18 September 1891

Ghent

Going to Hong Kong with 800 copies of El Filibusterismo as soon as he receives money – Advanced copies for Basa and Sixto Lopez – They must not make noise so that the books’ entry in Manila will not be prohibited – Rizal declines the offer of the Propaganda of a monthly pension of P100 – It comes so irregularly, that is to say, it does not come at all – “I prefer to work and live on my own.”

* * *

9 Rue du Hainaut

Ghent, 18 September 1891

[MR. JOSE M. BASA]

MY DEAR FRIEND BASA,

By this mail you will receive two copies of my Fili, one for you and the other for friend Sixto Lopez,[1] in case he is still there.

If by the following mail I receive passage-money, I will sail on 4 October and will arrive there on the 4th or 5th of November, bringing with me some 800 copies. It is fitting then for you there to read these two volumes without making much noise in order that they may not be able to prevent the entry of the remainder into Manila.

I thank my friend Sixto and you and I hope that we see each other soon. I cannot accept the offer to me of the Propaganda to give me 100 pesos monthly, because they come so irregularly, that is to say that they don’t come at all, and as you well know I can’t live on hopes or promises. Despite what they have promised me, until now I have received only three hundred pesos for the months of February, March, and April. They owe me for months of May, June, July, August, and September. I prefer to work and live on my own.

I am very sorry that business is going badly. In case you lack money the copies of my Morga and my Fili will answer for what I owe you.

Friends Ariston Bautista and Abella have been here and have gone to Germany.

If I receive some 100 pesos, I will surely leave on the 4th of October.

This is all for now. Receive an embrace of

Yours affectionately,

RIZAL

Regards to my friend Sixto.

03-649 [Reformists]