Madrid
Rizal’s letters sent to the Propaganda – Ponce informed del Pilar of its conventions – Ponce has answered Rizal’s letter to him – El Filibusterismo, an excellent book, like all the products of Rizal’s brilliant pen – “It will wound the enemy deeply” – “May you reach safely, our unfortunate country . . . . . . “
* * *
Rubio, 13 pral. Madrid
11 October 1891
MR. JOSE RIZAL
Paris
MY FAVORITE FRIEND,
I have learned that you are already in Paris en route to our beloved country. May you arrive there without any mishap is my vehement desire.
You told Selong that I have not acknowledged your letter with two open letters for Manila.
When I received those letters, Selong was not here. In order that they would not be delayed I sent along those addressed to the Propaganda and I wrote Selong only, informing him more or less about their contents. With respect to your letter to me, I remember that I asked Cor to enclose my reply in his letter to Alejandrino, so that I was fully confident that you have received it through this friend. In it I informed you of the sending or your letters to the Propaganda in Manila.
I have already red once the Filibusterismo and now I am reading it again. It is truly excellent; I cannot find any other praise but to say this: it is really excellent, like all those that come from your brilliant pen. It is a very worthy sister of Noli. Accept my heartfelt praise. I am sure that your new book will wound deeply our enemy, already wounded thanks to the publication of the Noli.
This is all. May you reach safely our unfortunate country, and you know that you will always find me a true friend and an admirer of your brilliant writings.
A close embrace of
NANING
Our house now is at Rubio, 13 principal floor. Selong and I are keeping house. Lete is with us.
03-662 [Reformists]