22 November 1886

Binondo, Manila

He receives a letter from Rizal written at Leipzig – Congratulates Rizal on his knowledge of German – Considers Rizal lucky for his God-given talents – Wishes him glory – News of mutual friends – The bachelor life is hard but better that than be badly married.

* * *

9 Malinta, Binondo

22 November 1886

Mr. Jose Rizal

My distinguished Tacayo, Friend, Co-Babylonian Doctor,

In my possession is your esteemed letter dated at Leipzig, 3 October last with a letter addressed to you by the immortal Luna. I’m not entirely unaware of the difficulties encountered in seeking employment at that capital city, difficulties that can be overcome with money. For this reason I am not surprised at what you tell me in your letter and I am sorry to have caused you displeasure, asking you for a thing[1]….[portion damaged; illegible]

If….[damaged, illegible] that you are a legitimate hope….[damaged] we have there, afterwards your son will bear the cross, but, as we are now, it would be prudent to do something in his favor. We hope, however, sooner or later, to know that son who will undoubtedly be useful to his father as well as to us.

L.V., the swallow that will not come back, was married one day in July to J. P. whom you already know. The wedding was held against the wishes of the mother of the young lady but with all the pomp possible.

In the following September Margarita Valenzuela married Jose Javier, and employee of a commercial firm. Mentang, I believe in the same month of September, married on from Indang who had been a little petty clergyman, owner of some houses in Sta. Cruz.

Still to follow are Tentay and her N. and Oñang and her S. In short, may the newly married and those who are still to be married live happily.

Vicente Gella returned to Antique weeks ago to take the examination for secondary-school teachers. He is justice of the peace of the provincial capital and acting judge of first instance because the permanent judge there is going on leave. It seems he is going to open a law office and school to find out how one can earn a livelihood.

Leon Apacible, who is also an attorney, will soon return to Batangas where he has a permit to practice his profession.

Simeon Dadiva is still at the Intendencia General de Hacienda as a third class aspirant with P500 annual salary, despite being a lawyer.

The first two comrades are still bachelors, and the last one has been married for years.

All our girl friends are getting married and the few who remain single soon marry.

I don’t know, dear Tocayo, when I shall get married because I’m not courting anyone. My present life is reduced to dancing two or three times a month in two houses – in my cousin’s and in my uncle Tomas del Rosario’s, whom, it seems you met in Spain. In these houses foregather some young men, among them Cabañgis with whom you lived in Barcelona and who told me that you remember a great deal the Question of the Orient.[2]

I’ll give you information on these two young men: The first is a lawyer from the university here with a law office and the second is a physician from Barcelona with a practice in his native down. Both are still bachelors without fiancés.

I see that….[damaged portion] our girl friends….[damaged]….also.

I felicitate the recently married there wishing them good luck.

The same to our immortal Luna. I congratulate you on your progress in the study of the difficult German language. When are you going to England?

Margarita is still single but already engaged; the same with M. to our M., student in the 4th year medical course. Catalina Vasquez remains a widow with one boy. Pololeng is in La Concordia College as an elementary school teacher; it is nothing more than a title.

The Question of the Orient remains beside her parents in Dagupan; I don’t know when she is coming.

Our compadre Rosauro is still in the office writing reports every day, as I am forgetting every day this language. Galicano is in 5th year medicine; he treats successfully some families at this capital.

All those young men send you their affectionate regards.

They have a good practice in that country of placing on the envelope the name of the letter’s sender so that when the addressee is not found, it can be returned to the sender.

Your sister Trinidad is a young lady now. I saw her at the house of Mrs. Concha Leyba….[damaged], for recently your sister Maria married one from Biñang.

You are right in saying that a bachelor’s life is sad, but, Tocayo, it is better to be alone than to be badly married.

Lucky you are who have use of all faculties God has granted to man.

Receive the affectionate regards of my parents and brothers and of your very affectionate friend who wishes you glory, and happiness on this earth.

Jose M. Cecilio

02-180 [Blumentritt V.1]