London
5 June 1888
Mr. Mariano Ponce
My dear Friend,
From America I wrote you a letter through Mr. Rogers, the only countryman whose address I can remember. Undoubtedly you have not received it, inasmuch as you have not answered me. In that letter I expressed to you my appreciation for the trouble you have taken for my books.
I requested you to send me a copy of the complete works of “Figaro” or Larra[1] published by the Biblioteca Universal there. I pay the cost with the money from the sale of my books there, and if it is not enough, I will pay by the next mail after receiving the books. I also requested you to have them bound and send them by mail as printed matter.
I now offer you the address of my house and my services as a friend and countryman. If you want to write me, address your letter to Jose Rizal, Esq., 37 Crescent, Primrose Hill, N. W., London.
Send me your address and those of some friends and countrymen, as I don’t know of any.
Your affectionate friend,
Rizal
04-297 [Misc.]
[1] Rizal reads the best Spanish writers to improve his command of the language.