Tanawan, Batangas
10 February 1877
MY DEAR JOSÉ,
With the object of greeting you and at the same time of asking you for the date of your graduation I permit myself to address you these lines, requesting you to tell me if you wish to make some preparation for the occasion so that I may be able to contribute something to it to show you my affection.
In the meantime, know that I profess you a great affection, and command your servant in whatever he can be useful to you. A thousand regards.
Affectionately yours,
MANUEL TIMOTEO HIDALGO[1]
[1] Husban d of Rizal’s eldest sister Saturnina, affectionately called Manéng .