About the Author: George Payne Rainsford James

George Payne Rainsford James (August 9, 1799 – June 9, 1860), was an English novelist and historical writer, the son of a physician in London. He was for many years British Consul at various places in the United States and on the Continent. He held the honorary office of British Historiographer Royal during the last years of William IV's reign.