We have learned nothing respecting Andros's position in England for the next five years, except that he was in favor at Court, being, in 1683, sworn Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to the King, Charles II. He very probably devoted his attention to his estates in Guernsey, as in this year he and his wife received from the Crown a grant of the Island of Alderney for ninety-nine years, at a rent of thirteen shillings. In 1685, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the Princess of Denmark's Regiment of Horse, commanded by the Earl of Scarsdale. The accession of James II. however, February, 1685, opened a new prospect of advancement. Andros seems to have been a staunch member of the Church of England, but his long intimacy with the Duke of York had doubtless given that Prince a favorable impression of his abilities. The Charter of Massachusetts, after a contest extending through many years, had been declared vacated, October 23rd, 1684. The notorious Col. Piercy Kirke[5] had been designated as the new Governor by Charles II. and confirmed by James, but New England had been spared the affliction of his presence. Joseph Dudley had been commissioned as President of the Council, and served as chief magistrate from May 15th, 1686, till December 19th following. [Footnote 5: Not much is known of Col. Piercy Kirke. His father was Col. Lewis Kirke, who in 1642-3 commanded the Royal forces in the defence of Reading against the troops under Hampden. (Lord Nugent's Life of Hampden, ii. 339-343.) Some account of Kirke is given in "Notes and Queries," 2nd S. viii. 472. It seems that Piercy Kirke, in 1673, served under the Duke of Monmouth in the army of the King of France. In 1675, he was Captain-Lieutenant in the Royal regiment of Horse-Guards; and in 1680, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the 2nd Tangier regiment. He was soon after made Colonel of this regiment, and in 1682 was transferred to the Queen's regiment. In 1684, he came with his regiment to England, and was employed under the Earl of Feversham during Monmouth's rebellion. His conduct after that revolt was quelled, has covered his name with infamy, and Macauley has drawn his character in vivid colors. He was made Brigadier-General in 1685, was one of those who joined William of Orange, and distinguished himself at the battle of the Boyne in 1690. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General in the same year, was sent to the army in Flanders, and died at Breda, October 31, 1691. He married Lady Mary Howard, daughter of George, fourth Earl of Suffolk. From the identity of names it is probable that his son was the Percy Kirke who in 1735 was a Brigadier-General, commanding the King's Own Regiment of Foot.] Andros was commissioned Governor in chief in and over the dominion of New England, June 3, 1686, though his appointment is spoken of as settled, in a letter from Randolph, dated at Boston, July 28th of that year. (Hutchinson Papers, ii. 288, Prince Society's edition.)