Dapitan
He would like to see his relatives and fellow townsmen exiled to Jolo in Dapitan – They would attract settlers who would cultivate the immense lands of Mindanao – He would engage in farming if he were completely free – His parents would come and he would have his books brought – His promises not to abuse his liberty.
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Dapitan, 25 October 1892
MR. RICARDO CARNICERO
DAPITAN
FRIEND MR. CARNICERO,
I have thought well about the points in various conversations that we had these days and I write down here what occurs to me so as to put them on record and you may not forget them.
Not only would I have great pleasure in seeing here my relatives and fellow townsmen who are in Jolo, as I have stated to you on carious occasions, but I even believe that their coming is advantageous for them and perhaps to the life of this district. They will like this place from the point of view of farming and I am sure that if they settle here, many from my town would come and who knows if from other parts of Luzon as well, to cultivate the immense lands of Mindanao. I myself though a descendant of farmers but not so by profession, would remain here forever and engage in farming with pleasure, if my situation would change and I could dispose of my complete freedom to cultivate my little land whose ownership, as you well know, I wish to register and insure. I would make my parents come and with them all my things, my furniture, my collection of paintings, arms, sculptures, and above all my books, so long as I am assured of their free entry and free use; otherwise I would prefer to bequeath them to any public library so that they may be utilized and not get lost.
It is needless for me to add that I promise the Government not to abuse the liberty that it may grant me.
Most affectionately yours,
RIZAL
02-763 [Blumentritt V.2]