The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-05-24

J. HOWARD PAYNE As | sit in my garrett here, lin
Washington watching the course OF great men. and
the destiny OF party meet often with strange contradc
lions in this eventfu life. The most remarkable was
that OF Howard Payne. author OF Sweet Home ="
knew him personally He occupied the rooms under
me Tor some time, and his conversation was so captva
ling that have often spent whole days his apartment
He was applicant for office at the time-consul al
Tunis-from which be bad been removed What sad
thing ii to the poet subjected TO all the humla
ton of Office seeking. OF evening we would walk
along the streets, looking into The lighted parors we
passed. Once and while we would zee some family
circle, happy, and forming so beautiful group that
we would both stop, and then pass silently on. On
such occasions, he would give a history OF his
derngs, his trials, and all the incident TO
al have been in The heart OF Paris Berlin London or some
other city, and heard persons singing, or the hand organ
playing Sweet Home, without shilling TO buy the
next meal, or place 10 put my head The world has,
literally sung my song until every heart is familiar with
lts melody. Yet have been wandefer from my boy.
hood. My country has turned me rutblessly from my
ion for bread" Thus be would ompain OF his hapess
lot. His only wish 10 die in foteign land-,o be
buried by strangers, and sleep in ob,cnrity
met him one day looking unusually sad /" Have you
Yes; and leave in week for Tunis. | shall never
return"
We clip the above from the OHIO Statesman. We do
not know who is the author; but knew Payne well.
and at the time alluded to boaraer in the
house with him--,he Irving Hotel, washington He is
air with which be bade farewell, when be left for
runis. This The last Of the author OF
i" Swee, Home"
A Georgian who was in mess, used TO relate the
following incident, in the life OF Payne AT time be
became enthusiast for the civilization OF the Indians
He set out mission 10 the Creeks and Cherokees, in
Georgia and Alabama II about the time OF the dill
culty between the government, and the Creeks in rea
ton their removal The exctem ent high, and the
auborilies poliee their
toned along the line. All communication between the
whites and Indians cut of. A, this unfortunate pc.
Rod, Payne found among the Creeks, attempting
10 give them lessons on civilization and the cult.
walton OF the arts. Although innocent OF any inn
proper designs, and moved and instgated by pure
and phanthropic motives, he was nevertheless ar
rested suspicion. Lem Jackson, a sort of ha-horse
bali alligator, captain OF the guard. Having
other made OF combining the poet prisoner, they built
log.pen. and covered il with heavy logs something
like wolfpen of the early pioneers He protested his
innocence and begged 10 be released that he might
turn to his "sweet home" But his appeal moved not
the stony heart of Lem Jackson and his sem-civized
companions, They determined to hold him until they
found evidence Nightca The watch fires biazed
brightly The guard amused themselves first by playing
cards and then by singing AT las, Lem, who was the
leader OF the sports, struck up Home, Sweet Home
Payne could bear !, no longer. This was an afHc.
ton too great for bis sensitive spirit. lie looked
out through the crevices OF his rude prison. In
agony of spirit, he cried" Oh, gentlemen, save my
feelings Impose any bodily torture your ingenu-
lily can invent; but save o save my feelings. am
the author OF that song Don't mock me by singing y
now You wrote that songl' exclaimed Lem. +" Now
boys" turning to his companions, " we've got him
we've ketched him in lie and will now punish him o'
both crimes - A court martial called Payne de-
cared he was the author of "Sweet Home" but hi,
testimony disressrded. and he duly convicted
and sentenced TO receive twenty ashes the next day Az
fortune would have IT, superior in command reached
the camp before the verdict executed rescinded the
order and discharged the author. with the advice
10 NEEDLE with the Indians again. and never attempt TO
get out Of scrape by lying ilndsss STATE Sentinel