This ending is loosely based on the experiences of Augustus Johnston. Johnston, a politician, was appointed Stamp Tax Distributor. His effigy was one of the three hung during the Stamp Act Riot. During the Stamp Act riot, he fled from his house. His friends stayed to hide his valuables and when the mob came they promised he would resign his position the next morning, prompting the mob to leave. He did move to South Carolina and die insolvent, leaving his wife and children left begging for money. You can read one of her letters here.