uke of Ormond, the lord-chancellor, and lord Trevor, were not of
the number. Next morning the earl of Oxford presented himself with an
air of confidence, as if he had expected to receive some particular
mark of his majesty's favour; but he had the mortification to remain
a considerable time undistinguished among the crowd, and then was
permitted to kiss the king's hand without being honoured with any other
notice. On the other hand, his majesty expressed uncommon regard for the
duke of Marlborough, who had lately arrived in England, as well as for
all the leaders of the whig party.

{GEORGE I, 1714--1727}

THE TORIES TOTALLY EXCLUDED FROM THE ROYAL FAVOUR.

It was the misfortune of this prince, as well as a very great prejudice
to the nation, that he had been misled into strong prepossessions
against the tories, who constituted such a considerable part of his
subjects. They were now excluded from all share of the royal favour,
which was wholly engrossed by their enemies; these early marks of
aversion, which he was at no pains to conceal, alienated the minds of
many from his person and government, who would otherwise have served
him with fidelity and affection. An instantaneous and total change was
effected in all offices of honour and advantage. The duke of Ormond
was dismissed from his command, which the king restored to the duke of
Marlborough, whom he likewise appointed colonel of the first regiment
of foot guards, and master of the ordnance. The great seal was given to
lord Cowper; the privy seal to the earl of Wharton; the government
of Ireland to the earl of Sunderland. The duke of Devonshire was made
steward of the household; lord Townshend and Mr. Stanhope were appointed
secretaries of state; the post of secretary for Scotland was bestowed
upon the duke of Montrose. The duke of Somerset was constituted master
of the horse; the duke of St. Alban's captain of the band of pensioners;
and the duke of Argyle commander-in-chief of the forces in Scotland.
Mr. Pulteney became secretary at war; and Mr. Walpole, who had already
undertaken to manage the house of commons, was gratified with the
double place of paymaster to the army and to Chelsea-hospital. A
new privy-council was appointed, and the earl of Nottingham declared
president; but all affairs of consequence were concerted by a
cabinet-council, or junto, composed of the duke of Marlborough, the
earls of Nottingham and Sunderland, the lords Halifax, Townshen