Cruiser Castilla
Grateful to his sister for her hospitality to Josephine — But he would not want to abuse it—A proof of fraternal love that Rizal will never forget — But to avoid troubles it would be better that she take a little house near her sister’s — Orders his medical instruments and clothes.
* * *
On board the Cruiser Castilla
25 August 1896
MRS. NARCISA RIZAL
MY DEAR SISTER,
Yesterday our mother together with Sra. María, Trining, and Encarnación was here and through them I learned that you are in good health, which pleases me very much.
The object of this letter is to thank you for your kindness in giving hospitality to Josephine. It is a proof of fraternal love that I shall never forget. However, I’m afraid to abuse it, for Josephine is not alone but has with her besides a baby girl,[1] a nurse-maid, and servants, and all this can be a bother to you, to your husband, and other companions in the house. For this reason, I wish that you would not make any sacrifice. She can take a little house near yours where the baby-girl can cry all the time without irritating anybody’s nerves. Your husband is very good, but this is no reason why I should abuse of his kindness. Please read this letter to Josephine and decide between yourselves what she ought to do.
Tell Josephine also to send me the trunk to Cavite through a boy on the 2:00 0’clock steamer. The boy will deliver it to the boat of the stewards of the cruiser Castilla, in order that he may not be bothered in coming, and the stewards’ boat will bring it to me. He will deliver the keys to the mail-carrier.
She will put in the trunk the following effects:
Ophthalmoscope
Case of instruments for vision
Underwear: shirts, undershirts, drawers.
Neckties, socks
Woolen clothes
Hat box
My raincoat which is in Trozo and nothing more.
She may keep my satchel that I made in Dapitan in which are the receipts of the debtors.
With nothing more, my dear sister, I wish you good health, give my love to Antonino and your children.
Your brother,
JOSÉ RIZAL
04-910 [Misc.]
[1] Maria Luisa, one-year old daughter of his sister Soledad married to Quintero of Kalamba