 His sense of moderation came to good use in the successful arbitration of the dispute.In 1873 Tenterden was promoted to the post of permanent under-secretary, and in 1878 he was created KCB.He was married twice; his first wife was his cousin Penelope Smyth, with whom he had four children - Audrey Mary Florence born 1861, Geraldine Alice Ellen born 1863, Charles Stuart Henry born 1865, and Gwen Elca Violet born 1868.