Print, titled 'Commodore Payne', inscribed 'Orme Junr Sculp, 1795'; published by Edward Orme. Payne- from a West Indies planter family- was a successful naval officer, a rake, and courtier and confidant of George, Prince of Wales, until dismissed from his offices in the Prince's household in July 1796 owing to a breach between them caused by the scheming of Lady Jersey and Payne's disapproval of the Prince's behaviour towards his new wife Princess Caroline. Having distinguished himself commanding the 'Russell' at the Batle of 1 June 1794, Payne was appointed commodore of the squadron sent in February 1795 to collect the Princess from Cuxhaven to marry the Prince . He brought her back in April, flying his broad pendant as a commodore in the 'Augusta' yacht when they came up the river for her landing at Greenwich Hospital (see PAD2198). This print commemorates him at that time, thoughn whether as a single print or originally in a publication remains to be confirmed. After his break with the Prince, Payne continued to serve at serve as captain of the 'Impétueux' (80 guns) which, as the French 'L'Amerique', he had played a part in capturing at the Battle of 1 June 1794 two years before until his health broke down from the rigours of patrolling for several years in the western approaches and he came ashore. In January 1799 he was reconciled with the Prince, became a rear-admiral that February and was appointed Treasurer of Greenwich Hospital that August, though continuing to live in London close to the Price at Carlton House. He appears to have died at Greenwich on 17 November 1803, and was buried at St Margaret's, Westminster, on the 25th. For another copy see PAI8202.