Chapter III: Part 3

3. It hath been a frequent thing for the bewitched People, to be entertained with Apparitions of Ghosts of murdered People, at the same time that the Spectres of the Witches trouble them. These Ghosts do always [116] affright the beholders, more than all the other Spectral Representations; and when they exhibit themselves, they cry out of being murdered by the Witchcrafts or other Violences of the persons who are then in Spectre present. It is further considerable, that once or twice these Apparitions have been seen by others, at the very same time they have shown themselves to the bewitched; and seldom have there been these Apparitions, but when something unusual and suspected hath attended the death of the Party thus appearing. Some that have been accused by these Apparitions, accosting of the bewitched People, who had never heard a word of any such persons ever being in the World, have upon a fair Examination, freely and fully confessed the Murders of those very persons, although these also did not know how the Apparitions had complained of them. Accordingly several of the bewitched had given in their Testimony, that they had been troubled with the Apparitions of two Women, who said they were _G. B_'s two Wives; and that he had been the death of them; and that the Magistrates must be told of it, before whom, if _B._ upon his Tryal denied it, they did not know but that they should appear again in the Court. Now _G. B._ had been infamous, for the barbarous usage of his two successive Wives, all the Countrey over. Moreover, it was testified, the Spectre of _G. B._ threatning of the Sufferers told them he had killed (besides others) Mrs. _Lawson_ and her Daughter _Ann_. And it was noted, that these were the Vertuous Wife and Daughter of one, at whom this _G. B._ might have a prejudice, for being serviceable at _Salem_-Village, from whence himself had in ill terms removed some Years before, and that when they dy'd, which was long since, there were some odd circumstances about them, which made some of the Attendants there suspect something of Witchcraft, though none imagined from what quarter it should come.

Well _G. B._ being now upon his Tryal, one of the bewitched persons was cast into horror at the Ghosts of _B_'s. two deceased Wives, then appearing before him, and crying for vengeance against him. Hereupon several of the bewitched persons were successively called in, who all, not knowing what the former had seen and said, concurred in their horror of the Apparition, which they affirmed, that he had before him. But he, though much appalled, utterly denied that he discerned any thing of it, nor was it any part of his Conviction.

4. Judicious writers have assigned it a great place, in the Conviction of Witches, when persons are Impeached by other notorious Witches to be as ill as themselves, especially if the persons have been much noted for neglecting the Worship of God. Now as there might have been Testimonies enough of _G. B_'s. Antipathy to Prayer, and the other Ordinances of God, though by his Profession singularly obliged thereunto; so there now came in against the Prisoner, the Testimonies of several persons, who [117] confessed their own having been horrible Witches, and ever since their Confessions, had been themselves terribly tortured by the Devils and other Witches, even like the other Sufferers; and therein undergone the pains of many deaths for their Confessions.

These now testified, that _G. B._ had been at Witch-meetings with them; and that he was the person who had seduced and compelled them into the Snares of Witchcraft: that he promised them fine Cloaths for doing it; that he brought Poppets to them, and thorns to stick into those Poppets, for the afflicting of other People: And that he exhorted them, with the rest of the Crue to bewitch all _Salem_-Village; but be sure to do it gradually; if they would prevail in what they did.

When the _Lancashire_ Witches were Condemned, I do'nt remember that there was any considerable further Evidence, than that of the bewitched, and than that of some that had confessed. We see so much already against _G. B._ But this being indeed not enough, there were other things to render what had already been produced credible.

5. A famous Divine, recites this among the Convictions of a Witch; the Testimony of the party bewitched, whether pining or dying; together with the Joint Oaths of sufficient persons, that have seen certain podigious pranks or feats, wrought by the party accused. Now God had been pleased so to leave this _G. B._ that he had ensnared himself, by several instances which he had formerly given of a preternatural strength; and which were now produced against him. He was a very puny Man, yet he had often done things beyond the strength of a Giant.[65] A Gun of about 7 Foot barrel, and so heavy that strong Men could not steadily hold it out, with both hands; there were several Testimonies given in by persons of Credit and Honor, that he made nothing of taking up such a Gun behind the Lock with but one hand, and holding it out like a Pistol, at Arms-end. _G. B._ in his vindication was so foolish, as to say, that an _Indian_ was there, and held it out, at the same time: whereas, none of the Spectators ever saw any such _Indian_; but they supposed the black Man (as the Witches call the Devil; and they generally say he resembles an _Indian_) might give him that Assistance. There was Evidence likewise brought in, that he made nothing of taking up whole Barrels fill'd with Mellasses, or Cyder, in very disadvantageous Postures, and carrying of them thro' the difficultest places, out of a Canoa to the Shore.

