Cruiser Castilla
MRS. TEODORA ALONSO
MY MOST BELOVED MOTHER,
As I promised you, I address you a few lines before departing to inform you of the state of my health.
I’m well, thank God; I’m only worried about how you will get along or how you have gone through these troublous and restless days.[1] May God will that my father did not have any uneasiness.
I shall write you from some ports of call of the mail-boats. I expect to be in Madrid, or at least in Barcelona, towards the end of this month. Don’t worry about anything; we are all in the hands of Divine Providence. Not all who go to Cuba die, and finally one has to die, at least may one die doing some good.
Take very good care of yourself and take care of my old father so that we may meet again. Many regards to my brother, sisters, nephews, nieces, aunts, etc. I leave contented, confident that while you live, the family will be united and the old cordiality will reign in it. You are the bond that unites us all.
The Most Excellent Captain General has behaved towards me very well. I’m going to show him, if God gives me time and health, that I know how to reciprocate.
With nothing more, my most beloved mother, I kiss your hand and my father’s with all the love and tenderness that my heart is capable of; give me your blessing that I greatly need. An affectionate embrace to each of my sisters. May they love one another as I love them all.
Your son,
JOSÉ
01-912 [Family]
[1] He refers to the first encounters between the Katipunan and the Spanish soldiers. See Teodoro A. Agoncillo, The Revolt of the Masses , Quezon City, 1956, chap. IX.