Manila
30 December 1891
MR. JOSE RIZAL
Hong Kong
MY DEAR SIR,
Without any claim to your friendship except our mutual love for our native country, for whose liberty you are fighting spiritedly with legal weapons, I take the liberty to greet you availing myself of the propitious occasion of your presence in that neighboring port, hoping that you are exceedingly well in the full sense of the word.
Without doubt the present letter will surprise you and will disturb the tranquility that you are enjoying there, but I hope you will understand that the one greeting you is a humble son of the country and therefore your brother, who, without knowing you, has for a long time distinguished you with his admiration and esteem, which become more intense each time your illustrious name is mentioned in the gathering of respectable persons praising your deeds for the benefit of the native country. Carried away by the enthusiasm for the laudable patriotic labor that you are doing for our welfare. I offer myself as one of your humble servants, aiding you with a monthly or annual quota and hoping that you will deign to give me your address for the remittance of my quota.
Should you wish to honor me with your friendship I would esteem it highly, and of course I am at your command. In case you deign to answer me, please address your letter to the Tribunal of Natives of the district of Binondo. I am at present Cabeza de Barangay having been so since the time of Gobernadorcillo Lanuza. Or if not, you can send it to my humble little house, which is yours too, at No. 40, letter B., Barcelona Street, Binondo.
Let it be of record that my firm and loyal desire is to be your subordinate who kisses your hand.
LORENZO MICLAT Y CASTRO