Chapter I: Part 1

Transcriber's Note.

A list of the changes made can be found at the end of the book.

Mark-up: _italic_
==blackletter==

The Witchcraft Delusion In New England Vol. III

==Woodward's Historical Series.==

No. VII.

THE
==Witchcraft Delusion==
IN
NEW ENGLAND:

ITS
RISE, PROGRESS, AND TERMINATION,
AS EXHIBITED BY
DR. COTTON MATHER,

IN
_THE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD_;

AND BY
MR. ROBERT CALEF,
IN HIS
_MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD_.

WITH A
==Preface, Introduction, and Notes==,
BY SAMUEL G. DRAKE.

IN THREE VOLUMES.

VOL. III.

_More Wonders of the Invisible World._

PRINTED FOR W. ELLIOT WOODWARD,
ROXBURY, MASS.
MDCCCLXVI.

_No._____

Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1865,
By SAMUEL G. DRAKE,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States
for the District of Massachusetts.

EDITION IN THIS SIZE 280 COPIES.

MUNSELL, PRINTER.

[90] MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD.

PART V.

_An Impartial Account of the most Memorable Matters of Fact,
touching the supposed Witchcraft in_ New-England.

[_ Matters of Fact._]

MR. _Parris_[1] had been some years a Minister in _Salem-Village_, when this sad Calamity (as a deluge) overflowed them, spreading itself far and near. He was a Gentleman of Liberal Education, and not meeting with any great Encouragement, or Advantage in Merchandizing, to which for some time he apply'd himself, betook himself to the work of the Ministry; this Village being then vacant, he met with so much Encouragement, as to settle in that Capacity among them.

After he had been there about two years, he obtained a Grant from a part of the Town, that the House and Land he Occupied, and which had been Alotted by the whole People to the Ministry, should be and remain to him, _&c._ as his own Estate in Fee Simple. This occasioned great _Divisions_ both between the Inhabitants themselves, and between a considerable part of them and their said Minister, which Divisions were but as a beginning or _Præludium_ to what immediately followed.

It was the latter end of _February_ 1691,[2] when divers young Persons belonging to Mr. _Parris's_ Family, and one or more of the Neighbourhood, began to [91] Act, after a strange & unusual manner, _viz._ as by getting into Holes, and creeping under Chairs and Stools, and to use sundry odd Postures and Antick Gestures, uttering foolish, ridiculous Speeches, which neither they themselves nor any others could make sense of; the Physicians[3] that were called could assign no reason for this; but it seems one of them, having recourse to the old shift, told them he was afraid they were Bewitched; upon such suggestions, they that were concerned, applied themselves to Fasting and Prayer, which was attended not only in their own private Families, but with calling in the help of others.

_March_ the 11_th_. Mr. _Parris_ invited several Neighbouring Ministers to join with him in keeping a Solemn day of Prayer at his own House; the time of the exercise those Persons were for the most part silent, but after any one Prayer was ended, they would Act and Speak strangely and Ridiculously, yet were such as had been well Educated and of good Behaviour, the one a Girl of 11 or 12 years old, would sometimes seem to be in a _Convulsion_ Fit, her Limbs being twisted several ways, and very stiff, but presently her Fit would be over.

A few days before this Solemn day of Prayer, Mr. _Parris's_ _Indian_ Man and Woman made a Cake of Rye Meal, with the Childrens Water, and Baked it in the Ashes, and as is said, gave it to the Dog; this was done as a means to Discover Witchcraft; soon after which those ill affected or afflicted Persons named several that they said they saw, when in their Fits, afflicting of them.

The first complain'd of, was the said _Indian_ Woman, named _Tituba_,[4] she confessed that the _Devil_ urged her to sign a Book, which he presented to her, and also to work Mischief to the Children, _&c._ She was afterwards Committed to Prison, and lay there till Sold for her Fees. The account she since gives of it is, that her Master did beat her and otherways abuse her, to make her confess and accuse (such as he call'd) her Sister-Witches, and that whatsoever she said by way of confessing or accusing others, was the effect of such usage; her Master refused to pay her Fees, unless she would stand to what she had said.

The Children complained likewise of two other Women, to be the Authors of their Hurt, _Viz._ _Sarah Good_, who had long been counted a _Melancholy_ or _Distracted_ Woman, and one _Osburn_, an Old _Bed-rid_ Women, which two were Persons so ill thought of, that the accusation was the more readily believed; and after Examination before two _Salem_ Magistrates were committed:[5] _March_ the 19_th_, Mr. _Lawson_ (who had been formerly a Preacher at the said Village) came thither, and hath since set forth in Print an account of what then passed, about which time, as he saith, they complained of Goodwife _Cory_, and Goodwife _Nurse_, Members of Churches at the Village, and at _Salem_, many others being by that time Accused.

_March_ the 21_st_, Goodwife _Cory_[6] was examined before the Magistrates of _Salem_, at the Meeting House in the Village, a throng of Spectators being present to see the Novelty. Mr. _Noyes_,[7] one of the Ministers of _Salem_ began with Prayer, after which the Prisoner being call'd, in order to answer to what [92] should be Alledged against her, she desired that she might go to Prayer, and was answered by the Magistrates, that they did not come to hear her pray, but to examine her.

