Committed to Bridewell
Miss Williams was brought before a justice of the peace, who mistook her shock and confusion for guilt. He committed her to Bridewell prison, and admonished her to turn evidence and implicate the captain in the theft as the only way to avoid a death sentence. Miss Williams believed divine vengeance had caught her, and expected to die an ignominious death in prison.
The Suicide Attempt
Overwhelmed by despair in Bridewell, Miss Williams attempted to hang herself in the middle of the night, using a hook in the ceiling and a makeshift noose. Before she could adjust the knot, two fellow female prisoners who had suspected her plan stopped her. The next morning, her attempt was discovered, and she was punished with 30 lashes. The pain of the whipping, combined with her existing despair and shame, caused her to lose her mind: she tore at her own flesh with her teeth and bashed her head against the pavement, requiring guards to restrain her from further self-harm.
Madness and Punishment
The fit of madness triggered by her suicide attempt and subsequent punishment lasted three days. After she regained her composure, she remained sullen but still determined to kill herself, so she began a hunger strike, refusing all food in an effort to starve to death.
The Hunger Strike
Miss Williams’ hunger strike progressed for two days, with her resolve weakening and hunger becoming almost unbearable by the second day, leaving her at a critical low point.
Mrs. Coupler’s Arrival
At the height of her hunger strike, a former acquaintance of Miss Williams, Mrs. Coupler, was brought into Bridewell. Mrs. Coupler had previously run a coffee house in Drury Lane that catered to male clients with sex workers on staff, and had been committed to Bridewell for refusing to bribe a corrupt justice. She learned of Miss Williams’ situation, and shortly after, the captain who had robbed her was caught and confessed to the theft, clearing Miss Williams of all wrongdoing.
Released from Bridewell
The prison master informed Miss Williams that the captain had confessed to the theft, and she was ordered to be released immediately. The news instantly lifted her spirits, erasing all thoughts of suicide.
Life at the Coffee House
Grateful for her release, Mrs. Coupler offered Miss Williams a place in her coffee house: she would provide board, clothes, and accessories, in exchange for a weekly payment of 3 guineas and a cut of Miss Williams’ earnings from sex work, to be deducted from her first profits. With no other options, Miss Williams accepted, and went to live with Mrs. Coupler after she was bailed. She worked to overcome her previous reserved, haughty demeanor, used her good voice and education to entertain clients, and quickly became the most popular worker at the coffee house.
Mrs. Coupler’s Jealousy and Slander
Miss Williams’ rapid success and popularity with clients sparked jealousy in Mrs. Coupler, who could not stand being eclipsed. In retaliation, Mrs. Coupler spread rumors among clients that Miss Williams was “unsound” (suffering from a sexually transmitted infection). The rumors immediately ruined Miss Williams’ reputation, and all clients avoided her, leaving her with no income.
Arrested for Debt
With no money to pay her debts to Mrs. Coupler, who had extended her 11 pounds in credit for board and clothes, Miss Williams was arrested for debt in the coffee house when Mrs. Coupler took out a writ against her. The room was full of people when the bailiff arrived, but no one offered to help her or pay her debt; some laughed at her distress, and one person even joked she would not lack admirers in Newgate.
Rescued by the Sea Lieutenant
A sea lieutenant entered the coffee house during Miss Williams’ arrest, inquired about her situation, and learned she owed 11 pounds plus writ costs. He paid the full debt, discharged the bailiff, and gave her an additional 5 guineas as a gift, advising her to find a better, safer line of work. Moved by his generosity, Miss Williams explained her full story to him at a nearby tavern, convincing him of the falsehood of the rumors about her. He became her patron, and they lived together harmoniously until he was killed in a storm at sea.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.