LAST TRAVEL ABROAD, LAST HOMECOMING, AND LAST BREATH

Last Travel Abroad

Rizal arrived at Dumaguete on August 1, 1896, visited Herrero Regidor and the Periquet
and Rufina families. He also operated on a Spanish captain of the Guardia Civil. It left
Dumaguete and reached Cebu the next day, and visited Attorney Mateos. They left Cebu on
August 3 to Iloilo, went shopping, visited Molo, and sailed again to Capiz, then to Romblon, and
then to Manila, arriving August 6. Unfortunately, he was not able to board the mail ship Isla de
Luzon bound for Spain. He was transferred to the Spanish cruiser Castilla where the captain
Enqique Santalo gave him good accommodations while waiting for a new steamer bound for
Spain.

On August 19, 1896, the plan to overthrow the Spaniards by the Katipunan was
discovered by Fray Mariano Gil, a priest of Tondo. This was aggravated by the “Cry of
Balintawak” on August 26. By August 30, Bonifacio and Jacinto led the Katipuneros to attack
San Juan, but retreated. Governor General Blanco proclaimed a state of war in the first eight
provinces that rose against Spain – Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga,
Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac.

Rizal learned this through a newspaper. It worried him because the revolution was
premature and would cause loss of lives and property and it would arouse vengeance against
patriots by the Spaniards. Fortunately, on August 30, Rizal received two letters of introduction
for the Minister of War and Minister of Colonies from Governor General Blanco, absolving him
from all blame. He left boarding Isla de Panay on September 2, 1896 with Don Pedro Roxas
and his son Periquin.

The steamer arrived in Singapore on September 7 and they went shopping and
sightseeing. He was advised to stay behind to save his life, but since he gave his word to
General Blanco, he boarded back the ship on September 8. He did not know that Blanco was
conspiring with the Ministers of War and the Colonies against him. On September 25, he saw
Isla de Luzon, leaving Suez Canal filled with Spanish troops. After two days, he learned that
Francisco Roxas, Genato, and Osorio were executed. The day after, Rizal was told that he will
be arrested by the order of Blanco and be sent to prison in Ceuta.

Rizal was shocked, alarmed, and realized he was duped. By September 30, he was
advised by Captain Alemany to stay at his cabin, which he complied. On October 3, they
arrived at Barcelona. During his stay in his cabin, his jailor was Despujol. On October 6, he
was sent to the prison-fortress Monjuich, sent to Despujol, who told him he will be sent back to
Manila through the transport ship Colon that same evening.

Last Homecoming

On October 8, 1896, an officer told Rizal that the revolution was blamed on him. He
realized the adverse and unjust public opinion. He recorded everything in his diary, which they
confiscated on October 11. It was returned on November 2 after they scrutiny of anything
seditious or treasonable.

Meanwhile, Rizal’s friends in Europe and Singapore knew of his situation. Regidor and
Lopez telegrammed a lawyer named Hugh Fort to rescue Rizal in Singapore by a means of writ
of habeas corpus. His defense is that Rizal was illegally detained. However, Chief Justice
Loinel Cox denied the writ since the ship was carrying Spanish troops and was beyond the
jurisdiction of Singapore authorities.

On November 3, the ship reached Manila, greeted joyfully by Spaniards. Rizal was
transferred quietly to Fort Santiago. Spanish authorities tried to find evidence against Rizal. His
brother Paciano and friends, such as Deodato Arellano, Pio Valenzuela, Moises Salvador, Jose
Dizon, Domingo Franco, Temoteo Paez, and Pedro Serrano Laktaw were tortured to implicate
Rizal. They did not break.

On November 20, the investigation began. Rizal appeared before Judge Advocate,
Colonel Francisco Olive. For five days, he was questioned but was not permitted to confront
those who testified against him. The evidences against him were presented which included the
following:

1. Letter of Antonio Luna, dated Madrid, October 16, 1888, and addressed to D. Mariano
Ponce.

My dear friend Mariano:

Rizal has very well said of Lete that he does not serve for big enterprises. Consult with
him concerning the designation of Llorente as director of the paper. Rizal knows them
both; he also knows Llorente's capacity and is very intimate with him, because both are
young men of sterling value and Rizal has a very good opinion of Llorente. Ask him for
advice and heed well what he tells you. Tell him that I have induced Llorente to accept
the position of director.

An embrace, and take the matter to Rizal for his advice.

Thine,

Antonio.

