Theobalds, near London
12th of 7th month, 1677
Dear Friend,
By thy letter of the last of the month past, I understand of the friends being with thee; and was
refreshed by the account they gave me of thy kind and Christian entertainment of them (they
having overtaken me in Holland). God will not be wanting to reward thy love, as well as to
increase the same. Finding no ready passage straight for Scotland, I came over here; and albeit I
had no great expectation of success; I resolved once more to try thy Cousin the Duke of York. So
I told him, that I understand from Scotland, that notwithstanding Lauderdale was there and had
promised, ere he went, to do something, yet our Friends bonds was rather increased; and that now
there was only one thing to be done, which I desired of him, and that was, to write effectually to
the Duke of Lauderdale, in that style wherein Lauderdale might understand that he was serious in
the business, and did really intend the thing he write concerning should take effect; which I knew
he might do, and I supposed the other would answer, which, if he would do, I must acknowledge
as a great kindness; but if he did write, and not in that manner, so that the other might not
suppose him to be serious, I would rather he should excuse himself the trouble; desiring withal to
excuse my plain manner of dealing, as being different from the Court way of soliciting: all which
he seemed to take in good part, and said he would so write, as I desired, for my father and me,
but not for the general, so he hath given me a letter: whether it may prove effectual or not, I
cannot determine, but of this thou may hear of hereafter. I am now entered into my journey, and
intend to pass by the way of Ragly.
Thy real and unfeigned friend,
R. Barclay
1. 1.. Ibid., pages 62-64.