18 October 1891

Marseille

Not displeased with the Filipino colony in Madrid – “I completely ignore its policy, but its members, never. They will be friends always.” – Gratitude for the bagoong – Will embark for the Philippines in the afternoon – Received money that was promised him – Final farewells.

* * *

Hotel de Castille

Marseille, October 18, [1891]

My dear friend Roxas:

At last I receive a letter from you and I give you a thousand thanks for what you tell me in it.

I regret much what is happening to us but what shall we do? I advise everyone to have much prudence, so that there will be no scandal. I heard also that my name was the object of exploitation in the Philippines, but I hope that things will be placed in order. I am attending to this also.

It is not that I am displeased with the colony[1] in Madrid, no, much on the contrary. I owe it so much kindness which I shall never forget. I completely ignore its policy, but its members, never. They will be friends always. I do not take heed of its policy, because I foresee that it is leading toward our perdition, and frankly I do not want to fail because of foolishness. I want to save what remains. I ignore its politics and its organization [but], my friends, never.

Please tell my cousin Rianzares I regret much that he is angry for my not giving him thanks for the bagoong. When I received it Alejandrino only told me that Tomas sent it to me: afterwards, when Abreu came, I learned that Ruiz also sent it, and I wrote to this, giving him my thanks. Now I know that Pablito is also one of the givers, but only now, and I hasten to give him my thanks in the same manner. Just in case, I give thanks to Sugang.

Do me the favor of telling Mamang[2] Tetoy that I received the books and that Cord de Cruz will pay for them. Gratias agimus.[3]

This afternoon I am embarking for our country

Regards to Aguilera and tell him that I have received what they promised me, only that the bill of exchange being on Barcelona and from Barcelona to Paris the 500 pesos has been reduced to 360 more or less. What a loss of money because of the money changers.

Much love to Da. Matilde, Elenita, Mrs. and Miss Angela, the same to our orator, to the future judge and to Homero dormitante[4] Goodbye.

Yours affectionately,

J. RIZAL

02-666 [Blumentritt V.2]