Bampfylde Moore Carew, a vagabond. Line engraving by J. Baker after R. Phelps.

The sitter originally came from Devon and his father was a rector. He ran away to join the gipsies to avoid punishment for some schoolboy prank. Henceforth, he became known as a vagabond and 'King of the Gipsies'. He was convicted of vagrancy and transported to Maryland. After numerous escape attempts he was forced to wear an iron collar, however, this did not deter his wandering spirit and he eventually escaped successfully aided by some Native Americans. After various swindles he made his way back to England and continued drifting. He finally settled down after winning a lottery. 'The Dictionary of National Biography', London, 1908, p. 956