ABSTRACT
Indeed, as Lord Waldegrave observed at the time, when Devonshire accepted the post of leader from the King all his advisers were stating bluntly that the 'Administration would be routed at the opening of the next session of parliament'. With such modest goals in mind, Devonshire was not overtaxed in meeting them over his nine months in power. The rest of the business undertaken by government under Devonshire's leadership was perfunctory wartime preparation and the procurement of supplies. The reconciliation took place in early July 1757 and Devonshire resigned as First Lord, taking the office of Lord Chamberlain from the King by way of compensation. Devonshire was a durable, reliable and honourable man who served his King, and incidentally the country, when called upon for nine short months during the dark years of the Seven Years War.
