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GEORGIA AND GEOEGIANS 585
Ross, he was put under arrest and imprisoned at the old Vann house,
at Spring Place, in what is now Murray County, Georgia. Capt. A. B.
Bishop, who commanded the Georgia Guards at this place, made the
arrest. He found the poet at Ross's home, near the head of the Coosa
River.
It is said that while imprisoned at Spring Place he heard the sol
diers singing his familiar anthem, "Home, Sweet Home," and that,
when he eventually satisfied his captors that he was the author of this
renowned song, he received from them the most considerate treat
ment.* Nevertheless, h,e was held a prisoner until his .release was
finally procured by Gen. Edward Harden, of Athens, to- whom he had
brought a letter of introduction. ' The historic site of the poet's impris
onment at Spring Place is soon to be marked by the John Milledge
Chapter of the D. A. R.
As above stated, Mr. Payne, on coming to Georgia, brought with
him a letter of introduction to an old citizen of Athens, Gen. Edward
Harden. The latter was formerly a resident of Savannah; and, during
the famous visit of La Payette to this country, in 1825, he entertained
the illustrious: nobleman of France. General, Harden was typically a
gentleman of the old school, courtly in his manners, refined and cultured,
in fact, a man of letters, though his chosen profession was the law.
Payne expected to stop at the public inn; but to this General Harden
demurred, insisting that he become his guest for an indefinite stay.
Thus it was that the author of "Home, Sweet Home," found him
self an inmate of the famous old Harden home in Athens. The story
that Payne caught the inspiration for his poem at this time is, of course,
sheerest fiction, for more than twelve years had elapsed since the first
rendition of the song in public. Equally imaginative is the yarn that
on entering the door of his prison at Spring Place, he raised both hands
in anguish above his head, exclaiming with bitter sarcasm, "Home,
Sweet Home," and then proceeded to write the poem, in a moment of
silent communion with the Muses.
But while Payne did not write his poem in Georgia, he enjoyed the
hospitality which General Harden lavished without stint upon friend
and stranger alike; and there came into his life at this time an influ
ence which, for the rest of his days, was destined to cast upon him the
spell of a most subtle enchantment. He became acquainted with the
general's lovely daughter, Mary. So fascinated was the poet with this
gentle lady of Athens that the main purpose of his visit to Georgia was
almost forgotten. The poor Cherokee became a secondary consider
ation. Even his Yankee scruples against Southern biscuit were over
come when he tasted one of the dainty products of Miss Mary's oven.
Still, he did visit the Cherokee nation; and, it was while on this
trip that his imprisonment at Spring Place occurred. On hearing of
his predicament, General Harden hastened to his release. But the poet
* Rev. W. J. Cotter, in the Wesleyan Christian Advocate.