some hesitation, either real or affected, he yielded to the im-
portunities of Marlborough and Godolphin, and the solicita-
tions of the queen; and on the 8th of May, his promotion
was announced in the "Gazette." ^*

During this negotiation the other vacant places were filled.
The earl of Kent, who ranked as a moderate Whig, was ap-
pointed lord chamberlain; and Sir Thomas Mansell, an
ardent Tory, as well as the friend of the speaker, was made
comptroller of the household. Another promotion which
took place at the same time was, the transfer of the secretary-
ship of war from Blathwayte to Henry St. John. This
youthful statesman, who now commenced his public career,
was the friend of Harley, and by him appears to have been
introduced to the notice of the duke. His splendid and pre-
mature talents soon strengthened the impression made by his
captivating amenity of manners, and he rapidly ingratiated
himself with his noble patron, by an affectation of the most
zealous attachment. Marlborough took the warmest interest
in his promotion, and recommended him to Godolphin as one
on whose integrity he might securely rely. "I am very
glad," he says, "you are so well pleased with Mr. St. John's
diligence, and I am very confident he will never deceive
you.

Many of the zealous Whigs were highly offended at these
appointments, which they regarded as a slight to their party;
and their complaints were imparted to Marlborough by his
son-in-law, Lord Sunderland. But he had still more vehe-
ment expostulations to encounter from his duchess. She
depicted the attachment and zeal professed by Harley, as
mere artifices to clothe his consummate subtlety; and her
keen sagacity equally discovered the insatiable ambition and
party zeal, which in St. John were cloaked with the appear-
ance of unaffected candour, and careless vivacity. She con-
jured her husband to moderate his confidence towards two
persons, whom she regarded as doubtful friends, if not dan-
gerous enemies. Marlborough, however, neglected these
warnings, from the honourable motive of regarding merit and
abilities in the choice of his confidants, and from a native

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