It was this that Defoe called making them "beg their bread at his door, and crave as if it were an alms" the provision to which they were legally entitled.

Why did Defoe vent his grief at this conduct in such strong language to his son-in-law, at the same time enjoining him to make a prudent use of it?
Baker had written to his father-in-law making inquiry about the securities for his wife's portion; Defoe answers with profuse expressions of affection, a touching picture of his old age and feebleness, and the imminent ruin of his family through the possible treachery of the son to whom he has entrusted their means of support, and an adjuration to his son-in-law to stand by them with comfort and counsel when he is gone.

The inquiry about the securities he dismisses in a postscript.

He will not sell the house, and he does not know who has the policy of assurance.
One thing and one thing only shines clearly out of the obscurity in which Defoe's closing years are wrapt--his earnest desire to make provision for those members of his family who could not provide for themselves.

The pursuit from which he was in hiding, was in all probability the pursuit of creditors.