The Castilla
8 of August, 1896
Mrs. Teodora Alonso
My dearest Mother:
Here I am on board this magnificent man-of-war with a most distinguished officialdom. The Commander is Colonel Santal, a very amiable person, very refined and whose manner of conversation is pleasant and instructive. Yesterday he invited me to eat with him, and he talked to me about typhoons, winds and monsoons, so that I learned, without my being aware of it, many things that until now I do not know. The time passed by without my noticing it.
In order to be happy here I do not need anything except to see you all. I have written to H. E. seeking an arrangement whereby I could be with you and with my father before I leave. I hope that H. E. will grant me the occasion. It would be an imprudence with bad consequences especially for my father if you come on board, so you should not do it: there are more days than longanizas[1] as they usually say.
Do not worry about my fate, for God helps and watches. I am well, very well in health.
Let me kiss your hand and my father’s. Try to be happy and healthy. Embraces for my sisters.
Your son who adores you,
JOSE RIZAL
05-903 [100 Letters]
[1] A kind of long sausage.