Manila
Evicted from their old homestead — Paciano and other principal citizens of Calamba exiled to Mindoro — Getting accustomed to the pains of separation for the sake of the country — Mishap in the burial of a corpse — Avidity to read the second part of Noli — Send home happy novels from Europe since she dislikes sad ones.
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Manila, 6 September 1890
MR. JOSÉ RIZAL
MY DEAR BROTHER,
I received your most welcome letter of the 11th July. Though late I wish to tell you what happened to our parents. They were ordered to leave our house in execution of the order for eviction and dispossession against them.
Paciano, Antonino, Dandoy, Silvestre, and Teong left for Mindoro at 4:30 o’clock this afternoon as exiles. I and Sisa accompanied them until the pier and we remained there until the departure of the steamer Brutus on which the poor ones were embarked. The five of them left gladly, it seemed. We the same; we did not look sad nor did we lament it as we did when Maneng was exiled for the first time. I’m now getting used to the pains of separation, and especially when I think that these cruelties and misfortunes would result in the welfare of all the more my faith in everything you said to me is strengthened
Our parents now live in Narcisa’s house.
Amelia died in May 1888 as I have already written you and told you that our adversaries tried to prevent the admission to the church of the body, but the curate insisted on letting it enter the church. The body remained unburied a long time while telegrams were sent to the archbishop and the governor.
I’m now well, thank God. Perhaps Dr. Zamora was only trying to startle me by saying that my womb was swollen because I have not used the medicine he has prescribed and I don’t feel anything unusual.
Don’t come home until things clear up. We are very much persecuted now.
We have been to Malabon. Mr. Severino Tuason, the Fernandez of Siniloan, and your other. . .are sending you regards.
If the second volume of your work is finished, send me even only one copy so that I can read it soon. Also buy me there beautifully written and cheerful novels. I don’t like sad ones.
Regards and embraces from your loving sister,
SATURNINA RIZAL
02-574 [Blumentritt V.2]