4. The Romans provided them with letters to the authorities in each country through which they would pass, guaranteeing them safe conduct in their return to the land of Judea.
5. This is a copy of the letter Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:
6. “Jonathan the High Priest, the national council of leaders, the priests, and the rest of the people of Judea, to our brothers in Sparta, greetings.
7. At an earlier time, your King Arius sent a letter to our High Priest Onias, stating that our two nations are related, as the attached copy shows.
8. Onias received your ambassador with full honours and acknowledged receipt of your letter, which declared our alliance and friendship.