Dapitan
Mateo Edjawan, Rizal’s pupil, going to Hong Kong – Delivery of P50 – Asking for rice – Rizal’s subscription to Scientific American – Family is doing well – Rainy weather – Paciano’s steam engine – Rizal has many patients – Prescriptions for those in Hong Kong.
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Dapitan, December 20, 1893
My dear Father:
A young pupil of mine named Mateo Edjawan, son of Cpn. Mariano of Paete, is going there. He is returning, because his mother is ill. He will stay there before he goes to Paete.
Through him you will receive 50$ for expenses which we might incur or have incurred. I wish that you would send us in the next boat four sacks of rice.
If Don M. de los Reyes gives you a bill for my subscription to Scientific American, please pay it. I believe that it will not exceed 10$.
Nanay is well, happy and does not suffer anymore from colic. Trining has grown stout, somewhat dark but she has a good color.
Emilio is improving. I have already succeeded in having him make a lantern; he fixes his slippers and works a little.
The weather here is rainy and this month we have not been able to do anything. Besides, the wild pigs, the monkeys, horses, carabaos, etc. are destroying my plants. If I had my pistol and some 200 cartridges I would be freed of them.
The idea of Sr. Paciano to buy a saw for his steam engine seems to me very excellent. He may tell me if he wants me to attend to this: I shall write to America for a catalogue. It would not he bad to have stones and lumber cut, for when I return I shall be ready to have an ordinary house built.
We received the sugar and the book on gynecology. In the previous mail I received the forceps for pulling incisors. Another for extracting molars would be welcome.
Here we have had many patients, many operations, etc. All became well, thank God.
Nothing remains but for me to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all in the house, friends, etc,
I kiss your hand affectionately.
Your son,
JOSE RIZAL
For the sickness of Antonino and Isabel, give hidrobromate of quinine, 1 gram in 10 pills, three pills daily for Antonino and 2 for Consuelo. Take beforehand an emetic. Even after the fever has disappeared, continue taking the pills for some days.
Very important: If there is in Manila any bazar or store where eyeglasses are sold, please buy two pairs, grade + 14 D, for my patient operated on for cataract and send them on the first boat. If they are not available there, ask the store to order them from Europe and send them later to Palilan (Misamis), to Don Tomas Ynson, for Don Ignacio Tamarong, who will pay well for them.
01-804 [Family]