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Payne, John Howard. (1791 - 1852). Autograph Letter from the author of "Home! Sweet Home!". Scarce autograph letter from the man who wrote the words for one of America's best-loved songs. 1 page. N.p, n.d.. Addressed to V. Clirehugh at the "Corner of Broadway + Fulton St." In full: "Sir, Some time ago I left at your establishment a box with some French Toupées; adding to them the one I discarded for a substitute of your make; which, afterwards, I also left, when I obtained a new one from you. May I ask you to oblige me by delivering the whole collection to the Bearer, for / Yours obediently / J.H. Payne/ 342 Broadway." Tape remnant on upper edge, folds, somewhat soiled.


Along with his co-dramatist Washington Irving, Payne wrote or adapted several noteworthy plays for the New York and London stage, such as Charles the Second, or The Merry Monarch, 1824. The previous year Payne had adapted Clari, or The Maid of Milan into an opera for producer-actor Charles Kemble. The song "Home! Sweet Home!" with music by Henry Rowley Bishop, was written for this opera. Although Payne achieved artistic immortality for the song, he remained heavily in debt. In 1842 his friends in the theater were instrumental in having Payne named United States Consul at Tunis, a post to which he was once again named in 1851. He died during this diplomatic service. Thus, the creator of one of the most nostalgic American songs ever written died far from our shores.

Payne, John Howard. (1791 - 1852) Autograph Letter from the author of "Home! Sweet Home!"

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Payne, John Howard. (1791 - 1852). Autograph Letter from the author of "Home! Sweet Home!". Scarce autograph letter from the man who wrote the words for one of America's best-loved songs. 1 page. N.p, n.d.. Addressed to V. Clirehugh at the "Corner of Broadway + Fulton St." In full: "Sir, Some time ago I left at your establishment a box with some French Toupées; adding to them the one I discarded for a substitute of your make; which, afterwards, I also left, when I obtained a new one from you. May I ask you to oblige me by delivering the whole collection to the Bearer, for / Yours obediently / J.H. Payne/ 342 Broadway." Tape remnant on upper edge, folds, somewhat soiled.


Along with his co-dramatist Washington Irving, Payne wrote or adapted several noteworthy plays for the New York and London stage, such as Charles the Second, or The Merry Monarch, 1824. The previous year Payne had adapted Clari, or The Maid of Milan into an opera for producer-actor Charles Kemble. The song "Home! Sweet Home!" with music by Henry Rowley Bishop, was written for this opera. Although Payne achieved artistic immortality for the song, he remained heavily in debt. In 1842 his friends in the theater were instrumental in having Payne named United States Consul at Tunis, a post to which he was once again named in 1851. He died during this diplomatic service. Thus, the creator of one of the most nostalgic American songs ever written died far from our shores.