? Spain
Gijon, [December] 1890
MR. JOSE RIZAL
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I have had the pleasure of reading in the newspaper El Liberal that the Asociacion Hipano-Filipino is giving a dinner in honor, as I see it, of Mr. Becerra, former minister of colonies. I suppose you will talk about our country and the success of the affair is sure. For this reason, I am congratulating you in advance, as I do also all our compatriots, for the welfare of our dear country.
I reiterate my regards to all our friends and countrymen. I wish them Merry Christmas, to spend little, and enjoy much.
Your friend and countryman who likes you much,
ESTEBAN VILLANUEVA