Paris
Paris, 3 October 1888
Mr. Jose Rizal
Dear Rizal:
I received in Houlgate your letter with the receipt enclosed. I am very sorry for what is happening to your family in Manila. This revenge is mean and very detrimental to your brother and brother-in-law. I’ll be glad if our countryman Azcarraga would do something in your favor, for the sake of the Philippines, for after all he is from there.
If you think that I could be useful to you, just write me what you want, as you already know who the persons are with whom I am friendly.[1]
I have been back since a week ago and the house is all in a mess, because we left for the country after moving in, leaving everything in disorder. And the worst thing is that the house is still unfinished and I don’t know where to begin.
My atelier is very pretty, big and with a very good light; besides we have a garden for the children and for painting plein aire [outdoors].
Please pay 100 pesetas to the landlady of Antonio. A thousand thanks. The family of Pedro Roxas is here, but he is in London with Abarca. This is all for today. May you get what you want, which is the principal thing.
Regard from Paz, kisses from the children and an embrace from your affectionate friend.
J. Luna
03-332 [Reformists]
[1] At this point in time, Juan Luna’s reputation as a painter has garnered him many influential allies in Europe. These include the Queen Regent herself, who will be instrumental in pardoning him and his brother Antonio after the two were imprisoned following the outbreak of the 1896 Revolution.