His character for courage and professional skill stood high.

That he had had his follies and vices was well known.

But his recent conduct in the time of severe trial had atoned for all, and seemed to warrant the hope that his future career would be glorious.

Among the commissioners who sate with him at the Admiralty were two distinguished members of the House of Commons, William Sacheverell, a veteran Whig, who had great authority in his party, and Sir John Lowther, an honest and very moderate Tory, who in fortune and parliamentary interest was among the first of the English gentry.

[19] Mordaunt, one of the most vehement of the Whigs, was placed at the head of the Treasury; why, it is difficult to say.