Leitmeritz, Austria
16 July 1892
Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt
Doctor Jose Rizal
Dapitan
My Brother,
My entire household is full of gloom. Yesterday we received the news of your banishment or deportation to the south of the Archipelago. This news has shocked us very much; my wife, Loleng, Fritz and Conradito turn pale because they imagine that the bailiffs maltreat you. I hope that the barbarities with which Barrantes and other gentlemen, who often render lip service to national nobility, stained the pages of the history of the Philippines, would not be repeated. Under the administration of Despujol, acts of barbarism are not committed; and so I ask you to live in the conviction that informed justice will give you the freedom which mistaken autocracy has robbed you. And do not forget that if you have bitter enemies, you also have devoted friends who will do everything that law and honor [can] to restore [you] to your freedom.
We pray the Most Blessed Virgin to give you her protection. I send you the affectionate regards of my family and receive with loving and fraternal greetings, a close embrace of your faithful friend,
Fernando Blumentritt
03-755 [Reformists]