Paris
Distinguished young men of Lipa with Rizal will visit Blumentritt — Moret in Paris wishes to know the author of the Noli me tángere — Spaniards and employees from Manila fraternize with Rizal in Paris — “Also I should like to find myself with some friars; perhaps we may be able to settle many things.” — Baptism of Luna’s daughter — Delivery of Morga’s book.
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45 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris
9 September 1889
Dear Friend,
I am afraid that you may say when you read my letter that I always begin with the same song, because I always have to ask you to excuse my negligence in not answering on time your esteemed letters. Even when I do not write you, I always remember you. All the Filipinos who are here in Paris always talk about you. Here we are more or less five or six who intend to visit you next year at Leitmeritz. They are all Filipinos [natives], all young men without selfish ideas, but with an ardent love for their country. They all cherish noble sentiments, they belong to the best families of Lipa, Batangas, and they will give you undoubtedly proofs that you are not defending a perverse human race.
Ex-Minister Moret is in Paris at present. He inquired about the author of Noli me tángere and said that the book pleased him much and would like to have a talk with me. Tomorrow I am going see him.
There are many Filipinos here now who, at Manila, feared me; but better informed, have become my friends, despite certain differences of opinion. Spaniards and employees who came from Manila have made peace with me. I do not know if this is due to the fact that we are in a foreign land and we see each other on the same level. I should like also to find myself with some friars; perhaps we may be able to settle many things.
Luna’s[1] daughter was baptized today. She is called María de la Paz.
I shall take part in the ethnographic session of the Congress that will be held on 3 September.
Dear, if you do not receive any letter from me, think only that I am very busy, but that I always remember you.
Next week you will receive Morga’s book.
Yours,
Rizal
Greetings.
02-437 [Blumentritt V.1]
[1] The celebrated painter Juan Luna (1857-1899), married to Paz Pardo de Tavera, sister of Dr. T.H. Pardo de Tavera.