25 July 1892

Dapitan

“As if I were on vacation in Dapitan” — Loving remembrance of his mother — He commends his brother for substituting for his exiled brother-in-law Antonino, but does not admire him for it — They should remain in Hong Kong for its good climate — His sisters should continue studying English — They should keep the spacious house to accommodate relatives who may go there.

* * *.

Dapitan, 25 July 1892

MRS. TEODORA ALONSO

[Hong Kong]

MY DEAR MOTHER:

In these days of lack of communication, travel, and deportation, I’m greatly distressed thinking of you, and for this reason I hasten to write you to tell you that I am well here as if I were on vacation, in this politico-military district.[1] I don’t miss anything except the family and freedom.

Few from there come here, for there is only one mail boat every twenty-seven days.

Today, the 27th, the official mail arrived and brought me a letter of my brother informing me of his departure for Joló with four companions. I commend his decision to go in place of my brother-in-law Antonino, but I don’t admire him for it.

I am of the opinion that you should remain there in Hong Kong: its climate is good and healthful. And now that Antonino is free I believe he should accompany Sra. Sisa in going there to spend a season to cure herself of her ailments. Four or five months that she may spend there in autumn or winter will be of great benefit to her. She should bring along Angélica so that this girl can study a little, as she has such good aptitude.

I suggest to Pangoy and Trining to continue studying English, for now that they like to live in that colony, they ought to know the official language that is spoken in it. I don’t believe that it would be convenient to [leave the] house and take a smaller one; that one is good in case relatives come or go there to visit you.

Don’t send me anything, absolutely nothing, for I need nothing more than a pair of good shoes, and these are hard to send by mail.

Let all the letters as well as the books and newspapers that may come from Europe remain there, for they may be lost on account of the many changes and transfers.[2]

Many regards to Mr. Cunha and his family. Send the enclosed letters to their addressees.

Your son who loves you heartily,

JOSÉ RIZAL

04-758 [Misc.]