27 November 1887

Baculud, Pampanga

Baculud, Pampanga, 27 November 1887

My dear Friend,

Great was my joy upon receiving your letter because you showed me your sincere desire to come here in order that we might see each other, though for powerful reasons you say that your parents forbid you to come.

However, so that we can meet and talk about our past life, if you have no inconvenience, please come even though it is not the town feast. If I shall have an opportunity and time, I am going there, inasmuch as I am going to Batangas anyway. Only I can’t say exactly when this plan of mine will be realized, so that in case you shall have time ahead of me, inasmuch as you are a bachelor and can easily travel, please come because you know we are many, and married people cannot easily leave their homes.

Now I am here at Baculud, seat of the court of Pampanga, but day after tomorrow I am going to Santo Tomas, hometown of my wife, also in Pampanga, about one hour’s carromata-ride[1] from here. The house where my wife was born is there and perhaps we shall live there until the month of January, but I expect you at either house any time. I just mentioned our going to that town so that you will not be surprised should you not find me at Baculud and if you go to Santo Tomas you also pass through Baculud. Pass by our house as we may be here at the time because we shall come here often.

As to your book I have not had the luck to see it yet, so that if you have a copy, I would be profoundly grateful if you will give it to me…enjoy its perusal…being so pleasant because of its importance and for being the book of a beloved friend.

My tender regards to your family, though I have not had the honor of meeting them, and as to you, receive a tight embrace from your friend,

Balbino

02-278 [Blumentritt V.1]