Benjamin Aubrey du Maurier, a Huguenot and the French ambassador to the States General of the Dutch Republic, was a good friend of Grotius. The diplomat was sympathetic towards the Armenian camp and had tried to prevent Oldenbarnevelt’s execution. Aubrey and Grotius wrote each other often, with obvious affection. This letter was written by Aubrey du Maurier on 28 March 1621, just six days after Grotius’ escape from Loevestein. The letter itself, written in French, shows just how quickly the news had spread and Aubrey du Maurier expresses his relief and joy that Grotius had been able to escape his imprisonment, offered by God and through peaceful means - without the need to break doors or locks. Aubrey du Maurier also writes that he had spoken to King Louis XIII and his ministers on Grotius’ behalf, to make sure that he would be accepted there as an exile.
B. Aubrey du Maurier aan Grotius, 28 March 1621 [PAP 2]