Dear S.F.,--
Some days ago I received both thy letters, by Will. Taylor. I return thee this answer, chiefly to try an expedient, whether letters put in at the post-office at Edinburgh will come safe to your hands; for which end I order this that way; and if it hit, let me have by the first post an answer, directing it for me to be left with David Falconer, merchant, in Edinbro'. I will not enlarge by this, because uncertain of its safe conveyance.
I have been a prisoner since I left they sister, but was kept only two nights. P.L.(2) has been in and out again. G.K.(3) and Thos. Mercer were taken this day last week.
From Holland I had last night a letter that gave me much satisfaction, in which was one enclosed from Herwarden from Anna Van Horne to Lil. Skeine, very loving; and a short postscript from Elizabeth(4) in these words: "Dear Friend, I love your upright intention to travail in spirit for your friends, though unknown to you; and doubt not but it will prove efficacious to them, in the Lord's due time; which is the wish of your loving friend, Elizabeth." -- I defer other matters to a further occasion.
My entire love to thy father and mother, to Isabel my dear fellow-traveler, to Su.(5) and Rachael, as
also thy brother and sister Lower, with Leo.(6) and others of my acquaintance. Thou wilt excuse the
briefness at this time to thy very affectionate friend
R. Barclay
1. 1. Ibid., page 403.
2. 2. Patrick Livingstone.
3. 3. George Keith.
4. 4. Probably Princess Elizabeth, sympathetic to Friends.
5. 5. Susan Fell.
6. 6. Leonard Fell.