31 December 1889

Barcelona

Barcelona, 31 December 1889

MR. JOSE RIZAL

DEAR PEPE,

I received the book Sucesos.[1] Many thanks. I have read only Blumentritt’s prologue. Truly excellent. Please send me immediately about ten copies that I can send to the Philippines by the first mail that is going there. Until now the judge has not rendered his decision. This is the reason I cannot leave this place. By force your book will change the wrong ideas now prevailing about our country. It is a strong blow against the enemy.

On the second of next month we are going to invite to a banquet the liberal press that defended us against the false accusations hurled against us; like what the Associacioni Hispano-Filipina and the Filipinos of Madrid did.

Some have written me inquiring about the appearance of revolvers which make no noise in fighting. I have inquired here about no one can give me any information. Have you not heard anything there about this. Please make the inquiries and write me about it.

It has occurred to me to gather materials on the lives of Filipinos who had been outstanding in the past, as well as in the present time, to make a book of them. I do not know if I shall be able to carry out this project, though I hope that, with the help of all, I may see it realized in the end. I do not intend to do any thing more than write an essay on their lives. The value of this, if it can be realized, cannot escape you. It will show to the whole world that our race has also produced men worthy to be ranked among the great. Please send me data.

Receive the close embrace of your

NANING

P. S.

Have you received the receipt of the box sent to Hamburg?

02-481 [Blumentritt V.1]