The number of the Afflicted were at that time about Ten, _Viz._ Mrs. _Pope_, Mrs. _Putman_, goodwife _Bibber_,[8] and Goodwife _Goodall_, _Mary Wolcott_, _Mercy Lewes_ (at _Thomas Putmans_) and Dr. _Griggs_ Maid, and three Girls, _Viz._ _Elizabeth Parris_, Daughter to the Minister, _Abigail Williams_ his Neice, and _Ann Putman_, which last three, were not only the beginners, but were also the chief in these Accusations.[9] These Ten were most of them present at the Examination, and did vehemently accuse her of Afflicting them, by Biting, Pinching, Strangling, &c. And they said, they did in their Fits see her likeness coming to them, and bringing a Book for them to Sign; Mr. _Hathorn_, a Magistrate of _Salem_, asked her, why she Afflicted those Children? she said, she did not Afflict them, he asked her who did then? she said, I do not know, how should I know? she said, they were Poor Distracted Creatures, and no heed to be given to what they said; Mr. _Hathorn_ and Mr. _Noyes_ replied that it was the Judgment of all that were there present, that they were bewitched, and only she (the Accused) said they were Distracted: She was Accused by them, that the _Black Man_ Whispered to her in her Ear now (while she was upon Examination) and that she had a Yellow Bird, that did use to Suck between her Fingers, and that the said Bird did Suck now in the Assembly; order being given to look in that place to see if there were any sign, the Girl that pretended to see it said, that it was too late now, for she had removed a Pin, and put it on her Head, it was upon search found, that a Pin was there sticking upright. When the Accused had any motion of their Body, Hands or Mouth, the Accusers would cry out, as when she bit a Lip, they would cry out of being bitten, if she grasped one hand with the other, they would cry out of being Pinched by her, and would produce marks, so of the other motions of her Body, as complaining of being Prest, when she lean'd to the seat next her, if she stirred her Feet, they would stamp and cry out of Pain there. After the hearing the said _Cory_ was committed to _Salem_ Prison, and then their crying out of her abated.

_March_ the 24_th_, Goodwife _Nurse_ was brought before Mr. _Hathorn_ and Mr. _Curwin_ (Magistrates) in the Meeting House, Mr. _Hale_ Minister of _Beverly_, began with Prayer, after which she being Accus'd of much the same Crimes made the like answers, asserting her own Innocence with earnestness. The Accusers were mostly the same, _Tho Putmans_ Wife, _&c._ complaining much. The dreadful Shreiking from her and others, was very amazing, which was heard at a great distance; she was also Committed to Prison.[10]

A Child of _Sarah Goods_, was likewise apprehended, being between 4 and 5 years Old, the Accusers said this Child bit them, and would shew such like marks, as those of a small Sett of Teeth upon their Arms, as many of the Afflicted as the Child cast its Eye upon, would complain they were in Torment; which Child they also Committed.

Concerning these that had been hitherto Examined and Committed, it is [93] among other things observed, by Mr. _Lawson_ (in Print[11]) that they were by the Accusers charged, to belong to a Company that did muster in Arms, and were reported by them to keep Days of Fast, Thanksgiving and Sacraments; and that those Afflicted (or Accusers) did in the Assembly, Cure each other, even with a touch of their hand, when strangled and otherways tortured, and would endeavour to get to the Afflicted to relieve them thereby (for hitherto they had not used the Experiment of bringing the Accused to touch the Afflicted, in order to their Cure) and could foretell one anothers Fits to be coming, and would say, look to such a one, she will have a Fit presently and so it happened, and that at the same time when the Accused person was present, the Afflicted said they saw her _Spectre_ or likeness in other places of the Meeting House Sucking [suckling] their Familiars.

The said Mr. _Lawson_ being to Preach at the Village, after the Psalm was Sung, _Abigail Williams_ said, _Now Stand up and name your Text_; after it was read, she said, _It is a long Text_. Mrs. Pope in the beginning of Sermon said to him, _Now there is enough of that_. In Sermon, he referring to his Doctrine, _Abigail Williams_ said to him, _I know no Doctrine you had, if you did name one I have forgot it_. _Ann Putman_ an afflicted Girl, said, _There was a Yellow Bird sate on his Hat as it hung on the Pin in the Pulpit_.[12]

_March_ 31, 1692. Was set apart as a day of Solem Humiliation at _Salem_, upon the Account of this Business, on which day _Abigail Williams_ said, _That she saw a great number of Persons in the Village at the Administration of a Mock Sacrament, where they had Bread as read as raw Flesh, and red Drink_.[13]

_April_ 1. _Mercy Lewis_ affirmed, _That she saw a man in White, with whom she went into a Glorious Place_, viz. in her fits, _where was no Light of the Sun, much less of Candles, yet was full of Light and Brightness, with a great Multitude in White Glittering Robes, who Sang the Song in_ Rev. v. 9. _and the_ cx. _and_ cxlix. Psalms; _And was given that she mighty tarry no longer in this place_. This White Man is said to have appeared several times to others of them, and to have given them notice how long it should be before they should have another Fit.[14]

_April_ the 3_d_. Being Sacrament Day at the Village, _Sarah Cloys_, Sister to Goodwife _Nurse_, a Member of one of the Churches, was (tho' it seems with difficulty prevailed with to be) present; but being entred the place, and Mr. _Parris_ naming his Text, _John_ vi. 70. _Have not I chosen you Twelve, and one of you is a Devil_ (for what cause may rest as a doubt whether upon the account of her Sisters being committed, or because of the choice of that Text) she rose up and went out, the wind shutting the Door forcibly, gave occasion to some to suppose she went out in Anger, and might occasion a suspicion of her; However she was soon after complain'd of, examin'd and committed.[15]

_April_ the 11_th_. By this time the number of the Accused and Accusers being much increased, was a Public Examination at _Salem_, Six of the Magistrates with several Ministers being present, there appeared several who complain'd against others with hidious clamors and Screechings. Goodwife _Proctor_[16] was brought thither, being Accused or cryed out against; her Hus[94]band coming to attend and assist her, as there might be need, the Accusers cryed out of him also, and that with so much earnestness, that he was Committed with his Wife. About this time besides the Experiment of the Afflicted falling at the sight, _&c._ they put the Accused upon saying the Lord's Prayer, which one among them performed, except in that petition [_Deliver us from Evil_] she exprest it thus (_Deliver us from all Evil_) this was lookt upon as if she Prayed against what she was now justly under, and being put upon it again, and repeating those words [_Hallowed be thy name_] she exprest it [_Hollowed be thy Name_] this was counted a depraving the words, as signifying to make void, and so a Curse rather than a Prayer, upon the whole it was concluded that she also could not say it, _&c._ Proceeding in this work of examination and Commitment many were sent to Prison. As an Instance, see the following Mittimus:

To their Majesties Goal-keeper in _Salem_.

