Dapitan
The price of a small dragnet — In partnership with another — Choleng’s convalescence — If his sisters would visit him — His santol in bloom by March but not the lanzon — Rizal’s hammock will be imitated — Naming his land — Do not send him bancas.
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Dapitan, 8 February 1893
MR. MANUEL T. HIDALGO
MY DEAR MANENG,
I commend your diligence, for, by your letter of the 4th instant, I see that the failure of the small dragnet to get here was not due to you. You do wrong in not mentioning to me the price, for as I am in partnership with another person, to divide everything, we need to know it, so that each one may put in his half. Had I been alone in the business I would not have said anything to you about the price.
I applaud the improvement of Choleng and I have no doubt that if she would come, I could cure her, if it may be possible. To be able to say whether or not she will relapse, it is necessary that I see her first. I will be glad to see them here.
Just by thinking that you are coming with Sra. Neneng I already become glad. Unfortunately, by month of March, my fruit trees will not yet have fruits. The santol may be in bloom, but the lanzon trees will take a long time yet.
They are going to imitate here the hammock you sent me. Thank God that my banishment can bring something useful to Dapitan.
Until this month we have had rain, but I believe that the dry season is beginning. I am clearing in order to sow rice and corn. My land, which is called here Talisay but has no talisay tree of any worth, is looking for a name. I am thinking of calling it Balunó or Baunó on account of a large tree with this name that grows there.
Read my letter to Antonino; in it I tell him some things that are worth knowing.
I should like to know if those from there are decided to come here or not. I know that traveling expenses and fare are costly, but on the other hand here they would have their own lands and extensive ones too.
Many regards to Sra. Neneng and tell her that here she will find a virgin territory for her business.
Don’t send me bancas anymore for here they are cheap. Aquilino bought one for three pesos and he says that there it would cost 15 pesos at least. The freight of the bancas more over would be tremendous.
Yours,
RIZAL
Kisses to the children.
04-776 [Misc.]