As regards Ralph's collaboration with Fielding at this period (a collaboration further affirmed by Dr Nathan Drake's assertion, written in 1809, that James Ralph was Fielding's chief coadjutor in that paper) it may be recalled that ten years previously this not very reputable American had provided a prologue for Fielding's early play, the _Temple Beau_; and that he appears again as Fielding's partner in the management of the Little Theatre in the Haymarket. Gradually relinquishing his theatrical ambitions, Ralph appears to have turned his talents to political journalism, and according to Tom Davies was becoming formidable as a party writer for the Opposition in these last years of Walpole's administration. Boswell tells us that Ralph ultimately succeeded Fielding in his share of the _Champion_; [12] but we have no definite knowledge of what precise part was taken by him in the earlier numbers. No continued trace occurs of his collaboration with Fielding; and indeed it is difficult to conceive any permanent alliance between Fielding's manly, independent, and generous nature, and the sordid and selfish character, and mediocre talents of James Ralph. [1] The fullest newspaper for theatrical notices at this date, preserved in the British Museum, the _London Daily Post_, is unfortunately missing for this year. [2] Now first printed, from documents at the Record Office. [3] A table inscribed by a former owner as having belonged to Henry Fielding, Esq., novelist, is now in the possession of the Somersetshire Archaeological Society. The inscription adds that Fielding "hunted from East Stour Farm in 1718." He would then be eleven years old! [4] From the hitherto unpublished original, in the library of Alfred Huth, Esq. [5] "Cro: Eliz." is the legal abbreviation for Justice Croke's law reports for the reign of Elizabeth. [6] _Champion_, February 26, 1740. [7] _The Tryal of Colley Cibber, Comedian etc._ 1740. [8] Those of April 22, and April 29, 1740. [9] And see _Daily Gazeteer_, Oct. 9, 1740. [10] _Champion_, December 22, 1739. [11] For April 22, April 29, May 6, and May 17. [12] Boswell's _Johnson_, edited by Birkbeck Hill. Vol. i. p. 169. n. 2: "Ralph ... as appears from the minutes of the partners of the _Champion_ in the possession of Mr Reed of Staple Inn, succeeded Fielding in his share of the paper before the date of that eulogium [1744]." CHAPTER VII "COUNSELLOR FIELDING" "Wit is generally observed to love to reside in empty pockets." _Joseph Andrews_.