YOU _are in Their Majesties Names hereby required to take into your care, and safe custody, the Bodies of_ William Hobs _and_ Deborah _his Wife,_ Mary Easty, _the Wife of_ Isaac Easty, _and_ Sarah Wild, _the Wife of_ John Wild, _all of_ Topsfield; _and_ Edward Bishop, _of_ Salem-Village; _Husbandman, and_ Sarah _his Wife, and_ Mary Black, _a_ negro _of Lieutenant_ Nathaniel Putmans, _of_ Salem-Village; _also_ Mary English _the Wife of_ Philip English,[17] _Merchant in_ Salem; _who stand charged with High Suspicion of Sundry Acts of Witchcraft, done or committed by them lately upon the Bodies of_ Ann Putman, Mary Lewis _and_ Abigail Williams, _of_ Salem-Village; _whereby great Hurt and Damage hath been done to the Bodies of the said Persons, according to the complaint of_ Thomas Putnam _and_ John Buxton _of_ Salem-Village, _Exhibited_. Salem, Apr 21, 1692, _appears, whom you are to secure in order to their further Examination. Fail not._

John Hathorn, } _Assistants_.
Jona. Curwin, }

_Dated_ Salem, April 22, 1692.

_To Marshall_ George Herrick }
_of Salem Essex._ }

_YOU are in their Majesties Names hereby required to convey the above-named to the Goal at_ Salem. _Fail not._

John Hathorn, } _Assistants_,
Jona. Curwin, }

_Dated_ Salem, Apr 22, 1692.

The occasion of _Bishops_ being cry'd out of, was he being at an Examination in _Salem_, when at the Inn an afflicted _Indian_ was very unruly, whom he undertook, and so managed him, that he was very orderly, after which in riding home, in company of him and other Accusers, the _Indian_ fell into a fit, and clapping hold with his Teeth on the back of the Man that rode before him, thereby held himself upon the Horse, but said, _Bishop_ striking him with his stick, the _Indian_ soon recovered, and promised he would do so no more; to which _Bishop_ replied, that he [95] doubted not, but he could cure them all, with more to the same effect; immediately after he was parted from them, he was cried out of, _&c._

_May_ 14, 1692. Sir _William Phips_ arrived with Commission from their Majesties to be Governor, pursuant to the New Charter; which he now brought with him; the Ancient Charter having been vacated by King _Charles_, and King James (by which they had a power not only to make their own Laws; but also to chuse their own Governor and Officers;) and the Countrey for some years was put under an absolute Commission-Government, till the Revolution, at which time, tho more than two thirds of the People were for reassuming their ancient Government, (to which they had encouragement by his then Royal Highness's Proclamation) yet some that might have been better imployed[18] (in another Station) made it their business (by printing, as well as speaking) to their utmost to divert them from such a settlement; and so far prevailed, that for about seven Weeks after the Revolution, here was not so much as a face of any Government; but some few Men upon their own Nomination would be called a Committee of Safety; but at length the Assembly prevailed with those that had been of the Government, to promise that they would reassume; and accordingly a Proclamation was drawn, but before publishing it, it was underwritten, that they would not have it understood that they did reassume Charter-Government; so that between Government and no Government, this Countrey remained till Sir _William_ arrived: Agents being in this time impowered in _England_, which no doubt did not all of them act according to the Minds or Interests of those that impowered them, which is manifest by their not acting jointly in what was done; so that this place is perhaps a single Instance (even in the best of Reigns) of a Charter not restored after so happy a Revolution.[19]

This settlement by Sir _William Phips_ his being come Governour put an end to all disputes of these things,[20] and being arrived, and having read his Commission, the first thing he exerted his Power in, was said to be his giving Orders that Irons should be put upon those in Prison; for tho for sometime after these were Committed, the Accusers ceased to cry out of them; yet now the cry against them was renewed, which occasioned such Order; and tho there was partiality in the executing it (some having taken them off almost as soon as put on) yet the cry of these Accusers against such ceased after this Order.[21]

_May_ 24. Mrs. _Cary_ of _Charlestown_, was Examined and Committed. Her Husband Mr. _Nathaniel Cary_ has given account thereof, as also of her Escape, to this Effect,

_I having heard some days, that my Wife was accused of Witchcraft, being much disturbed at it, by advice, we went to_ Salem-Village, _to see if the af[96]flicted knew her; we arrived there, 24. May, it happened to be a day appointed for Examination; accordingly soon after our arrival,_ Mr. Hathorn _and_ Mr. Curwin, &c. _went to the Meeting-house, which was the place appointed for that Work, the Minister began with Prayer, and having taken care to get a convenient place, I observed, that the afflicted were two Girls of about Ten Tears old, and about two or three other, of about eighteen, one of the girls talked most, and could discern more than the rest. The Prisoners were called in one by one, and as they came in were cried out of, &c. The Prisoner was placed about 7 or 8 foot from the Justices, and the Accusers between the Justices and them; the Prisoner was ordered to stand right before the Justices, with an Officer appointed to hold each hand, least they should therewith afflict them, and the Prisoner's Eyes must be constantly on the Justices; for if they look'd on the afflicted, they would either fall into their Fits, or cry out of being hurt by them; after Examination of the Prisoners, who it was afflicted these Girls, &c. they were put upon saying the Lord's Prayer, as a tryal of their guilt; after the afflicted seem'd to be out of their Fits, they would look steadfastly on some one person, and frequently not speak; and then the Justices said they were struck dumb, and after a little time would speak again; then the Justices said to the Accusers, which of you will go and touch the Prisoner at the Bar? then the most courageous would adventure, but before they had made three steps would ordinarily fall down as in a Fit; the Justices ordered that they should be taken up and carried to the Prisoner, that she might touch them; and as soon as they were touched by the accused, the Justices would say, they are well, before I could discern any alteration; by which I observed that the Justices understood the manner of it. Thus far I was only as a Spectator, my Wife also was there part of the time, but no notice taken of her by the afflicted, except once or twice they came to her and asked her name._

