Marlborough wrote in earnest terms to her husband, urging
him to decline this accession of honour; and although it ap-
pears that he was not averse to so distinguished a mark of
favour, her remonstrances at least suspended his decision.

"Hugue, Nov. 4. -- You know," he observes, "I am very ill at com-
pliments, but I have a heart full of gratitude: therefore pray say all you
can to the queen for her extraordinary goodness to me. As you have let me
have your thoughts as to the dukedom, you shall have mine in short, since
I shall have the happiness of being with you so soon, when I may advise
with you more at large on this matter. But be assured that I shall have
a mind to nothing, but as it may be easy to you. I do agree with you
that we ought not to wish for a greater title, till we have a better estate.
Your other objection is also very just, that this promotion might bring
great solicitations upon the queen, which I am sure I would not give
occasion for. The queen's goodness in being desirous to establish my
family, answers the first, since that may be done this winter; for I agree
with you, that it should be done before the title."

The solicitations of the queen, and the importunities of
Lord Godolphin, as well as the representations of Pensionary
Heinsius, at length vanquished the reluctance of the countess.
The earl was accordingly created Marquis of Blandford and
Duke of Marlborough, by letters patent, dated December 14.
1702. The queen, fully sensible that his property was in-
sufficient to maintain so high a dignity, sent a message to
the House of Commons, stating that she had created him a
duke, and conferred on him 5000l. per annum out of the
post-office for her own life. She concluded with requesting
the house to devise a proper mode for settling this grant on
himself and his successors in the title. Contrary to her ex-
pectation, the proposal occasioned violent debates; and in-
vidious insinuations were thrown out that Marlborough was
endeavouring to monopolise the royal favour. Sir Christo-
pher Musgrave, in particular, said, he did not wish to de-
tract from the duke's eminent services, but he must insist
that they had been well rewarded. He concluded with ex-
patiating on the profitable employments which he and his
family enjoyed. In consequence of the spirit manifested by
the Commons, the duke solicited the queen to recall her mes-
sage, lest he should be the cause of obstruction to the public
service. She accordingly communicated his request to the
house, and withdrew her application; but the predominant
party did not omit to make a strong remonstrance against

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