Family: February 10, 1877

Family: April 13, 1887

Rizal’s graduation

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Tanawan, Batangas

10 February 1877

Mr. Josè Rizal Mercado

My Dear Josè,

            With the object of greeting you and at the same time of asking you for the date of your graduation I permit myself to address you these lines, requesting you to tell me if you wish to make some preparation for the occasion so that I may be able to contribute something to it to show you my affection.

            In the meantime, know that I profess you a great affection, and command your servant in whatever he can be useful to you.  A thousand regards.

Affectionately yours,

Manuel Timoteo Hidalgo (1)

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(1) Husband of Rizal’s sister Saturnina, affectionately called Menèng.

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Calamba, 13 April 1877

My Dear Grandma Illang,

            Receive from the bearer eight and a half ( 8 ½ ) gantas of cacao (1) worth 14 pesos and 7 reales. (2) My mother has not picked more than this until now and she has ordered some from the mountain, that is, from those living in the mountain, so that she can send you some more.  We received the day bed of Old Teang, but it was already ruined.

            They say that the picture has a defect or defects and I don’t know if we are going to order any.  If that photographer insists, I believe it would be better to take only a dozen.

            Command your most affectionate grandson who cherishes you sincerely.

Rizal

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(1)  Theobrorma cacao, Linn.  From which chocolate is made.

(2)  Eight reales made a peso.  A real was an old Spanish silver coin.