_But I having an opportunity to Discourse_ Mr. Hale _(with whom I had formerly acquaintance)_ I _took his advice, what I had best to do, and desired of him that I might have an opportunity to speak with her that accused my Wife; which he promised should be, I acquainting him that I reposed my trust in him._

_Accordingly he came to me after the Examination was over, and told me I had now an opportunity to speak with the said Accuser,_ viz. Abigail Williams, _a Girl of_ 11 _or_ 12 _Years old; but that we could not be in private at Mr._ Parris's _House, as he had promised me; we went therefore into the Alehouse, where an Indian man attended us, who it seems was one of the afflicted: to him we gave some Cyder, he shewed several Scars, that seemed as if they had been long there, and shewed them as done by Witchcraft, and acquainted us that his Wife, who also was a Slave, was imprison'd for Witchcraft.[22] And now instead of one Accuser, they all came in, who began to tumble down like Swine, and then three Women were called in to attend them. We in the Room were all at a stand, to see who they would cry out of; but in a short time they cried_ [97] _out,_ Cary: _and immediately after a Warrant was sent from the Justices to bring my Wife before them, who were sitting in a Chamber near by, waiting for this._

_Being brought before the Justices, her chief accusers were two Girls: my Wife declared to the Justices, that she never had any knowledge of them before that day; she was forced to stand with her Arms stretched out. I did request that I might hold one of her hands, but it was denied me; then she desired me to wipe the Tears from her Eyes, and the Sweat from her Face, which I did; then she desired she might lean herself on me, saying, she should faint._

Justice Hathorn _replied, she had strength enough to torment those persons, and she should have strength enough to stand. I speaking something against their cruel proceedings, they commanded me to be silent, or else I should be turned out of the Room. The Indian before mentioned, was also brought in to be one of her Accusers: being come in, he now (when before the Justices) fell down and tumbled about like a Hog, but said nothing. The Justices asked the Girls, who afflicted the Indian? they answered she (meaning my wife) and now lay upon him; the Justices ordered her to touch him, in order to his cure, but her head must be turned another way, least instead of curing, she should make him worse, by her looking on him, her hand being guided to take hold of his; but the Indian took hold on her hand, and pulled her down on the Floor, in a barbarous manner; then his hand was taken off, and her hand put on his, and the cure was quickly wrought. I being extreamly troubled at their Inhumane dealings, uttered a hasty Speech_ [That God would take vengeance on them, and desired that God would deliver us out of the hands of unmerciful men.] _Then her Mittimus was writ; I did with difficulty and charge obtain the liberty of a Room, but no beds in it; if there had, could have taken but little rest that Night, she was committed to Boston Prison; but I obtained a Habeas Corpus to remove her to Cambridge Prison, which is in our County of Middlesex. Having been there one Night, next Morning the Jaylor[23] put Irons on her legs (having received such a command) the weight of them was about eight pounds; these with her other Afflictions, soon brought her into Convulsion Fits, so that I thought she would have died that Night, I sent to intreat that the Irons might be taken off, but all intreaties were in vain, if it would have saved her Life, so that in this condition she must continue. The Tryals at Salem coming on, I went thither, to see how things were managed; and finding that the Spectre-Evidence was there received, together with Idle, if not Malicious stories, against Peoples Lives, I did easily see which way it would go; for the same Evidence that served for one, would serve for all the rest; I acquainted her with her danger; and that if she were carried to Salem to be tried, I feared she would never return. I did my utmost that she might have her Tryal in our own County, I with several others Petitioning the Judge for it, and were put in hopes of it;_ [98] _but I soon saw so much, that I understood thereby it was not intended, which put me upon consulting the means of her escape; which thro the goodness of God was effected, and she got to Road Island, but soon found herself not safe when there, by reason of the pursuit after her; from thence she went to New-York, along with some others that had escaped their cruel hands; where we found his Excellency_ Benjamin Fletcher, _Esq: Governour, who was very courteous to us. After this some of my Goods were seized in a Friends hands, with whom I had left them, and myself imprisoned by the Sheriff, and kept in Custody half a day, and then dismist; but to speak of their usage of the Prisoners, and their Inhumanity shewn to them, at the time of their Execution, no sober Christian could bear; they had also tryals of cruel mockings; which is the more, considering what a People for Religion, I mean the profession of it, we have been; those that suffered being many of them Church-Members, and most of them unspotted in their Conversation, till their Adversary the Devil took up this Method for accusing them._

Per Jonathan Cary.[24]

_May 31._ Captain _John Aldin_ was Examined at _Salem_, and
Committed to _Boston_ Prison, the Prison-Keeper seeing such a Man
Committed, of whom he had a good esteem, was after this the more
Compassionate to those that were in Prison on the like account;
and did refrain from such hard things to the Prisoners, as before
he had used. Mr. _Aldin_ himself has given account of his
Examination, in these Words.