P. S. Tear this letter up after noting its contents. Send me immediately Rizal's London
address."

2. Letter of J. Rizal to his brothers, dated Madrid, August 20, 1890. (After informing them
that he had been unable to speak to the Minister of Grace and Justice concerning
certain administrative proceedings instituted against several persons):

'If the authorities (of the Philippines) were intelligent, there would not be any treacherous
administrative proceedings, nor graft, nor infamies. I see the hand of Providence in these
banishments of intelligent persons to remote places, to keep awake the spirit of the
people and not allow them to slumber in lethargic peace, to accustom the people not to
fear danger, to hate tyranny, etc. To-morrow I shall see what will be the result of my
interview with the Minister. Many regards to all; I kiss our parents' hands.

Your brother,

MADUDE'."

3. Letter of Marcelo H. del Pilar, addressed to Deodato Arellano and dated Madrid, January
7, 1891

Yesterday, on Epiphany, we gave a lunch to Rizal. Rizal desires to perpetuate La

Solidaridad in the Filipino colony and I opposed it.

Regards to all and receive a fraternal embrace from your VZKKQJC DEL PILAR."

4. Kundiman. Poem dated Manila (sic), September 12, 1891. (Rizal was at Ghent.) It reads
thus:

'KUNDIMAN
(Tagalog Song.)
In the beautiful East
Where the sun rises,
A fair land
Resplendent with charms
In heavy chains
The despot keeps.
Alas! 'tis my country,
The country I love.
Like a slave she is dying,
In irons languishing:
 Oh, happy man he
Who could liberate her!"

5. Letter of Carlos Oliver, daled Barcelona, September 18, 1891, and addressed... (no
mention of the addressee).

Dear Sir:

You will be right if you consider me insolent for addressing you without my having the
honor of your acquaintance; but it is not the humble person whose name is signed at the
foot of this letter, but the patriot who, in his smallness, wishes to collaborate in the
regeneration of his oppressed country. We have learned with general regret that among
the worthy members of your Committee there is a certain prejudice against Rizal. In one
of his letters, this same R. writes me what I shall transcribe literally, as follows: 'I much
regret that they have declared war against me and are assailing my good name in the
Philippines, but I shall suffer with resignation if only he who takes my place will continue
the work begun. I only ask those who say I cause discord among the Filipinos whether
there was anything like. solid union before I entered upon my political activities? Was
there any chief whose authority I wanted to dispute? It is sad to think that while in
bondage, we throw things at each other's heads! I am glad to learn of your enthusiasm
for founding a newspaper; I hope it will have the same aspirations as the "Sol..." (La
Solidaridad); it is one more champion.' Upon reading this, I ask anyone who
contemplates the future of the Philippines and knows that her road is beset with danger
at every step, as she is the victim of the most tyrannical oppression: Is it thus that you
reward the man who, patriotically and unselfishly, has disregarded his own interest and
is sacrificing (for his country?), working for it in order to take his place by the side of his
brethren and encourage them and have them ready for the moment of the struggle? He
who still believes in a Providence can not but see in him the man she sent us in order
that he may lead us to the promised land of Liberty. I deem it superfluous to recommend
to you that silence must be preserved upon this point. I improve this opportunity by
assuring you that I am your obedient servant.

CARLOS OLIVER."

6. Masonic document (February 9, 1892).

TO THE GLORY OF THE GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE

Universal Freemasonry. Philippine Family.
LIBERTY, EQUALITY, FRATERNITY
The Central Grand Lodge "Nilad" of Free and Accepted Masons in the Federation of the
Gran Oriente Espafol (See in Madrid) sends S.. F.,. U.. to the beloved Brother Dimas-
alang (Rizal); and informs him that at a stated meeting held on January 31, ultimo, it was
resolved by this Lodge to appoint as Honorary Venerable Master of this Worshipful
Grand Lodge the aforesaid Brother to whom the undersigned Secretary and Keeper of
the Seals addresses these presents, as a reward for the eminent services rendered by
him to his native country. He is likewise informed that he will in due time be advised of
the plan of masonic reorganization presented by the undersigned to the Gran Oriente
Espanol, praying for plenary authority to form a separate family, as we in fact erected
our columns on the sixth day of last January. Which I transcribe for your information.

Receive, dear Brother, the kiss of peace sent you by the brethren of this Lodge. Valley of
Manila, February 9, 1892 (common era).

PANDAY PIRA. (PEDRO SERRANO LAKTAW.)"

