This collection is made up of 6 letters that John Howard Payne wrote in 1832 (1 item) and 1850 (5 items). The first item introduces Maryland native Richard Lloyd to Colonel George P. Morris at West Point, New York ([1832]). Payne opened his correspondence with actress M. A. Tyrrell (alternately spelled "Tyrell" and "Tyrrel") with 2 unsigned letters, in which he discussed his admiration of her and his desire to make her acquaintance. He requested that she indicate her desire to meet him with a small gesture during her next public outing (January 12, 1850, and January 17, 1850). His following 3 letters, written from May 2, 1850-September 5, 1850, pertain to Washington, D.C., social affairs; the city's Adelphi Theatre; Payne's acquaintance with a woman named Rosa Jacques; a salary dispute regarding Tyrrell's time in Buffalo; and Payne's possible reappointment as consul to Tunis. His letter of July 29, 1850, refers to the Adelphi Theatre's "engagement of Jim Crow." Payne composed the text of a public acknowledgement of thanks from Tyrrell to those who had supported her during her difficulties in Buffalo (September 5, 1850).
John Howard Payne was born in New York City on June 9, 1791, the son of William Payne and Sarah Isaacs. He spent much of his childhood in Boston, where he began to act, publish journals, and write plays. After briefly attending Union College, he became a professional actor, performing in the United States and Europe. Payne was also a successful playwright. His most famous and lasting composition is perhaps the song "Home Sweet Home." From 1843-1845 and 1851-1852, Payne was United States consul to Tunis, where he died on April 9, 1852.
