colonel Churchill might have experienced the liberality of the duchess, we need not seek for the cause in an intercourse of gallantry, if we consider that he had a strong claim to her protection from affinity, being nearly related to her on the side of his mother, who was her cousin. *

Whatever may have been the conduct of colonel Churchill during the fervour of youth, and amidst the temptations of a dissolute court, his irregularities soon yielded to the influence of a purer passion, which recalled him from licentious connections, and gave a colour to his future life: we allude to his courtship and marriage with miss Sarah Jennings, daughter of Richard Jennings, esq., of Sandridge, near St. Alban's, a gentleman of an antient and distinguished lineage.

The family of Jennings, like that of Churchill, was devoted to the royal cause, and consequently enjoyed considerable favour at court after the Restoration; for we find two daughters of Mr. Jennings at an early period filling honourable situations in the royal household.

Frances, the eldest, one of the most lovely women of the age, was placed about the person of the duchess of York. She first espoused Sir George Hamilton, grandson of James, second earl of

* GENEALOGICAL TABLE,

SHEWING THE CONNECTIONS OF THE DRAKE FAMILY WITH THAT OF VILLIERS.

Abercorn, a maréchal de camp in the french service. He died in 1667, leaving issue by her, three daughters; and she married secondly Richard Talbot, who after the revolution was distinguished for his attachment to the exiled monarch, and by him created duke of Tyrconnel.*

Sarah, the younger sister, was also introduced into the court of the duchess of York, at the early age of twelve. She grew up under the protection of her royal patroness, and became the companion of the princess Anne. Though not so transcendantly lovely as her sister, her animated countenance and commanding figure attracted numerous admirers; and even in the dawn of beauty she received advantageous offers of marriage from different persons of consideration, among whom we may reckon the earl of Lindsay, afterwards marquis of Ancaster. In the midst of a licentious court, she maintained an unspotted reputation, and was as much respected for her prudence and propriety of conduct, as she was admired for the charms of her person and the vivacity of her conversation.

Of this young lady colonel Churchill became enamoured when she had scarcely completed her sixteenth year; and his person, politeness, and amenity of manners, joined with his reputation for bravery, made an early and deep impression on her heart. The interest which the duchess herself took in this important event of her youth, prompted her to preserve many of the letters which passed during their courtship.

Nothing is perhaps more trivial than the general correspondence of lovers. Still however the minutest feelings of a great mind are not without interest, and it gratifies our natural curiosity to trace the sentiments of extraordinary characters in those situations into which they fall in common with the generality of mankind. The letters of the colonel and his future consort display the peculiar features of their respective characters; and

* He was attainted, and died abroad, in 1691. For a particular account of this lady, see the entertaining memoirs of the count Grammont, written by her brother-in-law, Anthony, count Hamilton.

+ Letter from Mr. Maynwaring to the duchess of Marlborough.

shew the origin and growth of that deep and ardent attachment to which he owed a higher degree both of happiness and disquietude than usually accompanies the nuptial union. His notes in particular breathe a romantic tenderness and keen sensibility, which appear foreign to the general sedateness of his character. Indeed this correspondence fully exemplifies the eulogium afterwards paid to him by king William, that to the coolest head he united the warmest heart. The letters of the lady evince, on the other hand, the vivacity and petulance of her temper; and display that alternate haughtiness and courtesy which gave her so powerful a command over the passions of those to whom she was attached.

The courtship passed through the usual forms of coyness and ardour, professions on the part of the lover, and reserve on the part of the lady; and was attended with numberless complaints and apologies, bickerings and reconciliations. Several obstacles also gave strength to their mutual passion, as well as retarded their union. The first difficulty arose from the want of a competent establishment. Colonel Churchill could not expect any fortune from his father, who had several children, and was embarrassed in circumstances; and his own actual income consisted in places and emoluments at court, with an annuity of £.500, which he had purchased from lord Halifax in 1674.* The family property of the lady was more ample than that of her lover, but was considerably incumbered, by the provision made for the establishment of her grandfather's numerous issue. Her portion therefore at this period was small; and it was not till some time after the marriage that it was augmented, by the death of her brothers without issue. Some pecuniary arrangement appears to have been proposed in their favour by the duchess of York, but at

* Among the Blenheim papers is the original agreement, dated in 1674, stating, that colonel Churchill had purchased from lord Halifax an annuity of £. 500 per annum, for the sum of £. 4,500.

Letter from the duchess of Marlborough to a friend, bishop Burnet, M. P.