ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book attempts a brief account of the office of Secretary of State in England from 1681 to 1782. For the sake of clarity, however, it seems proper first to give a succinct description of the secretaryship in 1680. The secretaryship has at times been held by one person and is later held by eight; but it always has been and is one office. Any Secretary could and can perform any secretarial duty; for all Secretaries are competent to discharge the same functions. The duties of the Secretaries of State in 1680 were most numerous. The Secretaries then acted as Ministers for foreign, domestic, Irish, and Colonial affairs. The energy and zeal of Nottingham are deserving of praise, but none of the other Secretaries are remarkable, unless for their defects.
