In the month of August the earl of Godolphin was divested of his office, and the treasury put in commission, subjected to the direction of Harley, appointed chancellor of the exchequer and under-treasurer.

The earl of Rochester was declared president of the council in the room of lord Somers; the staff of lord steward being taken from the duke of Devonshire, was given to the duke of Buckingham; and Mr.Boyle was removed from the secretary's office to make way for Mr.Henry St.John.
The lord chancellor having resigned the great seal, it was first put in commission, and afterwards given to sir Simon Harcourt.

The earl of Wharton surrendered his commission of lord-lieutenant of Ireland, which the queen conferred on the duke of Ormond.

The earl of Orford withdrew himself from the board of admiralty; and Mr.George Granville was appointed secretary of war in the room of Mr.Eobert Walpole.

The command of the forces in Portugal was bestowed upon the earl of Portmore; the duke of Hamilton was appointed lord-lieutenant of the county palatine of Lancaster.