7. Letter of Dimas-alang (Rizal) to Bro. Teuluz (Zulueta), dated Hongkong, May 24, 1892.-
(After censuring an article by Lete in La Solidaridad, which he finds offensive and
satisfaction for which he leaves to the discretion of the Committee, he adds):

"I repeat once more: I do not see any reason for the attack, now that I am engaged in
preparing for our countrymen a safe refuge in case of persecution (the agricultural
colony of North Borneo) and in writing some works of propaganda which will soon be
 published. The article, moreover, is highly impolitic and detrimental to the Philippines.
Why say that the first thing we need is money? One does not say anything about what
everybody knows and dirty linen must not be washed in public.

Fraternal greetings to all. Yours affectionately.

DIMAS-ALANG."

8. Letter of Dimas-alang (Rizal) to the Committee of................? dated Hongkong, July 1,

189t.

Dear Brethren. (Speaks of the establishment of an agricultural colony in North Borneo

and concludes) 'Without anything further, I hope your Committee will assist us in this
patriotic labor, as he calls it.-Your Bro. DIMAS-ALANG'."

9. An anonymous communication, without date. (Middle of July, 1892?).

WHAT INIQUITY —The Director of the newspaper Hongkong Telegraph. — Dear Sir:-By
a decree of the chief executive of the Philippine Archipelago...... " (Censure of Rizal's
banishment just ordered by General Despujol.)

10. Letter of Ildefonso Laurel, dated Manila, September 3, 1892.

Sr. D. Jose Rizal, Dapitan.

Dear friend and countryman. Upon my arrival here I learned in the Bay of the sad
misfortune that has befallen you. One evening when I was visiting at your house, your
father gave me the news that you will soon be pardoned. How glad we should be if this
were to come true! The state of mind of the people is latent and they are always waiting
for you as their redeemer and saviour. Do not doubt the fidelity of your countrymen; they
all deplore the treachery of which you are the victim and are all ready to spill their blood
for your salvation and that of our country. All greet you through me and send you that
embrace of love for our country with which all desire some day united to die.

ILDEFONSO LAUREL.
P. D. Our friend D. Deodato Arellano tells me he has received two letters from Madrid
addressed to you, but has so far been unable to forward them, as he has no way of
sending them; he therefore awaits your pleasure."

11. Letter of Rizal Segundo (Pseudonym of......), dated Manila, September 17, 1893. (Says
that on September 16th, Doroteo Cortes and Ambrosio Salvador were arrested in their
homes, and adds):

'and brought before the Civil Governor, who ordered them immediately deported to the
districts of Principe and Bontoc.' (The letter is addressed to the Hongkong Telegraph,
and the contributor deplores the condition of the Filipinos, saying that they are being
tyrannized more and more. He attributes these deportations to the friars who considered
the individuals mentioned as 'friends of Rizal.')"

12. Letter of Marcelo H. del Pilar, dated Madrid, June 1, 1893, and addressed to D. Juan A.
Teuluz (Juan Zulueta).

My dear friend: (After informing him of the disagreements he had with Rizal and
deploring the great harm done to the interests of Masonry by Pedro Serrano, who had
misappropriated certain funds raised for "Propaganda" purposes, he adds): 'The
peninsular Masonry is a means of propaganda for us. If the Masons there pretend to
make Masonry an organ of action for our ideals, they make a very bad mistake. What is
needed is a special organization (the Katipunan?), devoted especially to the Filipino
cause; and although its members, or some of them, may be Masons, they must not
depend upon Masonry. Apparently this is to be done by the L(iga) F(ilipina).

Without more for today, regards.

 MARCELO'."

13. Speech by Emilio Jacinto (at a meeting of the Katipunan: concludes):

'In the meantime, let us stimulate our hearts with these cries: Cheers for the Philippinesl
Cheers for Libertyl Cheers for DOCTOR RIZALI Unityl-(Manila), July 23, 1893'"

14. Speech by Jose Turiano Santiago (at the me meeting; concludes):

"Let us shout at once: Cheers for the Philippines Cheers for Libertyl Cheers for the
eminent DOCTOR RIZALI Death to the nation of oppressorsl Manila, Santa Cruz, July
23, 1893.

TIK-TIK'."

15. A Talisay.-Fragment of a poem written by Rizal at Dapitan, 1895."

Testimonial evidence came from Martin Constantino, Aguedo del Rosario, Jose Reyes,
Moises Salvador, Jose Dizon, Domingo Franco, Deodato Arellano, Ambrosio Salvador, Pedro
Serrano Laktaw, Pio Valenzuela, Antonio Salazar, Francisco Quison, and Timoteo Paez.

