The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-07-29
ST, JOhnsbury Vt, July 90, lS4S.

pnrntiVcly litlo Underwriting, was almost
doubled in ioW years, owing to tho better
arrangements introduced by him in tho trans
mission of tho mails, and various postage
regulations, which have made his name Gel
cbIntcd as one of tho few who have confer
rcd benefits Ola lasting kind on their native
country. But Ralph Allen was destined To
become, if possible, still more honorahly
known to fame. From his earliest youth he
had cultivated his mind, ms we'll rs improved
his fortune rs without tho former cndCuvor,
the latter would have been bur half SUCCESS,
though wealth bad gathered like the sand.-
Ills Post Office contract in Il short time real
iZcd such an income as made the proprietor
ono of the richest men in the neighborhoOd
ofBath.
Mrs Allen had lived to see her son's pru-
dent conduct and perseverance, rewarded TO
an extent of which she had never dreamed (;
and the good dame closed her days IN peace
and comfort in the pleasant cottage nj Coomc
Down, having nothing 10 regret, aud no an
noyancc, but ehad0wy fear, which ut times
slightly ngitnted the calm current Of her lat
,er-day thoughts, that Ralph was buying too
many books. But having gained the sum-
init of his early nmhilion--a well and hon
orably-won fortnuc-he determined to enjoy
it ngrocably 10 his refined taste, in the muni-
fccnt encouragement ofnrts and literature
lie had acquired general respect rs well as
riches and rs his fortune raised him gradu-
ally in the scale of society, had won the cs-
teen, and formed the acquaintance of men
celebrated for their talents, and still famous
through their works. Pope, Ficdin e, Swift
and Goldsmith were among the number of
his friends and the titled aud fashionable
paid natural tribute 10 merit and success,
by including Mr. Allen in their most select
society.
The country round Bath is one ofthc finest
districts in England, being diversified with
beautiful wood crowned hills and broad
green meadows. One property, in particu-
lar, popularity called Prior Park, lad long at
tructCd Ralph Aliens eye from tho barren
slopes OF Coomo Down, and there, he often
said he should wish, if fortune permitted
him, to build u mansion worthy Of the scene.
This project was at last put into execution
The posscssor Of the estate ruined his affairs
10y carclessncss aud extravaganza in London;
il was, in consequence, offered for sale, and
Ralph Allen, Esq. became the purchaser OF
one of those wood covered hills which he
had SO often admired splendid mansion was
erected under his own supcrintCndcncc
whose beautiful Corintlian portco; and taste
iul decorations were the theme of praise IL
nong all the lovers of art; the former cspe-
calIy being still regarded rs unrivallcd i'll
English architecture. Hero Ralph retired
about middle life, leaving the field of active
industry TO younger and more needy nspi-
rants hero, also, he gathered round him tho
most polished Society of HAT fashionable
mcighborhood, and many of the authors the
purchase Of whose works had once aston
ishcd his mother. MIR Allen ia well known
to all convcrsant with the literature of those
times, MS its judicious and munifccmt pat
rom, and, in particular, as the attached friend
or UnU srInUwimI ilrIauTO pOcT, alexander
Pope, and tho philosophic Bishop Warbur
ton.
Tho facts of his story though not so gen
orally known, belong 10 real life, and nrc vcr-
fled 10y his contemporaries. Prior Park has
now become Catholic College; bur its ro-
mantle situation and fine Corinthian columns
are still rcckoncd among the attractions of
the district and they offer lesson Of how
much may be achieved by well directed CIT
crry md ucrsuvCring prudence.