_An Account how_ John Aldin,[25] _Senior, was dealt with at_ Salem-_Village._

JOHN ALDIN Senior, _of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, Marriner, on the_ 28_th Day of May,_ 1692, _was sent for by the Magistrates of_ Salem, _in the County of Essex, upon the Accusation of a company of poor distracted, or possessed Creatures or Witches; and being sent by Mr._ Stoughton, _arrived there the_ 31_st_ of May, _and appeared at_ Salem-Village, _before Mr._ Gidney,_ Mr._ Hathorn, _and Mr._ Curwin.

_Those Wenches being present, who plaid their jugling tricks, falling down, crying out, and staring in Peoples Faces; the Magistrates demanded of them several times, who it was of all the People in the Room that hurt them? one of these Accusers pointed several times at one_ Captain Hill,[26] _there present, but spake nothing; the same Accuser, had a Man standing at her back to hold her up; he stooped down to her Ear, then she cried out,_ Aldin, Aldin _afflicted her; one of the Magistrates asked her if she had ever seen_ Aldin, _she answered no, he asked how she knew it was_ Aldin? _She said, the Man told her so._

_Then all were ordered to go down into the Street, where a Ring was made; and the same Accuser cried out, there stands_ Aldin, _a bold fellow with his Hat on before the Judges, he sells Powder and Shot to the_ Indians _and_ French, [99] _and lies with the_ Indian _Squaes, and has_ Indian _Papooses. Then was_ Aldin _committed to the Marshal's Custody, and his Sword taken from him; for they said he afflicted them with his Sword. After some hours_ Aldin _was sent for to the Meeting-house in the Village before the Magistrates; who required_ Aldin _to stand upon a Chair, to the open view of all the People._

_The Accusers cried out that_ Aldin _did pinch them, then, when he stood upon the Chair, in the sight of all the People, a good way distant from them, one of the Magistrates bid the Marshal to hold open_ Aldins _hands, that he might not pinch those Creatures._ Aldin _asked them why they should think, that he should come to that Village to afflict those persons that he never knew or saw before? Mr._ Gidney _bid_ Aldin _confess, and give glory to God:_ Aldin _said he hoped he should give glory to God, and hoped he should never gratifie the Devil; but appealed to all that ever knew him, if they ever suspected him to be such a person, and challenged any one, that could bring in any thing upon their own knowledge, that might give suspicion of his being such an one. Mr._ Gidney _said he had known_ Aldin _many Years, and had been at Sea with him, and always look'd upon him to be an honest Man, but now he did see cause to alter his judgment:_ Aldin _answered, he was sorry for that, but he hoped God would clear up his Innocency, that he would recall that judgment again, and added that he hoped that he should with_ Job _maintain his Integrity till he died. They bid_ Aldin _look upon the Accusers, which he did, and then they fell down._ Aldin _asked Mr._ Gidney, _what reason there could be given, why_ Aldin's _looking upon him did not strike him down as well? but no reason was given that I heard. But the Accusers were brought to_ Aldin _to touch them, and this touch they said made them well._ Aldin _began to speak of the Providence of God, in suffering these Creatures to accuse Innocent persons; Mr._ Noyes _asked_ Aldin _why he would offer to speak of the Providence of God, God by his Providence (said Mr._ Noyes) _governs the World, and keeps it in peace; and so went on with Discourse, and stopt Aldin's mouth, as to that._ Aldin _told Mr._ Gidney, _that he could assure him that there was a lying Spirit in them, for I can assure you that there is not a word of truth in all these say of me. But_ Aldin _was again committed to the Marshal, and his Mittimus written, which was as follows._

_To Mr. John Arnold, Keeper of the Prison in_ Boston, _in the County of_ Suffolk.[27]

WHEREAS _Captain_ John Aldin _of_ Boston, _Mariner, and_ Sarah Rice,_ Wife of_ Nicholas Rice _of_ Reding, _Husbandman, have been this day brought before us,_ John Hathorn _and_ Jonathan Curwin, _Esquires; being accused and suspected of perpetrating divers acts of Witchcraft, contrary to the form of the Statute, in that Case made and provided: These are therefore_ [100] _in Their Majesties, King_ William _and Queen_ Marys _Names, to Will and require you, to take into your Custody, the bodies of the said_ John Aldin, _and_ Sarah Rice, _and them safely keep, until they shall thence be delivered by due course of Law; as you will answer the contrary at your peril; and this shall be your sufficient Warrant. Given under our hands at_ Salem-_Village, the_ 31st _of_ May, _in the Fourth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord and Lady,_ William _and_ Mary, _now King and Queen over_ England, _&c,_ Anno Dom. 1692.

John Hathorn, } _Assistants_.
Jonathan Curwin, }

_To_ Boston Aldin _was carried by a Constable, no Bail would be taken for him; but was delivered to the Prison-keeper, where he remained Fifteen Weeks; and then observing the manner of Tryals, and Evidence then taken, was at length prevailed with to make his Escape, and being returned, was bound over to Answer at the Superior Court at_ Boston, _the last_ Tuesday _in_ April, Anno, 1693. _And was there cleared by Proclamation, none appearing against him._

Per. John Aldin.

At Examination, and at other times, 'twas usual for the Accusers to tell of the black Man, or of a Spectre, as being then on the Table, &c. The People about would strike with Swords, or sticks at those places. One Justice broke his cane at this Exercise, and sometimes the Accusers would say, they struck the Spectre, and it is reported several of the accused were hurt and wounded thereby, though at home at the same time.