On November 26, the records were given to Blanco, and appointed Captain Rafael
Dominguez as special Judge Advocate to institute the corresponding action against Rizal.
Dominguez made a brief resume of the charges, returned them to Blanco, and transmitted to
Judge Advocate General Don Nicolas de la Peña for an opinion. He recommended that the
accused be brought to trial, be kept in prison, issued an order of attachment to his property for
one million pesos as indemnity, and be defended in court by an army officer and not a civilian
lawyer.

On December 8, Rizal chose Don Luis Taviel de Andrade, 1 st lieutenant of the artillery,
from a list of 100 army officers, because the name was familiar to him. This turned out to be the
brother of his bodyguard in Calamba.

On December 11, the charges were formally read to him in his prison cell, with his
counsel present. He was accused of being “the principal organizer and the living soul of the
Filipino insurrection, the founder of societies, periodicals, and books dedicated to fomenting and
propagating ideas of rebellion.” Rizal did not object to the jurisdiction, but pleaded not guilty to
the crime of rebellion. He admitted the writing of the Constitution of La Liga Filipina. He waived
the right to amend the statements he already made, except that he did not participate in politics
while he was in Dapitan.

On December 13, his papers were forwarded to the Malacañan Palace, on the same day
as when Governor General Camilo de Polavieja succeeded Blanco. This turned out to be
detrimental to Rizal, since Blanco was more humane than Polavieja and that Blanco believed
that he was not a traitor.

On December 15, Rizal wrote a manifesto to his people while he was in Fort Santiago.
The manifesto reads:

My Countrymen:

Upon my return from Spain I learned that my name was being used as a
rallying cry by some who had taken up arms. This information surprised and
grieved me but thinking that the whole affair was finished, I refrained from
commenting on something that could no longer be remedied. Now, rumors reach
me that the disturbances have not ceased. It may be that persons continue to
use my name in good or in bad faith; if so, wishing to put a stop to this abuse and
to undeceive the gullible, I hasten to address these lines to you that the truth may
be known.
 From the very beginning, when I first received information of what was
being planned, I opposed it, I fought against it, and I made clear that it was
absolutely impossible. This is the truth, and they are still alive who can bear
witness to my words. I was convinced that the very idea was wholly absurd --
worse than absurd -- it was disastrous. I did more than this. When later on, in
spite of my urgings, the uprising broke out, I came forward voluntarily to offer not
only my services but my life and even my good name in order that they may use
me in any manner they may think opportune to smother the rebellion. For I was
convinced of the evils which that rebellion would bring in its train, and so I
considered

Fellow countrymen: I have given many proofs that I desire as much as the
next man liberties for our country; I continue to desire them. But I laid down as a
prerequisite the education of the people in order that by means of such
instruction, and by hard work, they may acquire a personality of their own and so
become worthy of such liberties. In my writings I have recommended study and
the civic virtues, without which no redemption is possible. I have also written (and
my words have been repeated by others) that reforms, if they are to bear fruit,
must come from above, for reforms that come from below are upheavals both
violent and transitory. Thoroughly imbued with these ideas, I cannot do less than
condemn, as I do condemn, this ridiculous and barbarous uprising, plotted
behind my back, which both dishonors us Filipinos and discredits those who
might have taken our part. I abominate the crimes for which it is responsible and I
will have no part in it. With all my heart I am sorry for those who have rashly
allowed themselves to be deceived. Let them, then, return to their homes, and
may God pardon those who have acted in bad faith.

De la Peña ordered that the manifesto be suppressed, which saved Rizal from “the
shame of his manifesto being misinterpreted and disobeyed by the Filipinos in arms.”

The Trial

Rizal’s trial was in a military court, despite him being a civilian. His case was prejudged,
the military wants him to be condemned, and therefore ignored all arguments in Rizal’s favor
and accepted those which are against him. On December 26, the court-martial of Rizal started
in Cuartel de España. Present were the members of the military court (Lt. Col. Jose Togores
Arjona, Capt. Ricardo Muñoz Arias, Capt. Manuel Reguera, Capt. Santiago Izquierdo Osorio,
Capt. Braulio Rodriguez Nuñez, Capt. Manuel Diaz Escribano, and Capt. Fermin Perez
Rodriguez), Rizal, Taviel de Andrade, Judge Advocate Capt. Rafael Dominguez, Prosecuting
Attorney Lt. Enrique de Alcocer, and spectators including Bracken, newspapermen, and
Spaniards.

