-^ Its Makers, Past and Present 



held in suspense. In due course, however, the sport was 

 recommenced, and in November, 1714, his former appoint- 

 ment was again conferred on Lord Cardigan by George I. ; 

 but soon afterwards he became an object of the political 

 suspicions which clouded that period, and his connection 

 with the Royal Hunt was broken in July, 171 5. He lived 

 in retirement until the year 1732. His lordship married 

 Lady Elizabeth Bruce, eldest daughter of Thomas Bruce, 

 Earl of Ailesbury. 



1 71 5— 1727. — During this period His Majesty George L 

 did not officially appoint any Master of the Royal Buck- 

 hounds, although it is stated that Richard Barker was 

 announced Master in July, 171 5. 



1 727-1 732. — Colonel Francis Negus was appointed 

 to the Mastership soon after the succession of George H. 

 Nothing is known of the parentage of Colonel Negus. He 

 was, nevertheless, honoured with the friendship of George I., 

 and he enjoyed also the favour of George H. He was 

 appointed by George L a Commissioner, to whom was 

 entrusted the duties which belonged to the office of Master 

 of the Horse, during the years in which that Department 

 was permitted to continue without its customary chief 

 Colonel Negus had Colonel Darcy for his fellow Com- 

 missioner. A salary of ^800 per annum, dependent on the 

 King's pleasure, was allowed the Colonel for his services. 

 At this period Sir Robert Walpole appears to have been 

 actively interested in the Royal Hunt, and to have 

 appeared in the field on some occasions as an unofficial 

 Master. Upon the accession of George H. the Earl of 

 Scarborough was chosen to fill the long vacant position of 

 Master of the Horse, and Colonel Negus was compensated 



225 Q 