Yea, there were two Testimonies, that _G. B._ with only putting the Fore-finger of his right hand into the Muzzel of an heavy Gun, a fowling piece of about six or seven foot Barrel did lift up the Gun, and hold it out at Arms-end; a Gun which the Deponents, though strong men, could not with both hands lift up, and hold out at the Butt-end, as is usual. Indeed one of these Witnesses, was over-perswaded by some persons to [118] be out of way upon _G. B_'s. Tryal; but he came afterwards with sorrow for his withdraw, and gave in his Testimony. Nor were either of these Witnesses made use of as Evidence in the Tryal.

6. There came in several Testimonies, relating to the Domestick affairs of _G. B._ which had a very hard Aspect upon him; and not only proved him a very ill Man, but also confirmed the belief of the Character, which had been already fastned on him.

'Twas Testified, that keeping his two successive Wives in a strange kind of slavery, he would when he came home from abroad pretend to tell the talk which any had with them. That he has brought them to the point of Death, by his harsh dealings with his Wives, and then made the People about him to promise that in case Death should happen they would say nothing of it. That he used all means to make his Wives Write, Sign, Seal, and Swear a Covenant never to reveal any of his Secrets. That his Wives had privately complained unto the Neighbours about frightly Apparitions of Evil Spirits, with which their House was sometimes infested; and that many such things have been whispered among the Neighbourhood. There were also some other Testimonies, relating to the death of People, whereby the Consciences of an impartial Jury were convinced, that _G. B._ had bewitched the persons mention'd in the Complaints. But I am forced to omit several such Passages in this as well as in all the succeeding Tryals, because the Scribes who took notice of them, have not supplied me.

7. One Mr. _Ruck_, Brother in Law to this _G. B._ testified that _G. B._ and he himself, and his Sister, who was _G. B_'s. Wife, going out for two or three Miles, to gather Strawberries, _Ruck_ with his Sister, the Wife of G. B. rode home very softly, with G. B. on foot, in their company, G. B. stept aside a little into the Bushes, whereupon they halted and hollow'd for him. He not answering, they went away homewards, with a quickened pace; without any expectation of seeing him in a considerable while: and yet when they were got near home, to their astonishment they found him on foot, with them, having a Basket of Strawberries. G. B. immediately then fell to chiding his Wife, on the account of what she had been speaking to her Brother of him on the Road: which when they wondered at, he said, He knew their thoughts. _Ruck_ being startled at that, made some reply, intimating that the Devil himself did not know so far; but G. B. answered, my god, makes known your thoughts unto me. The Prisoner now at the Bar had nothing to answer unto what was thus witnessed against him, that was worth considering. Only he said, _Ruck_ and his Wife left a man with him, when they left him. Which _Ruck_ now affirm'd to be false; and when the Court asked G. B. What the mans name was? His countenance was much altered; nor [119] could he say who it was. But the Court began to think that he then stept aside, only that by the Assistance of the black Man, he might put on his invisibility, and in that fascinating Mist, gratify his own jealous humour, to hear what they said of him. Which trick of rendering themselves invisible, our Witches do in their Confessions pretend that they sometimes are masters of; and it is the more credible, because there is demonstration that they often render many other things utterly invisible.

8. Faultering, Faulty, Unconstant, and contrary Answers upon Judicial and deliberate Examination, are counted some unlucky symptoms of Guilt in all Crimes, especially in Witchcrafts. Now there never was a Prisoner more Eminent for them, than _G. B._ both at his Examination and on his Tryal. His Tergiversations, Contradictions, and Falsehoods, were very sensible: he had little to say, but that he had heard some things that he could not prove, Reflecting upon the Reputation of some of the Witnesses. Only he gave in a Paper to the Jury; wherein, altho' he had many times before granted, not only that there are Witches, but also that the present Sufferings of the Countrey are the Effects of Horrible Witchcrafts, yet he now goes to evince it, that there neither are nor ever were, Witches, that having made a compact with the Devil, can send a Devil to torment other People at a distance. This Paper was transcribed out of _Ady_; which the Court presently knew, as soon as they heard it. But he said, he had taken none of it out of any Book; for which his evasion afterwards was, that a Gentleman gave him the Discourse in a Manuscript, from whence he transcribed it.

