How did Jonathan Swift help William Congreve keep his post as commissioner for wines?

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William Congreve William Congreve, oil painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1709; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.

William Congreve was able to retain his position as a commissioner for wines during the change of government in 1710 due to the good offices of his lifelong friend, Jonathan Swift.1

At that time, the political landscape in England shifted as a new Tory ministry replaced the Whig administration. Despite the political upheaval, Swift—who had become a prominent political writer and pamphleteer for the Tories—used his influence to ensure that Congreve kept his civil service post. Congreve held this position until 1714, when he moved into the customs service.21