26 May 1889

Calamba

A townsman of Calamba writes Rizal in Tagalog sending him a little contribution from his friends – He has received the books Rizal sent home – Gave Paciano French newspapers – Everybody is asking for him and regards him as the “Second Jesus Christ,” their savior – Sad news – Asks for the continuation of Noli me tangere.

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Calamba, 26 May 1889

MR. JOSE RIZAL

MY FRIEND,

I received the books you sent me. As I understand that they are not only for me but for others who ought to have them and read them, I have given them to others and informed them accordingly. I gave to Paciano the French newspapers.

Receive thirty pesos that our friends, in spite of their poverty, send you. You may use it according to your discretion.

May God will that the International Association congress[1] that you are holding in Paris bring good results. Alas, Jose! All the people here ask about you and pin their hope on you. Even the poorest people of the mountains are asking me about your return. It seems that they consider you the second Jesus who will liberate [them] from misery. Your brothers-in-law have already been deprived of their lands and I hear that your partisans will be treated likewise. My brother has been reprimanded and told that he seemed to be waiting for Don Jose and that is why he did not want to pay the canon. They are very inhuman.

With deep sorrow I inform you of the death of your brother-in-law Marianito and Tio Isidro, victims of cholera, which is widespread in the Philippines. Also of Fr. Ambrosio Villafranca, curate of Binang, though his death cannot compensate for the loss of ours. Perhaps many fellow townsmen will write you. They have a thirst for news and what is happening to you. Send us the second volume of Noli if available already, and also of Solidaridad, and if you have time, write us frequently for it is a pleasure for us to know what is happening to you there.

This is all and many regards to you.

M. ELEJORDE

03-404 [Reformists]