The Justices proceeding in these works of Examination, and Commitment, to the end of _May_, there was by that time about a Hundred persons Imprisoned upon that Account.[28]

_June_ 2. A special Commission of _Oyer_ and _Terminer_, having been Issued out, to Mr. _Stoughton_, the New Lieutenant Governour, Major _Saltonstall_, Major _Richards_, Major _Gidny_, Mr. _Wait Winthrop_, Captain _Sewall_, and Mr. _Sergeant_;[29] These (a _Quorum_ of them) sat at _Salem_ this day; where the most that was done this Week, was the Tryal of one _Bishop_ alias _Oliver_, of _Salem_; who having long undergone the repute of a Witch, occasioned by the Accusations of one _Samuel Gray_: he about 20 Years since, having charged her with such Crimes, and though upon his Death-bed, he testified his sorrow and repentance for such Accusations, as being wholly groundless; yet the report taken up by his means continued, and she being accused by those afflicted, and upon search a Tet, as they call it, being found, she was brought in guilty by the Jury; she [101] received her Sentence of Death, and was Executed, _June_ 10. but made not the least Confession of any thing relating to Witchcraft.[30]

_June_ 15. Several Ministers in and near _Boston_, having been to that end consulted by his Excellency, exprest their minds to this effect, _viz._

That they were affected with the deplorable state of the afflicted; That they were thankful for the diligent care of the Rulers, to detect the abominable Witchcrafts, which have been committed in the Country, praying for a perfect discovery thereof. But advised to a cautious proceeding, least many Evils ensue, _&c._ And that tenderness be used towards those accused, relating to matters presumptive and convictive, and also to privacy in Examinations, and to consult Mr. _Perkins_ and Mr. _Bernard_, what tests to make use of in the Scrutiny: That Presumptions and Convictions ought to have better grounds, than the Accusers affirming that they see such persons Spectres afflicting them; and that the Devil may afflict in the shape of good Men; and that falling at the sight, and rising at the touch of the Accused, is no infallible proof of guilt; That seeing the Devils strength consists in such Accusations, our disbelieving them may be a means to put a period to the dreadful Calamities; Nevertheless they humbly recommend to the Government, the speedy and vigorous prosecution of such as have rendered themselves obnoxious, according to the direction given in the Laws of God, and the wholesome Statutes of the _English_ Nation, for the Detection of Witchcraft.[31]

This is briefly the substance of what may be seen more at large in _Cases of Conscience_, (_ult._) And one of them since taking occasion to repeat some part of this advice, _Wonders_ of the _Invisible World_, p. 83. declares, (notwithstanding the Dissatisfaction of others) that if his said Book may conduce to promote thankfulness to God for such Executions, he shall rejoice, _&c._

The 30th of _June_, the Court according to Adjournment again sat; five more were tried, _viz._ _Sarah Good_ and _Rebecca Nurse_, of _Salem-Village_; _Susanna Martin_ of _Amsbury_; _Elizabeth How_ of _Ipswich_; and _Sarah Wildes_ of _Topsfield_: these were all condemned that Sessions, and were all Executed on the 19th of _July_.[32]

At the Tryal of _Sarah Good_, one of the afflicted fell in a Fit, and after coming out of it, she cried out of the Prisoner, for stabbing her in the breast with a Knife, and that she had broken the Knife in stabbing of her, accordingly a piece of the blade of a Knife was found about her. Immediately information being given to the Court, a young Man was called, who produced a Haft and part of the Blade, which the Court having viewed and compared, saw it to be the same. And upon inquiry the young Man affirmed, that yesterday he happened to brake that Knife, and that he cast away the upper part, this afflicted person being then [102] present, the young Man was dismist, and she was bidden by the Court not to tell lyes;[33] and was improved (after as she had been before) to give Evidence against the Prisoners.

At Execution, Mr. _Noyes_ urged _Sarah Good_ to Confess, and told her she was a Witch, and she knew she was a Witch, to which she replied, you are a lyer; I am no more a Witch than you are a Wizard, and if you take away my Life, God will give you Blood to drink.

At the Tryal of _Rebecca Nurse_, this was remarkable that the Jury brought in their Verdict not Guilty, immediately all the accusers in the Court, and, suddenly after all the afflicted out of Court, made an hideous out-cry, to the amazement, not only of the Spectators, but the Court also seemed strangely surprized: one of the Judges exprest himself not satisfied, another of them as he was going off the Bench, said they would have her Indicted anew. The chief Judge said he would not Impose upon the Jury; but intimated, as if they had not well considered one Expression of the Prisoners when she was upon Tryal, _viz._ That when one _Hobbs_, who had confessed herself to be a Witch, was brought into the Court to witness against her, the Prisoner turning her head to her, said, [_What, do you bring her? she is one of us_] or to that effect, this together with the Clamours of the Accusers, induced the Jury to go out again, after their Verdict, not Guilty. But not agreeing, they came into the Court, and she being then at the Bar, her words were repeated to her, in order to have had her explanation of them, and she making no Reply to them, they found the Bill, and brought her in Guilty; these words being the Inducement to it, as the Foreman has signified in writing, as follows.

_July_ 4, 1692. I Thomas Fisk,[34] _the Subscriber hereof, being one of them that were of the Jury last week at_ Salem-court,_ upon the Tryal of_ Rebecca Nurse, _&c. being desired by some of the Relations to give a Reason why the Jury brought her in Guilty, after her Verdict not Guilty; I do hereby give my Reasons to be as follows, viz._

_When the Verdict not Guilty was, the honored Court was pleased to object against it, saying to them, that they think they let slip the words, which the Prisoner at the Bar spake against herself, which were spoken in reply to Goodwife_ Hobbs _and her Daughter, who had been faulty in setting their hands to the Devils Book, as they have confessed formerly; the words were_ [What do these persons give in Evidence against me now, they used to come among us.] _After the honored Court had manifested their dissatisfaction of the Verdict, several of the Jury declared themselves desirous to go out again, and thereupon the Honoured Court gave leave; but when we came to consider of the Case, I could not tell how to take her words, as an Evidence against her, till she had a further opportunity to put her Sense upon them, if she would take it; and then going into Court, I mentioned the words aforesaid, which by one of the_ [103] _Court were affirmed to have been spoken by her, she being then at the Bar, but made no reply, nor interpretation of them; whereupon these words were to me a principal Evidence against her._

Thomas Fisk.

