Dapitan
Pablo Mercado carries out a friar intrigue — Revelations — Letters and other writings of Rizal to embarrass him — Detention of the impostor — Rizal’s helpers: Edjawan and Agapay – Preparing for Christmas – Much joy for the letter of his nephew Alfredo.
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Dapitan, 20 December 1893
MR. MANUEL T. HIDALGO
MY DEAR BROTHER-IN-LAW MANENG,
I was unable to write you by the previous mail for lack of time, for the boat left unexpectedly.
With regard to Pablo Mercado, I tell you that he came here presenting himself as a courteous friend in order to get from me letters, writings, etc.; but I found him out soon, and if I did not throw him out of the house brusquely, it was because I always want to be nice and polite to everyone. Nevertheless, as it was raining, I let him sleep here, sending him away very early the next day. I was going to let him alone in contempt but as the rascal went around saying secretly that he was my cousin or brother-in-law, I reported him to the Commander who had him arrested.
It was revealed in his declaration that he was sent by the Recollects who gave him ₱72 and promised him more if he succeeded in wresting from me letters for certain persons in Manila. The rascal told that he was a cousin of one Mr. Litonjua, son of Luis Chiquito, according to him, and brother-in-law of Marciano Ramirez. He wanted me to write to these gentlemen. He brought along besides a picture of mine, saying that it was given to him by one Mr. Legazpi[1] of Tondo or San Nicolás, I don’t remember exactly. It seems that he belongs to a good family of Cagayan de Misamis. Be careful of him; he is a tall boy, somewhat thickset, slightly squint-eyed, dark, slender, broad shoulders, and of impudent manners. He smokes much, spits more, and has thin lips.
With respect to what Abelardo may have, you can be right, so that hydrotherapy is not contraindicated. It would not be bad in my opinion to give him something of strychnine, but one must know how to administer it.
I believe two boys of mine are going there: One of them is Mateo Edjawan, a verv commendable young man, son of a gobernadorcillo of Paete, who has served me very well. You can ask him for details. The other one I believe is Pedro Agapay who is going to be in my father’s service.
Here we are making some preparations for Christmas. We have made paper lanterns.
Alfredo’s letter brought me much joy. By the character of his writing, though not much can be said because it is not yet well shaped, he seems to be a lad of clear intelligence, quiet, not very lively, fine, and with time, he will be reserved and will know to keep secrets, his own and other people’s. I don’t believe he will be distinguished by the impetuosity of his ideas or of his character, but indeed, he will be pensive, a thinker, polite, and considerate. This is what I seem to divine by the character of his writing. But I may be mistaken half and half. He is besides affectionate.
Many regards to Sra. Neneng whom I wish the best of health possible in this world.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Your brother-in-law who loves you,
JOSÉ RIZAL
01-805 [Family]
[1] Estanislao Legazpi