Brussels
From: Petite Suzanne
To: Jose Rizal
The following letter was published in the Philippines Herald, 29 December 1929, which is an English translation of the original letter in French which has been lost.
* * *
Brussels, August ( ) 1890
MY DEAR MR. RIZAL,
We received your letter and learn with pleasure that you had not suffered during your journey.
Fortunately, you are not suffocated as you said in your letter. You have not written us whether the cholera is also serious in Spain as is published in the papers; it is said that the heat in Madrid is asphyxiating; you have had, then, the time to rest and as you have many countrymen, you can [enjoy yourself with the] talent that you possess, offering them rice with tomatoes that you have the art to prepare, for which you received the first price and the gold medal at the Exposition of Culinary art. Until now Mr. Wolf is not yet married, the date continues as always fixed in 4 weeks!!!
I have here in the middle of the letter, in short, can you guess whom? It is the shoemaker who brings me my slippers. I ordered him to put gold buckles on them; now they look exquisite.
It is 7; I must finish my letter, for supper is waiting for me, but I have yet so many things to tell you that my ideas [become] confused.
The next [letter] that you will receive will contain more news, for I shall begin earlier.
All the gentlemen that you mentioned in your letter are giving you thanks and are sending you by mail a big basket of compliments and remembrances and wishes to see you soon, so that – Tante Suzanne
Tante Marie
Grand! Papa
et . . . qui pour Tante Suzanne
One word more!
Mr. Leon recommends himself to your benevolent charity! When you write, remember to put in the envelope a 20c stamp and [ ] 5, because that of 20 is lacking in his [postage?] and if this is not [possible?] give me a stamp [enough (?) to ] I will repay you in [my turn ] embracing you a [thousand] times and more if you wish it so.
We have written also in order to have the busts taken, and I shall write you soon if they are well done. After your departure I did not take the chocolate. The box is still intact as on the day of your parting.
Till we meet again and good night.
PETITE SUZANNE
Source: Phil Herald
Dec. 29, 1929. P 3
01-567 [Family]