William did his best to satisfy these innumerable and insatiable claimants by putting many offices into commission.

There were however a few great posts which it was impossible to divide.

Hamilton was declared Lord High Commissioner, in the hope that immense pecuniary allowances, a residence in Holyrood Palace, and a pomp and dignity little less than regal, would content him.

The Earl of Crawford was appointed President of the Parliament; and it was supposed that this appointment would conciliate the rigid Presbyterians, for Crawford was what they called a professor.

His letters and speeches are, to use his own phraseology, exceeding savoury.