When was it published?

September 25, 1787 in The New York Packet

Foreign News September 25, 1787

The New York Packet

Q: What keywords are associated?

Genteel Beggars, American Loyalists, Impersonation, Street Fraud, Solicitation, Magistrates

New York, New York County, New York

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What is this article about?

Report from July 5 describes 'genteel beggars' infesting streets, impersonating impoverished American Loyalists affected by wars and rebellions to solicit money, especially from women, through bold tactics and threats. Includes a quip on magistrates' leniency toward beggars until they commit felonies.

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OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

July 5. A new set of beggars now infest our streets, supporting themselves by their art in idleness, drunkenness and profligacy. They are distinguished by the appellation of genteel beggars. Their letters, cases and testimonials are provided with signatures by common advice, by aid of which they commonly personate American Loyalists, reduced to poverty by wars, rebellions, and other unexpected misfortunes. They get admission by boldly knocking at doors, and if they find women only in the house, they are sure of obtaining money either by solicitation or menaces.

--Why are magistrates so tender to beggars and vagabonds ? Because they get nothing by them until they are become felons.

What sub-type of article is it?

Social Issues Fraud

What keywords are associated?

Genteel Beggars American Loyalists Impersonation Street Fraud Solicitation Magistrates

Foreign News Details

Event Date

July 5

Event Details

A new set of beggars infest streets, known as genteel beggars, supporting themselves through idleness, drunkenness, and profligacy. They use forged letters and testimonials signed by common consent to impersonate American Loyalists impoverished by wars, rebellions, and misfortunes. They gain entry by knocking boldly and obtain money from women via solicitation or menaces. Magistrates are tender to beggars and vagabonds because they gain nothing until they become felons.