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time to reap the advantages afforded by this foundation; for
he was removed to the theatre of active life, at a period
when the ordinary course of liberal education is scarcely
more than half completed.

The interest of Sir Winston Churchill enabled him to secure
establishments for his rising family. Arabella, his only
daughter, was introduced at court, soon after the Restoration,
as maid of honour to the first duchess of York; and John
was appointed page of honour to the duke.

The example and military spirit of the father was not
without effect on the son. At an early period he manifested
a decided inclination for the profession of arms, which did
not escape the notice of the duke of York, in the frequent
reviews of the two regiments of foot guards, which he was
accustomed to exercise. On one of these occasions, being
asked by his royal patron what profession he preferred, and
in what manner he should provide for him, he threw himself
on his knees, and warmly petitioned that he might be ap-
pointed to a pair of colours in one of those fine regiments
whose discipline he had admired. The request was graciously
received; and the enterprising youth gratified with the pair
of colours so earnestly desired.

Many idle stories have been detailed by the memoir writers,

____________________
scholar, and published his work soon after the death of the duke. The
following anecdote connected with the education of this great man ap-
pears somewhat questionable. He is supposed to have imbibed his pas-
sion for a military life from the perusal of Vegetius de re Militari, which
was then in the school library. The anecdote was thus recorded by the
Rev. G. North, rector of Colyton, in his copy of Vegetius, p. 483, pre-
sented to the Bodleian Library, by the late Mr. Gough; communicated
by the head librarian, the Rev. Mr. Bandinel.

"From this very book, John Churchill, scholar of this school, after-
wards the celebrated Duke of Marlborough, first learnt the elements of
the art of war, as was told to me, George North, on St. Paul's Day,
1724-25, by an old clergyman, who said he was a contemporary scholar,
was then well acquainted with him, and frequently saw him read it.

This I testify to be true. G. NORTH."

It is not very probable that a boy should have read so difficult a book
as Vegetius, at so early an age, particularly as we can trace no indication
that he possessed such an intimate acquaintance with the Latin tongue,
as the study of this author must have required. The restless curiosity
of youth might however have prompted him to look into this book, which
contains amusing prints, not unlikely to have attracted his attention.

-2-

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Publication Information: Book Title: Memoirs of the Duke of Marlborough with His Original Correspondence: Collected from the Family Records at Blenheim, and Other Authentic Sources. Contributors: William Coxe - author, John Wade - author. Publisher: G. Bell and Sons. Place of Publication: London. Publication Year: 1872. Page Number: 2.
    
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