During his stay in Paris, Grotius continued his correspondence with his brother-in-law and friend Nicolaas van Reigersberch. Grotius wrote this letter on 29 July 1621, a few months after his arrival in Paris and one element in particular reflects that he is still caught between freedom and oppression: the letter uses codes (the number 75 stands for the French King and 313 for the reformed religion) for certain people and sensitive subjects. The letter discusses several current affairs, most notably the Dutch authorities’ poor treatment of the Remonstrants, and reflects on Grotius’ own tolerance - even though he is adamant that he will remain in the church he belonged to when he was imprisoned, he is happy to refrain from criticism on the Catholic Church and entertain warm friendships with Calvinists.
Grotius to Nicolaas van Reigersberch, letter, 29 July 1621 [PAP 2]