Thomas Hudson, an unfortunate man. Stipple engraving by R. Cooper, 1821.

Thomas Hudson lost his fortune in the South Sea Bubble after he had "ventured the whole of his fortune in that disastrous project. Misfortune now became his intimate companion—the news of the failure of his darling scheme, arrived at the time when he had to witness the decease of an affectionate wife. These severe reverses were too much for him: he left his favourite residence, in a state of bankruptcy, and made the best of his way for London. From this period he became in a manner insane; and Tom of Ten Thousand (as he used to call himself), was like Poor Joe—all alone! The peculiarity of his dress, and deformity of figure, attracted particular notice; wrapped in a rug, and supported by a crutch, without either shoes or stockings, did this poor creature perambulate, even in the coldest weather, the fields about Chelsea, craving assistance. … After many years of misery, Death took this "son of misfortune" from his earthly troubles, in the year 1767, at a very advanced age."—Wilson, loc. cit.