Over the next years, the tension between the Remonstrants and Counter-Remonstrants became increasingly strong and political, especially after Stadtholder Maurice began openly supporting the latter. In August 1618, Maurice committed a coup d’état and had Oldenbarnevelt, Grotius and a number of others associated with the Arminian cause arrested.
Grotius was imprisoned on 29 August 1618 and was not allowed to see anyone while on remand, not even his wife Maria. On 19 October, she wrote him this letter, to keep her husband informed of the events outside the prison and to tell him not to worry about her. She also tells Grotius that she has heard rumours that he has tried to win back Maurice’s favour but she does not believe this.
Maria van Reigersberch to Grotius, letter, 1618 [PAP 2]