at home – Let us maintain our ideal – Trained in French boxing and wielding a sword, he will not allow the Kastilas to mock him – He sent a book to Rizal.
* * *
Paris, 16 April 1892
MR. JOSE M. BASA
FOR DR. JOSE RIZAL
Hong Kong
DEAR FRIEND,
I received your letter dated 7th March. I am going home to our dear country. I will embark on the Caledonien on 1st May at Marseille. My mother has summoned me by telegram. I have a presentiment of a great disaster. I request you to give me instructions on what I should do, so that our good aspirations may triumph. We hope and we will endeavor to unite the parties at home that are said to be divided. This division will endanger our aspirations. We must maintain the ideal that can never be erased from our hearts.
If you are going to write me with an enclosure, address it to Messrs. Baer, Senior, Manila. I offer my services to you at Botica de Sta. Cruz, 10 Manila.
For three months I studied and practiced French boxing, swift blows, and also the handling of the sword at the Ecole Pratique de Baudoy, 108 Richelieu. It seems that I will not permit the Kastila to mock this face of mine.
In the last mail I sent you a copy of Traite Diagnostique Metznikoff. Have you received it?
Give my greetings to your family.
Command your sincere friend,
BAUTISTA
04-726 [Misc.]
1892.4.18
From: L. P. Marquez
To: Jose Rizal
Rizal’s friend, Portuguese physician Dr. Lorenzo P. Marquez, sends him a gift of three birds with suggestion how to cook them.
* * *
18 April 1892
MR. JOSE RIZAL
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I take the liberty of presenting you with three birds that I caught this afternoon, Cooked with a tiny piece of ginger and a little pepper they will make a good cup of soup.
Garlic can be added for relish.
Believe me.
Your devoted colleague
and friend,
L. P. MARQUEZ
02-727 [Blumentritt V.2]