When goodwife _Nurse_ was informed what use was made of these
words, she put in this following Declaration into the Court.

THESE _presents do humbly shew to the honoured Court and Jury, that I being informed, that the Jury brought me in Guilty, upon my saying that Goodwife_ Hobbs _and her Daughter were of our Company; but I intended no otherways, than as they were Prisoners with us, and therefore did then, and yet do judge them not legal Evidence against their fellow Prisoners. And I being something hard of hearing, and full of grief, none informing me how the Court took up my words, and therefore had no opportunity to declare what I intended, when I said they were of our Company._

Rebecka Nurse.

After her Condemnation she was by one of the Ministers of _Salem_ excommunicated; yet the Governour saw cause to grant a Reprieve, which when known (and some say immediately upon granting) the Accusers renewed their dismal outcries against her, insomuch that the Governour was by some _Salem_ Gentleman prevailed with to recall the Reprieve, and she was Executed with the rest.

The Testimonials of her Christian behaviour, both in the course of her Life, and at her Death, and her extraordinary care in educating her Children, and setting them good Examples, _&c._ under the hands of so many, are so numerous, that for brevity they are here omitted.[35]

It was at the Tryal of these that one of the Accusers cried out publickly of Mr. _Willard_ Minister in _Boston_, as afflicting of her, she was sent out of the Court, and it was told about she was mistaken in the person.

_August_ 5. The Court again sitting, six more were tried on the same Account, viz. Mr. _George Burroughs_, sometime minister of _Wells_, _John Procter_, and _Elizabeth Procter_ his Wife, with _John Willard_ of _Salem_-Village, _George Jacobs_ Senior, of _Salem_, and _Martha Carryer_ of _Andover_; these were all brought in Guilty and Condemned; and were all Executed _August_ 19, except _Procter's_ Wife, who pleaded Pregnancy.[36]

Mr. _Burroughs_ was carried in a Cart with the others, through the streets of _Salem_ to Execution; when he was upon the Ladder, he made a Speech for the clearing of his Innocency, with such Solemn and Serious Expressions, as were to the Admiration of all present; his Prayer (which he concluded by repeating the Lord's Prayer,) was so well worded, and uttered with such composedness, and such (at least seeming) fervency of [104] Spirit, as was very affecting, and drew Tears from many (so that it seemed to some, that the Spectators would hinder the Execution) the accusers said the black Man stood and dictated to him; as soon as he was turned off, Mr. _Cotton Mather_, being mounted upon a Horse, addressed himself to the People, partly to declare, that he was no ordained Minister, and partly to possess the People of his guilt; saying That the Devil has often been transformed into an Angel of Light;[37] and this did somewhat appease the People, and the Executions went on; when he was cut down, he was dragged by the Halter to a Hole, or Grave, between the Rocks, about two foot deep, his Shirt and Breeches being pulled off, and an old pair of Trousers of one Executed, put on his lower parts, he was so put in, together with _Willard_ and _Carryer_, one of his Hands and his Chin, and a Foot of one of them being left uncovered.

_John Willard_, had been imployed to fetch in several that were accused; but taking dissatisfaction from his being sent, to fetch up some that he had better thoughts of, he declined the Service, and presently after he himself was accused of the same Crime, and that with such vehemency, that they sent after him to apprehend him; he had made his Escape as far as Nashawag,[38] about 40 Miles from _Salem_; yet 'tis said those Accusers did then presently tell the exact time, saying, now _Willard_ is taken.

_John Procter_ and his Wife being in Prison, the Sheriff came to his House and seized all the Goods, Provisions, and Cattle that he could come at, and sold some of the Cattle at half price, and killed others, and put them up for the _West-Indies_; threw out the Beer out of a Barrel, and carried away the Barrel; emptied a Pot of Broath, and took away the Pot, and left nothing in the House for the support of the Children: No part of the said Goods are known to be returned. _Procter_ earnestly requested Mr. _Noyes_ to pray with and for him, but it was wholly denied, because he would not own himself to be a Witch.

During his Imprisonment he sent the following Letter, in behalf of himself and others.

Salem-_Prison_, July 23, 1692.

Mr. Mather, Mr. Allen,
Mr. Moody, Mr. Willard, and
Mr. Bailey.[39]

Reverend Gentlemen.

THE _innocency of our Case with the Enmity of our Accusers and our Judges, and Jury, whom nothing but our Innocent Blood will serve their turns, having Condemned us already before our Tryals, being so much incensed and engaged against us by the Devil, makes us bold to Beg and Implore your_ [105] _Favourable Assistance of this our Humble Petition to his Excellency, that if it be possible our Innocent Blood may be spared, which undoubtedly otherwise will be shed, if the Lord doth not mercifully step in. The Magistrates, Ministers, Jewries, and all the People in general, being so much inraged and incensed against us by the Delusion of the Devil, which we can term no other, by reason we know in our own Consciences, we are all Innocent Persons. Here are five Persons who have lately confessed themselves to be Witches, and do accuse some of us, of being along with them at a Sacrament, since we were committed into close Prison, which we know to be Lies. Two of the_ 5 _are_ (Carrier's _Sons_) _Young men, who would not confess any thing till they tyed them Neck and Heels, till the Blood was ready to come out of their Noses, and 'tis credibly believed and reported this was the occasion of making them confess that they never did, by reason they said one had been a Witch a Month, and another five Weeks, and that their Mother had made them so, who has been confined here this nine Weeks. My son_ William Procter, _when he was examin'd, because he would not confess that he was Guilty, when he was Innocent, they tyed him Neck and Heels till the Blood gushed out at his Nose, and would have kept him so_ 24 _Hours, if one more Merciful than the rest, had not taken pity on him, and caused him to be unbound. These actions are very like the Popish Cruelties.[40] They have already undone us in our Estates, and that will not serve their turns, without our Innocent Bloods. If it cannot be granted that we can have our Trials at_ Boston, _we humbly beg that you would evdeavour to have these Magistrates changed, and others in their rooms, begging also and beseeching you would be pleased to be here, if not all, some of you at our Trials, hoping thereby you may be the means of saving the shedding our Innocent Bloods, desiring your Prayers to the Lord in our behalf, we rest your Poor Afflicted Servants_,

