Calamba
Calamba, 30 May 1890
MR. JOSÉ RIZAL
MY DEAR BROTHER,
Please pardon me for not having answered your letter at once, for you know already the kind of life I lead.
Since Marianito’s death, misfortunes have pursued me incessantly. When I begin to feel that my mind is about to succumb to the preoccupations of our life, my only comfort is to read your letters which serve as a balm to my sufferings. If you have extra time, remember to drop me a few lines.
Now what I can tell you is that your five nephews are well and not one of them suffers from any illness. Delfina, Concha, and Patrocinio are now studying. As to Teodosio and Estanislao, you would not be able to tell who is older, for they are almost of the same stature and the younger is almost taller.
Concerning our town, perhaps your heart would ache at the blindness of our compatriots. Today, abuse, madness, and despotism are rampant. You can then imagine what would happen. When the lay brothers go out riding, the lieutenant of the civil guard sits on the little bench of the carriage and the acting lieutenant goes over the curate. When the lay brothers have some orders for the Hacienda, they send out the capitán, justice of the peace, and Mr. V. Laureola Roque. In a word, our town is rotten. The capitán has two faces and for that reason his term of office will be prolonged.
Many regards from your sister who does not forget you and also from your nephews.
Your most affectionate sister,
LUCIA RIZAL
My dear God-Father: We are sending you our regards. Concerning our studies, I cannot tell you anything. I can’t write you more because Tia [Aunt] Neneng is leaving.
DELFINA HERBOSA
01-536 [Family]