American author, born in New York City, on the 9th of June 1791; died in Tunis, Africa, on the 10th of April 1852. At the age of fifteen he entered Union College, where he remained two years, and during that time published a periodical called The Pastime. Payne made his first appearance as an actor at the Park theater in New York City, on February 24, 1809, as “Young Norval,” in the play of Douglas, and repeated the performance in other cities, as the “American Roscius,” in the manner of Master Betty of England. Thereafter he appeared in London, at Drury Lane theater, on June 4, 1813, and made a tour through Great Britain, with fair success. For nearly twenty years he was engaged in England, as actor, manager, and playwright. Besides translating and adapting French plays for the theaters, he produced Brutus, or the Fall of Tarquin (1815), a favorite tragedy; with Edmund Kean and J. B. Booth, compiled several plays on the same subject; also, Clari, or the Maid of Milan, in which occurs the song of Home, Sweet Home. In August, 1832, Payne returned to New York City and engaged in literary and dramatic work, sustaining himself with difficulty. From 1841 until 1845 he was United States consul at Tunis, and in 1851 was reappointed to the same office, which he held until the time of his death. In 1883 his remains were brought to this country. See also Literary Criticism.