John Procter, _&c._

He pleaded very hard at Execution, for a little respite of time, saying that he was not fit to die; but it was not granted.

Old _Jacobs_ being Condemned, the Sheriff and Officers came and seized all he had, his Wife had her Wedding Ring taken from her, but with great difficulty obtained it again. She was forced to buy Provisions of the Sheriff, such as he had taken, towards her own support, which not being sufficient, the Neighbours of Charity relieved her.

_Margaret Jacobs_ being one that had confessed her own Guilt, and testified against her Grand-Father _Jacobs_, Mr. _Burroughs_, and _John Willard_. She the day before Executions, came to Mr. _Burroughs_, acknowledging that she had belyed them, and begged Mr. _Burroughs_ Forgiveness, who not only forgave her, but also Prayed with and for her. She wrote the following Letter to her Father.

From the Dungeon in _Salem_ Prison,
_August_ 20, 1692.

Honoured Father,

AFTER _my Humble Duty Remembered to you, hoping in the Lord of your good Health, as Blessed be God I enjoy, tho in abundance of Affliction, being close confined here in a loathsome Dungeon, the Lord look down in mercy upon me, not knowing how soon I shall be put to Death, by means of the Afflicted Persons; my Grand-Father having Suffered already, and all his Estate Seized for the King. The reason of my Confinement is this, I having, through the Magistrates Threatnings, and my own Vile and Wretched_ [106] _heart, confessed several things contrary to my Conscience and Knowledge, tho to the Wounding of my own Soul, the Lord pardon me for it; but Oh! the terrors of a wounded Conscience who can bear. But blessed be the Lord, he would not let me go on in my Sins, but in mercy I hope so my Soul would not suffer me to keep it in any longer, but I was forced to confess the truth of all before the Magistrates, who would not believe me, but 'tis their pleasure to put me in here, and God knows how soon I shall be put to death. Dear Fathers, let me beg your Prayers to the Lord on my behalf, and send us a Joyful and Happy Meeting in Heaven. My Mother poor Woman is very Crazy, and remembers her kind Love to you, and to Uncle,_ viz. _D. A.[41] So leaving you to the protection of the Lord, I rest your Dutiful Daughter_,

Margaret Jacobs.

At the time appointed for her Tryal, she had an Imposthume in her head, which was her Escape.

_September_ 9. Six more were tried, and received Sentance of Death, viz. _Martha Cory_ of _Salem_-Village, _Mary Easty_ of Topsfield, _Alice Parker_ and _Ann Pudeater_ of _Salem_, _Dorcas Hoar_ of _Beverly_, and _Mary Bradberry_ of _Salisbury_. September 16, _Giles Cory_ was prest to Death.[42]

_September_ 17. Nine more received Sentance of Death, viz. _Margaret Scot_ of _Rowley_, Goodwife _Redd_ of _Marblehead, Samuel Wardwell,_ and _Mary Parker_ of _Andover,_ also _Abigail Falkner_ of _Andover,_ who pleaded Pregnancy, _Rebecca Eames_ of _Boxford, Mary Lacy,_ and _Ann Foster_ of _Andover,_ and _Abigail Hobbs_ of _Topsfield._ Of these Eight were Executed, _September_ 22, viz. _Martha Cory, Mary Easty, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeater, Margaret Scot, Willmet Redd, Samuel Wardwell,_ and _Mary Parker_.[43]

_Giles Cory_ pleaded not Guilty to his Indictment, but would not put himself upon Tryal by the Jury (they having cleared none upon Tryal) and knowing there would be the same Witnesses against him, rather chose to undergo what Death they would put him to. In pressing his Tongue being prest out of his Mouth, the Sheriff with his Cane forced it in again, when he was dying. He was the first in _New-England_ that was ever prest to Death.

The Cart going to the Hill with these Eight to Execution, was for some time at a sett; the afflicted and others said, that the Devil hindered it,[44] _&c._

_Martha Cory_, Wife to _Giles Cory_, protesting her Innocency, concluded her Life with an Eminent Prayer upon the Ladder.

_Wardwell_ having formerly confessed himself Guilty, and after denied it, was soon brought upon his Tryal; his former Confession and Spectre Testimony was all that appeared against him. At Execution while he was speaking to the People, protesting his Innocency, the Executioner being at the same time smoaking Tobacco, the smoak coming in his Face, interrupted his Discourse, those Accusers said, the Devil hindered him with smoak.

[107] _Mary Easty_, Sister also to _Rebecca Nurse_, when she took her last farewell of her Husband, Children and Friends, was, as is reported by them present, as Serious, Religious, Distinct, and Affectionate as could well be exprest, drawing Tears from the Eyes of almost all present. It seems besides the Testimony of the Accusers and Confessors, another proof, as it was counted, appeared against her, it having been usual to search the Accused for Tets; upon some parts of her Body, not here to be named, was found an Excrescence, which they called a Tet. Before her Death she put up the following Petition: