Dapitan
Your father, that good old man who sat with us at your table! – Absorbed in too many occupations – “At times my head buzzes” – “Here I have become half physician, half businessman” – Commercial company founded by Rizal – Teaches the Mindanao folks how to engage in trading to free themselves from the Chinese businessmen.
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Dapitan
29 August 1894
Jose Rizal
My Brother,
Truly I don’t know what I was thinking of when I told you in my last letter that I had not met personally your dear late father! How forgetful I was! I believe that the numerous chores I have to do had confused my memory, for I told you that the old man who had sat with us at the table was the father of Frau Rosa. Kindly pardon me for this forgetfulness, for within six hours I have to read many letters and answer them, load my abaca, go to the Governor, inquire about money matters, etc. etc. The boat comes only once a month and stays here eight hours, at times less. I have to open boxes, inspect the merchandise, visit my patients, give advice; at times my head buzzes. Here I have become half physician, half businessman. I have established a commercial company here. I have taught the poor Mindanao folk to unite for trading so that they may become independent and free themselves from the Chinese and thus be less exploited. But I have to talk a great deal with the local governor, who, despite being a good man, is a supporter of the Chinese and prefers the Mongols to the Mindanao people. Fortunately the company is prospering; we make a little profit; and the poor Dapitan folk are becoming active and satisfied. On account of this, I hope you will excuse my carelessness.
I received letters from Dr. A. B. Meyer. He tells me that to date he has not received any of the boxes I have sent him to Dresden. I sent him those boxes some time ago.
Will this letter reach you? I don’t know, as the distance is too great. I take this opportunity to write you in German, for otherwise I shall forget it, which would be a great pity!
A gentle wind blows over here and according to this, I should get my freedom shortly, but I doubt it. Who bothers about me except my friends?
My dear old mother and my younger sister cordially greet you and your family.
I embrace you.
Your faithful,
José Rizal
01-827 [Family]