21 September 1896

Isla de Panay

21 September 1896

MY DEAREST MOTHER,

This afternoon we shall arrive at Aden for which reason I write you to give you some news about myself.

Our trip from Singapore to Colombo and from Colombo to here has been a happy one. There had not been much seasickness or much rain. Just some little squalls and rocking. Since yesterday the sea is like a pool but the heat is insupportable. Yesterday they dropped into the sea the corpse of a poor insane; he was a captain of the military administration called Cecilio who became insane as a result, they say, of his detention ordered by General Parrado. They put his remains in a box, tied to it some ingot iron and dropped the box into the sea at 2:00 0’clock in the morning. I was reminded of Luis Beaumont.[1]

I’m very much afraid that a Jesuit brother[2] may follow him. I have taken charge of him, having been given up by the ship’s physician. They have given him for dead some time ago but he is still alive, though he continues serious. I hope to be able to keep him alive some more days. The brother-in-law of Mr. Pedro[3] is worse but I am not the one treating him. He says his dysentery is worsening.

Last night the weather was fine with moon. The ship hardly moved or rocked.

I continue to be in good health.

Please send this letter to Callejon Estraude.4[4]

Many regards to all at home. I kiss your hand and that of my dearest father, and I embrace my sisters, brothers-in-law, and my nephews. My greetings to our relatives, friends, and the lads whom I advise to behave well.

At Barcelona I shall write again.

You son who loves you sincerely,

JOSÉ RIZAL

Please tell Josefina that I cannot write her for lack of time. She may consider this letter hers. I shall write her from Port Said.

03-915 [Reformists]