31. Raleigh attempted to escape from Stukley on at least one occasion
Stukley was given orders, from the King, to not use too much haste in bringing the prisoner to London, which Stukley – a long-time enemy of Raleigh’s – understood to mean he was to be solicitous of his prisoner’s health, rather than lax on his guard. Nonetheless Raleigh did escape, eluding his captors for a brief time as he sought a means to flee to France, but after the cargo of tobacco carried on his ship back from the Orinoco was sold off in his absence, Sir Walter lacked the funds to flee successfully. He returned voluntarily to custody. During the journey to London Raleigh tried to bribe his captor, using funds offered for the purpose by friends, and connived with friendly doctors to feign illnesses which slowed the journey.
