Ghent
Favorable conditions for patriotic campaign – Confidence in Rizal’s ability to work for our liberty – He will know how to overcome obstacles to such a noble cause – We, cannot expect anything from Spain – Less from Spanish charlatans – Rizal purchasing some revolvers – He will send the Flobert cartridges ordered by Rizal – Sale of Rizal’s books.
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9 Rue du Hainaut
Ghent, 13 April 1892
MR. JOSE RIZAL
Hong Kong
MY VERY DEAER FRIEND,
I informed immediately Manila about the reasonable conditions that you demand in order to come here, and I believe that our friends there will do what is possible considering the confidence they have in your ability to undertake the difficult task of working for our liberty. Would you refuse to return to Europe in case the result of the negotiations is favorable? I do not believe so, for you love our country very much to refuse to render her so great a service that she expects from you. Why don’t you you rise above certain trifles when it concerns a cause so great and noble as liberty? My friend, I believe it is perfectly useless to insist now on it. I ask you humbly to follow your aspiration and patriotic sentiments. As to the rest, they will tell you what you ought to do.
As for me, I have lost long ago my confidence in those who are at present directing our political affairs (you also, I am sure) and for that reason, we ought to work so that things will march differently. As to the rest, I feel like you do, that we have nothing more to expect from Spain and less from some Spanish charlatans, and that the destiny of a country should not be the object of stupid words, and everything should be done with good intentions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the Fanotte firm of Liege as well as the American firm, Smith, that I am sending you, so that you may be able to choose the weapons that suit you. The wholesale prices are marked and they are the last prices. As to the manner of payment, they want payment at Brussels before the remittance of the goods. Consequently, if you wish to buy the revolvers, all you have to do is to send me the money at your convenience and I will take charge of the purchase.
I would have liked to send you the Flobert cartridges that you have ordered through Mr. Ariston Bautista, who is returning home at the end of this month, but he sent me word through Mr. Abreu that, as he was not planning to pass by Hong Kong, it would be impossible for him to please us. The same thing happened to me in the case of Mr. Ventura. While waiting for the departure of another compatriot, I will inquire at the Messageries Maritimes about the best way of sending you what you are ordering.
As to your books, I must tell you that after the sale of twelve copies to Vicente Reyes, I have not been able to sell even one copy. As you know, this gentleman told me that he would pay you directly and so I cannot settle my account with you until you have received the money from this irregular sale.
We are now on vacation for 15 days until Christmas. I take advantage of these days . . . . My studies are going well and my grades last month are satisfactory.
The Horti and Waem families wish me to give you their compliments.
Your devoted friend embraces you.
JOSE ALEJANDRO
03-724 [Reformists]