2-714-171 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Toby, a well known imposter', 1822. Portrait of a man on crutches, holding out a hat, with a scarf around his head and eyes. 'This vile impostor, whose real name is unknown, was a negro and frequented the streets of London, where he successfully levied contributions on the credulity of the humane. Having lost all his toes, while on board a merchantman, he was rendered an object of compassion. During his perambulations he appeared almost double with age and infirmity, but when night came on, he threw off restraint, and walked upright to the beggars meeting, where there was not a more jovial member.' From "Wonderful Characters: Comprising Memoirs and Anecdotes of the Most Remarkable Persons of Every Age and Nation", Vol. III, by Henry Wilson. [J. Robins and Co. Albion Press, London, 1821]