Since his return from exile, his influence had been generally exerted in favour of the Whig party.

It was by his counsel that the Great Seal had been entrusted to Somers, that Nottingham had been sacrificed to Russell, and that Montague had been preferred to Fox.

It was by his dexterous management that the Princess Anne had been detached from the opposition, and that Godolphin had been removed from the head of the hoard of Treasury.

The party which Sunderland had done so much to serve now held a new pledge for his fidelity.

His only son, Charles Lord Spencer, was just entering on public life.