embassador, or against Vernon, through whose hands it had passed as secretary of state; nor did the accusers turn their view to the conduct of the preceding parliament, which by an impolitic economy had reduced the king to submit to so humiliating a treaty.

In this crisis, the peers proved themselves the champions of the constitution, and the friends of justice, by acquitting the persecuted ex-ministers in the most solemn and satisfactory manner. This verdict raised the indignation of the tories in the commons. They were seconded by their friends in the upper house; and we regret to find the name of Marlborough in the protests, some of which were so violent, as to be expunged from the journals. It is difficult to assign a motive for a conduct so contrary to his usual moderation, and to his friendship for some of the persecuted lords.

The unjustifiable and flagrant proceedings of the commons, awakened the resentment of the nation. Petitions of the most threatening nature were voted against them, in different parts of the kingdom: they were accused of corruption by french gold, and assailed in various publications, which daily issued from the press. At length the tories discovered that they had carried their hostilities beyond the bounds of prudence. They shrunk from the imputation of connivance at the usurpations of France, and heard with shame, and mortification, the urgent appeals for succour, which were made by the emperor, and the dutch. To compensate for their past misconduct, or at least to gain popularity, they closed this stormy session by voting li

beral supplies to the king, against the contingencies which might occur; and conveyed the most solemn assurances of support, in all such alliances as he should think proper to conclude, for maintaining the peace of Europe, and reducing the exorbitant power of France. To these laudable resolutions Marlborough contributed with all his influence.

On the 24th of June, William prorogued the parliament, and prepared for his journey to the continent. Before his departure he was importuned by the tories to dismiss the small remnant of whigs, who yet were permitted to fill subordinate offices in the government; but he eluded the demand, and left the administration as it was then constituted.

Although the king had shown great attention to Marlborough, and invariably testified the estimation in which he held his talents and services; yet he never entirely conquered his early prejudices, or divested himself of that jealousy which sovereigns usually feel, against the adherents of those who are destined to succeed them. At this period, however, he overlooked all inferior considerations, and placed Marlborough in a post of the highest consequence, next to his own person. His motives for this choice were laudably disinterested and patriotic. Sensible of his own approaching dissolution, foreseeing the inevitable necessity of a continental war, and anxious for the maintenance of that system, which it had been the labour and boast of his life to uphold, he was desirous that the political ·

and military powers should be transferred to one, who, with abilities equal to the emergency, might possess the confidence of the country, and the good will of his successor. In no one were these requisites united except in Marlborough. Accordingly William selected him to command the forces in the Netherlands, and to negotiate the treaties, which were to be formed with foreign powers, for the renewal of the grand alliance. This choice, as judicious in itself as it was honourable to his feelings, was almost his last act before he quitted England, to organize the most formidable confederacy, which had yet been marshaled against France.

-Marlborough accompanied the king abroad, and saw with regret his rising displeasure against the tories, though it was the natural consequence of their hostility towards his person, and factious opposition to his measures. He hoped, however, that the party with which he had identified himself, had made reparation by their zeal in voting the supplies. He trusted, also, that the absence of the king from England would allow the feelings of resentment and mortification to subside. A change which had taken place among the dutch adherents of William, inspired him with additional confidence. The earl of Portland, his own personal enemy, who had been chiefly exposed to the attacks of the tories, was now supplanted by Keppel, a young nobleman of good family, who from the post of private secretary was rapidly promoted to high honours, created earl of Albemarle, and distin

guished with the garter. This nobleman had manifested towards Marlborough great respect and confidence, professed a favourable disposition towards the tories, and promised to communicate such information as might enable him to ascertain the real sentiments of his royal master.

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CHAPTER 9.

1701-1702.

Marlborough accompanies the king to Holland. - Intrusted with the conduct of the negotiations for the grand alliance. Difficulties arising from the situation of the European powers.-Concludes treaties with the emperor and the States With Sweden and Prussia. Correspondence with lord Godolphin. Intrigues for a change of administration, during the stay of Marlborough at the Hague. — Anxiety of Marlborough to avert the fall of the tory ministry.— Death of James the second, and acknowledgment of his son as king of England, by Louis the fourteenth.-Effects of this acknowledgment in England, and unpopularity of the tories.-The king embarks for England—Dissolves the parliament Changes in administration. - Death of William. - His dying recommendation of Marlborough to his successor.

MARLBOROU

ARLBOROUGH embarked with the king at Margate, on the 1st of July, and reached the Hague on the 3d, prepared to fulfil his instructions.

He commenced his negotiations under inauspicious circumstances. Louis had no sooner accepted the will of Charles the second, than he carried into execution the measures which had been previously matured, for securing tranquil possession of the spanish throne. He directed his first attention to the Netherlands, whence he most dreaded an attack. He gained the elector of Bavaria, to whom the government had been confided, by the deceased