04-013 [Misc.]
1879.06.24 Lipa, Batangas
From: Mariano Catigbac
To: Jose Rizal
An invitation from Rizal to Kalamba’s town fiesta – The illness of Catigbac’s wife – Difficulties in sending Rizal letters – “Do not be frightened of married persons…”
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Lipa, Batangas
24 June 1879
MR. JOSE RIZAL
MY DEAR FRIEND,
You cannot imagine how happy I am to receive your esteemed letter in which you have shown more than ever your fraternal love, at the same time deigning to invite me to the town fiesta, which, had it not been for the misfortune that I bear, which is the illness of my wife, I would not have failed to go there, at least to please you, but Providence has willed that my first misfortune be this.
The last letter that I wrote you was when you were in Manila inviting you to my wedding but without mentioning the date for then I myself did not know definitely what it was.
Later, however, I wanted to write you inasmuch as I had not received any reply and I doubted if you had received that letter, but someone (I don’t know who it was) told me that you were no longer boarding at Mr. Ramon Rivera’s house. I went around asking persons who knew you but no one could tell me your address.
Do not be frightened by married persons, for I’m the same as before except that I am married, but my heart is the same.
Regards from us to your family and command this your friend, comrade, and servant who kisses your hand,
MARIANO CATIGBAC
I remind you that you have one servant more.
Mariano.
Another thing: Excuse this paper as the mail leaves at this very moment.
The Same.