The prosecuting attorney delivered his speech on the charges of Rizal, and urged the
court for the verdict of death. Taviel de Andrade gave his defense, which fell on deaf ears.
Rizal gave his supplementary defense, which included the following:

1. He could not be guilty of rebellion, for he advised Dr. Pio Valenzuela in Dapitan not to
rise in revolution.
2. He did not correspond with the radical, revolutionary elements.
3. The revolutionists used his name without his knowledge. If he were guilty he could have
escaped in Singapore.
4. If he had a hand in the revolution, he could have escaped in a Moro vinta and would not
have built a home, a hospital, and bought lands in Dapitan.
5. If he were the chief of the revolution, why was he not consulted by the revolutionists?
6. It was true he wrote the by-laws of the Liga-Filipina, but this is only a civic association –
not a revolutionary society.
7. The Liga Filipina did not live long, for after the first meeting he was banished to Dapitan
and it died out.
8. If the Liga was reorganized nine months later, he did not knoe about it.
9. The Liga did not serve the purpose of the revolutionists, otherwise they would not have
supplanted it with the Katipunan.
 10. If it were true that there were some bitter comments in Rizal’s letters, it was because
they were written in 1890 when his family was being persecuted, being dispossesssed of
houses, warehouses, lands, etc… and his brother and brother-in-law were deported.
11. His life in Dapitan had been exemplary as the politico-military commanders and
missionary priests could attest.
12. It was not true that the revolution was inspired by his one speech at the house of
Doroteo Ongjunco, as alleged by witnesses whom he would like to confront. His friends
knew his opposition to armed rebellion. Why did the Katipunan send an emissary to
Dapitan who was unknown to him? Because those who knew him were aware that he
would never sanction any violent movement.

After this, Arjona cleared the hall. The court voted after a short deliberation, and
sentenced Rizal of death. The decision ws given to Polavieja, who sought the opinion of de la
Peña, who affirmed the verdict.

On December 28, Polavieja issued the following decree:

Manila, December 28, 1896

Conformably to the foregoing opinion. I approve the sentence dictated by

the Court Martial in the present case, by virtue of which the death penalty is
imposed on the accused Jose Rizal Mercado, which shall be executed by
shooting him at 7:00 in the morning of the 30th of this month in the field of
Bagumbayan.

For compliance and the rest that may correspond, let this be returned to
the Judge Advocate, Captain Don Rafael Dominguez

Camilo G. de Polavieja

Last Breath

On December 29, Captain Rafael Dominguez read the death sentence of Rizal. He was
moved to the prison chapel, where he spent his last moments. Father Miguel Saderra Mata,
Rector of Ateneo Municipal, and Father Luis Viza, Jesuit teacher, were his first visitors. They
gave him the statuette of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that he carved while he was still in Ateneo.
The visit was followed by Fr. Antonio Rosell, then by Taviel de Andrade, who Rizal thanked for
his gallant service.

Fr. Federico Faura visited him and reminded him about what he said about what would
happen when he wrote Noli. This was followed by Father Jose Vilaclara, Ateneo teacher, and
Father Vicente Balaguer. Then he was interviewed by Santiago Mataix for the newspaper El
Heraldo de Madrid.

After lunch, he finished his farewell poem, hid it inside an alcohol cooking stove, and
wrote to Blumentritt. Then, Father Balaguer returned to Fort Santiago, and discussed Rizal’s
retraction.

Then Rizal’s mother arrived. Rizal asked for his mother’s forgiveness. Both cried and
the guards separated them. Then, Trinidad came to fetch their mother and Rizal gave the
stove. He told her, in English, that something was inside: Rizal’s last and greatest poem, Mi
Ultimo Adios.

My Last Farewell

Farewell, beloved Country, treasured region of the sun,

Pearl of the sea of the Orient, our lost Eden!
To you eagerly I surrender this sad and gloomy life;
And were it brighter, fresher, more florid,
Even then I’d give it to you, for your sake alone.

In fields of battle, deliriously fighting,

 Others give you their lives, without doubt, without regret;
The place matters not: where there’s cypress, laurel or lily,
On a plank or open field, in combat or cruel martyrdom,
It’s all the same if the home or country asks.

