01-052 [Family]
1882.11.13 Calamba
From: Lucía Rizal
To: José Rizal
Regrets not having talked with her brother before his Departure — Wants her son to be like Rizal.
* * *
Calamba, 13 November 1882
MR. JOSÉ RIZAL
DEAR JOSÉ,
On the day you left this town, I heard you said that you would be late. When I got up, I saw only the back of the vehicle. So when uncle Antonio’s letter came, saying that you embarked on the steamship Salvadora, I deeply regretted that we were not able to talk together, especially since you would be away for a long time. At that time also, I was in the hands of our Lord; I was big with baby José. Thank God, I went through that danger safely. I amuse myself with Jose’s ear, which is like yours. I tell you that it is really like yours, but I pray that the likeness does not stop there, but that he may have your disposition, your goodness, and diligence in good works. Help me pray to God that we meet again and that we may not get sick. Your sister who loves you,
LUCÍA MERCADO
Don’t show to any one this letter, because I was very sleepy when I wrote it.