10 November 1890

Manila

Manila, 10 November 1890

ESTEEMED JOSÉ:

I received your letter of 6 June last year which I could not answer for so many things I have in my mind, the endless vexations.

I appreciate your interest in Pepito; but what you have seen in his neck is not a disease but lack of shadow, which is a defect of the photograph or fault of the photographer. Thank God, Pepito is well; now he studies much and says that he is one of the officers in the upper class.

Your sisters come often and your sister Trining stayed with me last month for 18 days, for they attended the fiestas of Sta. Cruz and Binondo. I suppose you already know the unpleasant news that these poor ones must have transmitted to you and for that reason I need not do it.

Your uncle Antonio Rivera is here at home, having been here about 20 to 22 days. He came alone to attend to his business and the poor one is bothered by his sickness.

I don’t remember who took away from me your photograph and I hope you will send me another so that I can see whether you are stout and well.

Your letter to your parents was delivered on time. Your sister Soledad is already married and I suppose your family has already informed you about what happened to her.

I appreciate also your advice on the education of children, which is really a problem, but I hope that with patience I can raise at least humble and good sons, rather than bad and arrogant, which is the worst in this life. Because they are docile, I make an allowance.

I hope you are well and will achieve what you desire and succeed in everything.

We are as before, if not worse.

Have you seen Galicano? I have been told that you are in Madrid and wherever you might be, I believe this letter will reach you.

Leoncio and Quintin, Pastor’s son [and] Leon’s cousin live with me. We and the children are in good health.

I hope you keep well; take good care of yourself, which is the most important, and with the regards of all the people here and also of Chengoy, Teong, and your uncle Antonio,

Your aunt who esteems you.

CONCHA

03-588 [Reformists]

[1890?] [?]

From: Eduardo Lete

To: Jose Rizal

Savage act of a Spaniard angers Lete – A fellow countrywoman was the victim – An attorney and prosecutor should be appointed to file case against the offender.

* * *

[Date ?]

MR. JOSE RIZAL

FRIEND PEPE:

Before I return home I have had to come back for personal reasons. I wish you would suggest to our friends and countrymen to gather at your house to discuss a proposal of mine, which for being mine perhaps might be considered bad, but it is not, for it is accompanied by something which all hold in high esteem.

I am sorry I cannot explain it personally, for I have much to do and I wish to leave on Monday. Moreover, I do not meet our compatriots as you do in your classes.

Speaking then ex cathedra,[1] tell them that I have read this morning in El Liberal, which made me very indignant, an incident reported under the title of “A Savage Act.”

The criminal assault committed by a Spaniard of Alazar deserves our energetic condemnation because it hurts our human sentiments, our decorum and dignity, Which I urge we must protect.

Even were it not so, after all it concerns an unfortunate countrywoman, the victim of the savagery of those who are ironically civilizing us.

Let us give an example of vitality and energy by prosecuting the criminal publicly as the law concedes to us as citizens. Let us get our own attorney and prosecutor, paid by ourselves, who will see to it that justice is done, demanding on our behalf from the public power exemplary punishment.

If my suggestion is acceptable, please support it before the others. If you think differently, then . . . I say nothing.

What I will say is that I am at your command as a fellow countryman and affectionate friend.

Eduardo

Today, the 5th

What happened to the Retana affair? And . . .?

02-589 [Blumentritt V.2]