I die when I see the sky has unfurled its colors

And at last after a cloak of darkness announces the day;
If you need scarlet to tint your dawn,
Shed my blood, pour it as the moment comes,
And may it be gilded by a reflection of the heaven’s newly-born light.

My dreams, when scarcely an adolescent,

My dreams, when a young man already full of life,
Were to see you one day, jewel of the sea of the Orient,
Dry those eyes of black, that forehead high,
Without frown, without wrinkles, without stains of shame.

My lifelong dream, my deep burning desire,

This soul that will soon depart cries out: Salud!
To your health! Oh how beautiful to fall to give you flight,
To die to give you life, to die under your sky,
And in your enchanted land eternally sleep.

If upon my grave one day you see appear,

Amidst the dense grass, a simple humble flower,
Place it near your lips and my soul you’ll kiss,
And on my brow may I feel, under the cold tomb,
The gentle blow of your tenderness, the warmth of your breath.

Let the moon see me in a soft and tranquil light,

Let the dawn send its fleeting radiance,
Let the wind moan with its low murmur,
And should a bird descend and rest on my cross,
Let it sing its canticle of peace.

Let the burning sun evaporate the rains,

And with my clamor behind, towards the sky may they turn pure;
Let a friend mourn my early demise,
And in the serene afternoons, when someone prays for me,
O Country, pray to God also for my rest!

Pray for all the unfortunate ones who died,

For all who suffered torments unequaled,
For our poor mothers who in their grief and bitterness cry,
For orphans and widows, for prisoners in torture,
And for yourself pray that your final redemption you’ll see.

And when the cemetery is enveloped in dark night,

And there, alone, only those who have gone remain in vigil,
Disturb not their rest, nor the mystery,
And should you hear chords from a zither or psaltery,
It is I, beloved Country, singing to you.

And when my grave, then by all forgotten,

has not a cross nor stone to mark its place,
Let men plow and with a spade scatter it,
And before my ashes return to nothing,
May they be the dust that carpets your fields.

Then nothing matters, cast me in oblivion.

Your atmosphere, your space and valleys I’ll cross.
I will be a vibrant and clear note to your ears,
 Aroma, light, colors, murmur, moan, and song,
Constantly repeating the essence of my faith.

My idolized country, sorrow of my sorrows,

Beloved Filipinas, hear my last good-bye.
There I leave you all, my parents, my loves.
I’ll go where there are no slaves, hangmen nor oppressors,
Where faith doesn’t kill, where the one who reigns is God.

Goodbye, dear parents, brother and sisters, fragments of my soul,

Childhood friends in the home now lost,
Give thanks that I rest from this wearisome day;
Goodbye, sweet foreigner, my friend, my joy;
Farewell, loved ones, to die is to rest.

Visitors arrived. Father Vilaclara, Estanislao March, Father Rosell, Don Silvino Lopez
Tuñon, and Don Gaspar Cestaño. Rizal had his last supper at 8:00 PM. He informed
Dominguez that he forgave all his enemies.

The draft of retraction sent by Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda was submitted by

Balaguer to Rizal, but Rizal did not sign it because it was too long. According to Balaguer, Rizal
signed a shorter retraction prepared by Father Pio Pi. This retraction is controversial. Some
believe it to be a forgery, while some believe it to be true. Another controversy was whether he
married Bracken before his execution.

At December 30, 1896, he heard Mass, confessed his sins, had his last breakfast, wrote
two letters: to his family and to his brother, Paciano.

Josephine Bracken, accompanied by Josefa, arrived. They embraced and Rizal gave
her his final gift: a religious book, Imitation of Christ by Father Thomas Kempis, with an
autograph from Rizal.

An hour before his execution, he wrote his last letter to his parents.

At 6:30 AM, a trumpet sounded at Fort Santiago, to signal his death march. Dressed in
a black suit, black derby hat, black shoes, white shirt, and black tie, Rizal walked calmly, with
his arms loosely tied behind from elbow to elbow.

They reached Bagumbayan field. Rizal bade goodbye to Father March, Father Vilaclara,
and Taviel de Andrade. A priest blessed him and offered a crucifix to kiss, which Rizal did. He
requested the commander of the firing squad to be shot facing the squad, which the captain
denied. Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castillo felt his pulse and found it to be normal, showing that Rizal was
not afraid to die.

When the command to fire was barked, Rizal turned his body to the right, and fell to the
ground dead – with face upward facing the morning sun. He died at exactly 7:03 AM, at the age
of 35 years, 5 months, and 11 days.