?
Rizal determined to join the patriot Basa in Hong Kong – He is detained in Paris for lack of traveling expenses – If Basa would be so good as to advance him the passage money – A letter and photograph for his family – Rizal is afraid something might happen to him before he reaches Hong Kong – He plans to practice ophthalmology there and earn his living through it.
* * *
4 April 1891
Grand Hotel
Boulevard des Capucines, 12
Paris
MR. JOSE M. BASA
Hong Kong
MY VERY DEAR FRIEND BASA,
In reply to your letter, I wish to tell you that I would very much like to join you there as soon as possible. Only the lack of traveling expenses keeps me here. If you could kindly advance me the amount through an order to the Messageries Maritimes for one first class ticket until Hong Kong, I could realize my idea.
The truth is that I shall not be able to reimburse you until after a few months in Hong Kong, for I have to earn the money. If this will hurt your interests or cause you great trouble, I beg you not do it. In case it may be possible, you may send it to me at Paris, 4 bis Rue de Chateaudun (chez Mr. Ventura).
The letter should be a kind of order payable there for only the amount of the passage in case I embark, because, as I may die or something may happen to me and I cannot embark or my trip is delayed, I do not want you to lose anything.
Enclosed is a letter for my family with a photograph inside which I beg you to please see that it reaches its destination.
Please remember to put this condition of “if embarked” because I fear that something may happen and the trip is postponed.
At Hong Kong I plan to practice ophthalmology and earn my living through it.
Wishing that you are well and healthy in the company of your whole family, I take leave until the next.
JOSE RIZAL
03-614 [Reformists]