23 May 1887

Binondo, Manila

Rizal’s Noli me tangere received enthusiasm – Highly praised – Comparable to Cervantes’ Don Quixote de la Mancha – Tomas del Rosario is ready to defend it, if it is attacked – He suggests a way of introducing it into the Philippines – Manuel Rodriguez Arias, owner of Agencial Editorial at Manila, would be a good distributor – Encourages Rizal to continue writing – Asks Rizal to explain the use of the “K” in Tagalog.

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9 Malinta, Binondo, Manila

23 May 1887

Mr. Jose Rizal

Vienna, Austria

My distinguished Tocayo and dearest Friend,

I have your two letters which I have the pleasure to answer. The 8 copies of your novel were received by the wife of Hermogenes because he is in Bulacan.

I had to see Arcadio to get those copies which are now distributed among friendly persons who will give what they can for them. Don’t worry about their payment.

Tomas who has the same surname as Arcadio (del Rosario), he and I have found your work of the first order. It has all the qualities of a social novel, very brilliant description and style, forceful dialogue and without exaggeration, magnificent literature; in a word, according to Tomas, it is a Filipino Quijote for he compares it with the Quijote of our immortal poet Cervantes. This friend is ready to defend the work in case they attack it here.

His advice as to the best way of bringing your finished work is for a bookseller of that country to write Mr. Manuel Rodriguez Arias, owner of the Agencia Editorial, Carriedo Street, Sta. Cruz, telling him that, knowing he was engaged in the sale of books, he sends him so many copies of the book, charging for them the commission he believes reasonable. This gentleman knows the ins and outs of the customs, so that through him the copies can reach the buyers without going through the censorship.

It must be handled that way so that the book may reach its objective.

All those friends as well as I give you our most extraordinary congratulations on your work.

It should be called prudence that cautiousness which did not affect you but us who are defenseless. But do not be discouraged, produce more, for here and it will find enthusiastic reception.

Your brother has received four copies and the registered letter that I sent him.

Explain to me the “k” in Tagalog.

I have no sweetheart, Namesake, and therefore I can’t tell you when I shall get married.

Arcadio says for you not to worry about marriage, for if you wish, he will marry you off to one of his cousins, daughter of Don Andres.

Tell me the truth about the fate of Ceferino de Leon who, they say here, died in a duel with his…

I am glad that you are cured of hemoptysis, it is good to be a physician.

Do you earn there with your profession?

Regards from my father and brother and receive those of your very affectionate friend and servant,

Chengoy

P.S.

In compliance with your request in one of your letters, I appeared at the Gran Bretaña fifteen days after having received it, and as he was not there, I got nothing. I don’t know until when that friend will be in the town of Santa Maria, Bulacan.

It would be convenient for you to use a pseudonym so that when we write you a letter, they would not be scandalized.

Candeng had an abortion.

Don Antonio’s family remains in Dagupan.

M….remains single, but it seems that she will soon marry Casimiro Bertoluci, alferez[1] of No. 3 of the Philippine Army.

02-226 [Blumentritt V.1]

1887. 05. 24 Vienna

From: Jose Rizal

To: Ferdinand Blumentritt

At the Vienna Museum — Nordmann resembles Rizal’s father — Poor sick Dora of the little blue eyes! Die Tinguianen — It is an honor to win recognition — Interview with the Extra Blatt reporter.

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Vienna, 24 May 1887

Dear Friend,

What could I do for you in return for your kindness and everything you have done for me? Your letters of introduction come one after the other, so that we find ourselves here as if we were at home. Now we consider some of the gentlemen who were with you as if they were old friends, like for example Mr. Masner and the good old man Mr. Nordmann. Mr. Masner took us to the museum and we would have stayed in it longer if my friend Viola did not get hungry. Mr. Masner is like all those from Leitmeritz and he sends his regards to you and Dr. Czepelack. I thank my old friend Czepelack!

Mr. Nordmann is a very likable old man. If I had to choose my father (that is to say, if mine had not come to this world) I would have chosen Mr. Nordmann for my rather for the reason that he and my father resemble each other very much spiritually, my father being also courteous and kind and loves young people. He introduced us to his daughter and his wife and called on us today at the hotel. Afterwards, he took a walk with us; introduced me at his club and gave us three theater tickets. He is an excellent man.

Unfortunately we did not meet the other persons to whom you introduced us and we only left our cards at their homes. But we are sure that they are as good as the first two, because all your friends are good people who receive us heartily, like Messrs. Willkomm, Masner, Nordmann, Klutschack, Czeplack, and others.

Viola and I are very sorry that our little friend Dora is sick. We still remember her little blue eyes; we hear her gay laughter; and we see her diminutive teeth. Poor Dorita! I saw her run behind us when the train was leaving! Very sincerely I wish her to recover soon.

I received Die Tinguianen and I read the dedication. I’m sure that your translation will please very much I. de los Reyes. It is an honor to win recognition that in our own country is denied us!

Much ado about nothing! That is how I could describe the story of my necktie-pin. Even you were bothered by this insignificant thing. How well and carefully packed it was!

Again many thanks!

While I was writing this letter, a gentleman by the name of Mr. Adler came from the newspaper Extra Blatt, requesting an interview with me. What will become of it? I have such little experience in these things that I am afraid to have been indiscreet in my statements. But all I told him was the truth and that clears me. Oh my beautiful and unfortunate Native Country!

Tomorrow we depart. Greetings.

Affectionately,

Rizal

02-227 [Blumentritt V.1]

1887. 05. 26 Salzburg

From: Jose Rizal

To: Ferdinand Blumentritt

He didn’t see Blumentritt’s friend.

* * *

POST CARD

Salzburg, 26 May 1887

My very dear Friend,

Yesterday we left Vienna and we slept in Linz. As we left that city early and we were afraid to bother him, for it was school time, we didn’t visit your friend. Today we leave Salzburg for Munich.

Many regards from my friend Viola and command your servant,

José Rizal

02-228 [Blumentritt V.1]

1887. 05. 29 Munich

From: Jose Rizal

To: Ferdinand Blumentritt

A little book for the Philippines — Rizal will have his picture taken in Geneva.

* * *

Munich, 29 May 1887

Dear Friend,

Yesterday and day before yesterday we toured the city, we drank much beer, and we enjoyed ourselves. Today the weather is better, for yesterday and the day before it, it rained and thundered a great deal.

I remember that you wanted to send a little book to the Philippines. I forgot about it, because when I left your city of happy memory, I was somewhat distracted. Whatever you wish to send to the Philippines, you can send it through me; only you will have to send it to Basel, general delivery, or to Geneva by parcel post. (In the Philippines, parcel post is not allowed.) I will attend you the matter with the greatest pleasure because I am glad to be able to serve my good friend.

I hope that little Dora has completely recovered.

Tomorrow we are leaving for Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Konstanz, Lindau, Schaffhausen, and Basel. I believe that we shall be at this last city on the 5th or 8th of June.

Regards to your family and to the merry people of Leitmeritz.

An embrace from your most affectionate,

Rizal

P.S.

We did not have our picture taken in Vienna because we could not wait five days to see the proofs.

We will do it in Geneva.

04-229 [Misc.]