2 January 1886

Madrid

On 31 December was held the traditional banquet of the Filipinos at Madrid – Rizal’s absence was noted – His letter of adhesion was read – In every speech of the Filipinos there was a toast dedicated to the absent Rizal – The speeches of Llorente, Lete, Lopez Jaena, and Evaristo Aguirre were very good.

* * *

Madrid, 2 January 1886

Mr. Jose Rizal

(Paris)

Dear Pepe,

I received your letter of the 27th of last month opportunely in the last day of the year. It was read at the banquet and you were wildly greeted with emotion and enthusiasm. I was in charge of reading your letter of adhesion, which I did after the first toast. Eighteen countrymen and friends gathered together that night, all and almost the majority of them being your acquaintances and old comrades. The banquet was presided over by a Filipino, a retired colonel called Abreu – I do not know if you know him – and then everyone took his place: Devesa, Figueroa, Perio, Acevedo, Tiangco, Rivera Cortes, Esteban, Cajigas (Chinese), Casal, Llorente, Paco Esquivel, Aguirre, (initiator), Graciano, Lete, and “Gladstone.” Almost all toasted: Lete, Llorente, Graciano, Acevedo, and others. They noted the void left by the absent ones as well as of others at Madrid who failed to attend. In short, it was a success; even the menu was plentiful and well-chosen. We left the dining hall at 2:15 and each one went his way. All in all, the traditional custom was followed.

I am informed of the content of your other letter and I am sorry that you have not received letters. Mino has not paid me back what I advanced for him. According to him, you have taken 23 pesetas from Pedro and he wants to deduct the amount. If you are in great need, write me and I am going to look for money, or else I will pawn again at the Palacio[1] the ring I redeemed when I received a little money.

All the Insic are sending you regards and Perio says he is going to write you because he has no money.

The Insic were all very happy about your letter, which they said was good and [was] as if you were here. All those who toasted did not fail to remember you and we did regret that you were not with us.

Mr. Calixto is here. I am going to send you the book by the first mail. I have not sent it because I thought that Mr. Calixto was going there. The fashion magazine[2] has no address. Let me know so that I can put it in the mail.

I thank you for having remembered the verse. I am going to buy the camera when I go there later.

The speeches of Llorente, Lete, Graciano, and Aguirre were very good.

Regards to all of you there, to Luna, Ventura, and others, and I wish you to become a good oculist and likewise to….you know already.

Ever yours,

Ceferino

01-139 [Family]