Page:Biographical catalogue of the portraits at Weston, the seat of the Earl of Bradford (IA gri 33125003402027).pdf/134



No. 23.

CAPTAIN JOHN WILLETT PAYNE, R.N., AFTERWARDS VICE-ADMIRAL.

Naval uniform.

BORN 1752, DIED 1803.

He entered the Royal Navy in 1769, on board the Quebec, thirty-two guns, Captain Lord Ducie; then served in the Eagle, sixty-four guns, bearing the flag of Earl Howe, during the American war, whence he was made Lieutenant, and afterwards promoted to post-rank, July 1780.

Captain Payne distinguished himself on several occasions, especially in an engagement in the West Indies, in 1783, with the Pluto, a ship of very superior force. He was in command of the Russell, in Lord Howe's memorable victory, the glorious 1st of June 1794. In 1799 he became Rear-Admiral of the Red, and the following year succeeded Lord Bridport as Treasurer of Greenwich Hospital. He brought over Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales, on board the Jupiter. Jack Payne, as he was called in society, was a great favourite and constant companion of the Prince of Wales, who appointed him Comptroller of his Household, in which capacity he made himself extremely popular by his courtesy, geniality, and genuine kindness. At the time of his death he had also the command (being then Vice-Admiral) of the coasts of Devonshire and Cornwall, and Lord Warden of the Stannaries.