[?] Royal Fort of Santiago
Royal Fort of Santiago, 29 (?) December 1896
MY DEAR BROTHER,
It has been four years and a half that [we] have not seen each other or have we addressed one another in writing or orally. I do not believe this is due to lack of affection either on my part or yours but because knowing each other so well, we had no need of words to understand each other.
Now that I am going to die, it is to you I dedicate my last words to tell you how much I regret to leave you alone in life bearing all the weight of the family and of our old parents!
I think of how you have worked to enable me to have a career. I believe that I have tried not to waste my time. My brother: If the fruit has been bitter, it is not my fault, it is the fault of circumstances. In that you have suffered much because of me: I am sorry.
I assure you, brother, that I die innocent of this crime of rebellion. If my former writings had been able to contribute towards it, I should not deny absolutely, but then I believe I expiated my past with my exile.
Tell our father that I remember him, but how? I remember my whole childhood, his tenderness and his love. Ask him to forgive me for the pain I cause him unwillingly.[1]
Your brother,
JOSÉ RIZAL
01-923 [Family]
[1] This letter was received by Paciano in Cavite in January 1897, as he had joined the Revolution after the death sentence of his brother signed by Governor General on 28 December 1896.