Scope and content Consists mainly of letters by Defoe concerning his political activities, including his imprisonment in early 1703, his secret government mission to Scotland in 1705 and subsequent trips there on government business, and English domestic and foreign affairs he was involved in after returning to England. Other correspondents include the Earl of Nottingham, who ordered Defoe's arrest and questioning in 1703; the Earl of Godolphin; Robert Harley, Defoe's patron while he was in Scotland; and...