ABSTRACT
Ralph Allen, after starting off in life with few advantages except a good deal of native ability, made a fortune out of reorganizing the postal system. By the time Alexander Pope met him he was a philanthropist of a very practical kind. Writing to Swift in March 1736, Alexander Pope told him 'Here is a race sprung up of young Patriots that would animate you.' The enthusiasm of the young patriots was infectious. Unlike the young Patriots who were new to the game, both men had seen too many political ventures fail to be confident of success now. Alexander Pope returned to the political arena. Throughout 1737 Walpole found himself faced with one crisis after another and although he kept cool and survived them all, it seemed his luck was running out at last. Jenkins was followed by the up-and-coming William Murray, a friend of Alexander Pope, who was supposed to have coached him in the art of oratory.
