28 December 1881

Manila

She chides Rizal for not writing her.

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Manila, 28 December 1881

ESTEEMED JOSE,

I would be glad if on the receipt of this you are in good health and happy.

I was very much surprised that you had a letter for Papa and none for me; but at first, when they told me about it, I did not believe it, because I did not expect that a person like you would do such a thing. But later I was convinced that you are like a newly opened rose, very flushed and fragrant at the beginning, but afterwards it begins to wither. Before, however, when I did not write you, you wrote me, but now no more. It seems that you have imitated my example when I went to Antipolo[1] and you have done wrong because I was not at my own house, and besides you know very well that you cannot hide anything from those girls. I could very well write to Papa, but in order that you might not say anything, I did not, though Mama had ordered me to do so. You cannot have these pretexts because you are at your home and nobody meddles with you. Truly I tell you that I am very resentful for what you have done and for another thing that I will tell you later when you come.

Excuse the writing and all the mistakes you find in it.[2] Command at your pleasure your true servant who kisses your hand,

TAIMIS

04-023 [Misc.]

1881 Manila

From: José Rizal

To: Paciano Rizal

Rizal is headed back to Calamba as a newly licensed land surveyor

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Manila, 1881

MR. PACIANO MERCADO

(Calamba)

MY DEAR BROTHER,

The survey[3] which I have to make is as unreliable and informal as so many are said and thought to be. At any rate I’ll go there to spend two days.

I have my license signed by the Office of Forest Inspection.

Your brother,

J. Rizal