When was it published?

November 24, 1738 in The Virginia Gazette

Story November 24, 1738

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

William Coffee, Mr. Jennings, Justice Margetts

Q: What keywords are associated?

Diamond Ring Fraud, William Coffee, Bristol Stone, Newgate Commitment, Spittle Fields Broker

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

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What is this article about?

William Coffee, using aliases, defrauded broker Mr. Jennings in Spittle-fields by swapping a diamond ring for a Bristol stone after borrowing 20 guineas. The fraud was discovered last week, leading to his arrest on Saturday and commitment to Newgate by Justice Margetts.

Clipping

OCR Quality

95% Excellent

Full Text

About Ten Days since, William Coffee, alias Brown, alias White, Came to Mr. Jennings, a Broker in Spittle-fields, with a Diamond Ring, desired he would consult with a Jeweler for the Goodness of it, and he would call again, which he did soon after, when Mr. Jennings lent him 20 Guineas upon it, and Coffee desir'd to seal it up, which being granted, he seal'd up a Bristol Stone Ring in the room of it: Last Week Mr. Jennings telling some Friends of the Ring, they desired to see it, on which the Fraud was discovered: On Saturday he was apprehended, and being carried before Justice Margetts, was by him committed to Newgate.

What sub-type of article is it?

Crime Story Deception Fraud

What themes does it cover?

Deception Crime Punishment

What keywords are associated?

Diamond Ring Fraud William Coffee Bristol Stone Newgate Commitment Spittle Fields Broker

What entities or persons were involved?

William Coffee Mr. Jennings Justice Margetts

Where did it happen?

Spittle Fields, Newgate

Story Details

Key Persons

William Coffee Mr. Jennings Justice Margetts

Location

Spittle Fields, Newgate

Event Date

About Ten Days Since; Last Week; On Saturday

Story Details

William Coffee brought a diamond ring to Mr. Jennings, who lent him 20 guineas after consulting a jeweler. Coffee then sealed a Bristol stone ring in its place. The fraud was discovered when Jennings showed it to friends, leading to Coffee's apprehension and commitment to Newgate.