9. The Jury brought him in Guilty; but when he came to dye, he utterly deny'd the Fact, whereof he had been thus Convicted.[66]

FOOTNOTES:

[58] As this Indictment does not appear to be among the Records, its absence is accounted for as has been remarked of other similar Documents before noticed; being taken from the Files and never returned.

[59] This Name as has been mentioned already, is doubtless _Bibber_.

[60] Of these abandoned Witnesses, we have already had sufficient.

[61] About twenty appear in the Records, which see, Vol. II, Pages 109, _et seq._ Respecting Mr. Burrough's great Strength, Samuel Webber, aged about 36, swore, that "aboute ceauen or eight Yeares agoe I liued at Casco Bay, and George Burroughs was then Minester there, and haueing heard much of the great Strength of him sd. Burroughs; he coming to our House wee ware in discourse aboute the same and he then told mee yt he had put his fingers into the Bung of a Barrell of Malases and lifted it vp and carryed it round him." Salem, Augt. 2d, 1692.

Ann Putnam swore, that on the 20th of April, 1692, she saw the _Apperishtion_ of Mr. Burroughs who tortured her in a terrible Manner; told her he had had three Wives, and had bewitched two of them to death; had killed Mistress Lawson because she was so unwilling to go from the Village; had killed Mr. Lawson's Children because he went to the Eastward with Sir Edmond [Andros] and preached so to the Soldiers; had bewitched a great many Soldiers to death when Sir _Edmon_ was there, &c. At another time she swore that the two Wives of Mr. Burroughs appeared to her in their Winding-sheets, and told her how they were murdered. Also Mrs. Lawson and her Daughter Ann appeared in the same Manner; also another Woman who told her she was Goodman Fuller's first Wife, and that Mr. Burroughs killed her, because of a Difference between her Husband and him.

Simon Willard, aged about 42 Years, was at the House of Mr. Robert Lawrence, of Casco Bay, in Sept., 1689; saw Mr. Burroughs show where he took hold of the Gun of about seven foot Barrel, which was behind the Lock; and Mr. B. said he held it out with one Hand by so taking it, but the Deponent did not see him do it. Willard commanded the Fort at Casco.

Thomas Greenslett, aged about 40 Years, said he was at Capt. Joshua Scottow's at Black Point, about the breaking out of the late Indian War, where he saw Mr. B. lift a Gun of six foot Barrel or there-about, by putting the Forefinger of his right Hand into the Muzzle; holding it out at Arm's Length. Lieut. Richard Hunnewell and John _Greinslett_ being present. The above are a few Specimens of the Evidence on which Mr. Burroughs was condemned and executed.

[62] Several of those Girls before mentioned, swore to about the same thing.

[63] The Girl who made oath to this was Mercy Lewis. It took place on the 9th of May, 1692, as she said: "Mr. Burroughs carried me up to an exceeding high Mountain and shewed me all the Kingdoms of the Earth, and told me he would give them all to me if I would writ in his Book, and if I would not, he would thro me down and break my Neck: but I tould him they were none of his to give, and would not writ if he throde me down on a hundred pichforks."--_Records S. W._ ii, 118.

[64] This is only Dr. Mather's Abridgment of the Record, it will be remembered. "Sus. Sheldon testifyed that Burroughs two Wives appeared in their Winding-sheets, and said that Man killed them. He was bid to look upon Sus. Sheldon. He looked back and knockt down all (or most) of the afflicted who stood behind him."--_Ibid._ ii, 109.

[65] By the Testimony extracted in Note 61, it will be seen that the Doctor's Statement is rather beyond the Record. He may have, and doubtless had more than is now extant.

[66] See Note 153, Page 163, Vol. I.

[Bridget Bishop's _Indictment_.]

_The Indictment of_ Bridget Bishop.

_Anno Regni Regis & Reginæ Willielmi & Mariæ, nunc Angliæ, &c. quarto._

[_Essex_ ss.]

