Barcelona
Luna writes Rizal about his encounter with Mir Deas – He spits on the face of Mir Deas on account of an insulting article – “Be it to death, to luck, whatever he likes, I will accept the duel.” – It is necessary to give him a lesson if the name Filipino is to be maintained unsullied.
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1-3, Pax de la Ensenanza, Barcelona
26 November 1889
DEAR RIZAL,
This afternoon I was obliged by imperative necessity to look for Mir Deas and spit on his face.
The incident took place at the Café de la Pajarera (Siglo XIX) on account of another article sent to El Diluvio in reply to ours in which the minutes were. I went out to look for him. I asked him who he was (for I did not know him), I told him he was infamous, a coward and a canaille, I spat on his face, and I threw my card to his face. The result: A great disturbance, much disorder, and now I wait tranquilly. The series of insults he has directed to us, without answering our assertions and conclusions, demands no other thing. Be it to death, to luck, as he would like, I will accept the duel. In this way I believe I will show that we Filipinos have more dignity, more courage, more honor than this cringing insulter and coward who has come out on our way.
I believe that I have avenged in this way our outraged dignity. What can they say now?
I beg you for contribution, contribution to finance the complaint that is planned to be brought against this gentleman. I cannot do more. Whether we fight or not, at any rate it is necessary to give him a lesson in another form.
It is imperative, it is necessary, it is indispensable, if it is desired to maintain unsullied the name Filipino.
I greet all and spread the news among all our good compatriots.
Your friend embraces you,
ANTONIO
01-468 [Family]