Dapitan
Dapitan, 7 March 1893
MR. MANUEL T. HIDALGO
MY DEAR BROTHER-IN-LAW MANENG,
I received your two letters of 18 February and 4 March and I am very glad that those from Jolo arrived there without any trouble.
I am very sorry that the fish net has not arrived. We were waiting for it because we lack fish to eat and the people are fasting without desiring to do so. You could have sent it to me without the men, for I already engaged men here to cast, repair, and dry it. But finally it may come on another mail boat.
Here we were waiting for you and Sra. Neneng. I assure you that the climate here is exceedingly good for these latitudes; the cost of living is low; and there is a great deal of business opportunities. The buying of abaca in which I should like to engage is profitable; the arroba (25 lbs.) here costs one peso and three reales, so that one picul (137 1/2 lbs.) will cost 7 pesos and 4 reales 10, and there in Manila it is sold at ₱10 and 4 reales, so that one can gain enough.
My effects in Hong Kong, furniture as well as books, etc., should be left packed and boxed. If my sisters and our parents should decide to come here, which what I should like, I will have all my things brought here. My house will be finished either tomorrow or after tomorrow. It is very pretty for its price (₱40) and it turned out better than what I wanted. My lot cannot be better and I am improving it every day. I have registered the property so that I shall not have trouble with anybody now or in the future. I am sure that if you come, you will be pleased with my property. I have plenty of land to accommodate at least five families with houses and orchards. Besides this, here there are immense lands for cultivation. Many abaca plantations are for sale at relatively cheap price. I believe that if some people would come to see them for themselves, they would not repent.
Many regards to Sra. Neneng and kisses to the children. You know that I await you eagerly.
Yours,
JOSÉ RIZAL
P.S.
You could tell Mariano Papio that I cannot say anything about his eyes without seeing them first, that undoubtedly I would do what science advises but that I cannot promise anything beforehand.
05-779 [100 Letters]