THE jurors for our Sovereign Lord and Lady, the King and Queen present, That _Bridget Bishop_, alias _Oliver_, the Wife of _Edward Bishop_ in _Salem_, in the County of _Essex_, Sawyer, the Nineteenth day of _April_, in the Fourth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord and Lady, _William_ and _Mary_, by the Grace of God, of _England_, _Scotland_, _France_ and _Ireland_, King and Queen, Defenders of the Faith, _&c._ and divers other days and times, as well before as after, certain detestable Arts, called Witchcrafts, and Sorceries, wickedly and Felloniously hath used, practiced, and exercised at, and within the Township of _Salem_, in the County of _Essex_, aforesaid, in, upon, and against one [120] _Mercy Lewis_, of _Salem_-Village, in the County aforesaid, single Woman; by which said wicked Arts, the said _Mercy Lewis_, the said Nineteenth day of _April_, in the Fourth Year above said, and divers other days and times, as well before as after, was and is Hurt, Tortured, Afflicted, Pined, Consumed, Wasted and Tormented, against the Peace of our Sovereign Lord and Lady, the King and Queen, and against the form of the Statute, in that case made and provided.

_Endorsed_ Billa Vera.

Witnesses--_Mary Lewis, Nathaniel Ingarsoll_, Mr. _Samuel Parris, Thomas Putnam_, Junior, _Mary Walcott_, Junior, _Ann Putnam_, Junior, _Elizabeth Hubbard, Abigail Williams_.

There was also a Second Indictment, on the said _Bishop_, for afflicting and practising Witchcraft on _Abigail Williams_. Witnesses to the said Indictment, were the said _Abigail Williams_, Mr. _Parris, Nathaniel Ingarsoll, Thomas Putnam, Ann Putnam, Mary Walcott, Elizabeth Hubbard_.[67]

The Third Indictment was for afflicting _Mary Walcott_, Witnesses to which said Indictment, were _Mary Walcott, Mercy Lewis_, Mr. _Samuel Parris, Nathaniel Ingarsoll, Thomas Putnam, Ann Putnam, Elizabeth Hubbard, Abigail Williams_.[68]

The Fourth Indictment was for afflicting _Elizabeth Hubbard_, Witnesses to which said Indictment, were the said _Elizabeth Hubbard, Mercy Lewis_, Mr. _Parris, Nathaniel Ingarsoll, Thomas Putnam, Ann Putnam, Mary Walcott, Abigail Williams_.

The Fifth Indictment was for afflicting _Ann Putnam_, Witnesses to which said Indictment, were the said _Ann Putnam_, Mr. _Samuel Parris, Nathaniel Ingarsoll, Thomas Putnam, Mercy Lewis, Mary Walcott, Abigail Williams, Elizabeth Hubbard_.[69]

[Bridget Bishop's _Tryal_.]

_The Tryal_ of Bridget Bishop, _as printed_, _in Wonders of
Invisible World_, June 2, 1692. P. 104 to 114.

1. S_HE was Indicted for bewitching several persons in the Neighbourhood. The Indictment being drawn up, according to the form in such cases usual, and pleading not guilty, there were brought in several persons, who had long undergone many kinds of miseries, which were preternaturally inflicted, and generally ascribed unto an horrible Witchcraft. There was little occasion to prove the Witchcraft, it being evident and notorious to all beholders. Now to fix the Witchcraft on the Prisoner at the Bar, the first thing used was, the testimony of the bewitched; whereof several testified, that the shape of the_ [121] _Prisoner did oftentimes very grievously pinch them, choak them, bite them, and afflict them; urging them to write their names in a Book, which the said Spectre call'd Ours. One of them did further testifie, that it was the shape of this Prisoner, with another, which one day took her from her Wheel, and carrying her to the River side, threatned there to drown her, if she did not sign the Book mention'd, which yet she refused. Others of them did also testifie, that the said shape, did in her threats, brag to them, that she had been the death of sundry persons, then by her named. Another testified, the Apparition of Ghosts unto the Spectre of_ Bishop, _crying out,_ You murdered us. _About the truth whereof, there was in the matter of Fact, but too much suspicion._[70]

2. _It was testified, that at the Examination of the Prisoner, before the Magistrates, the bewitched were extreamly tortured. If she did but cast her Eyes on them, they were presently struck down; and this in such a manner as there could be no collusion in the business. But upon the touch of her hand upon them, when they lay in their swoons, they would immediately revive; and not upon the touch of any ones else. Moreover upon some special Actions of her Body, as the shaking of her head, or the turning of her Eyes, they presently and painfully fell into the like postures. And many of the like accidents now fell out, while she was at the Bar. One at the same time testifying, that she said,_ She could not be troubled to see the Afflicted thus tormented.[71]

3. _There was Testimony likewise brought in, that a Man striking once at the place, where a bewitched person said, the shape of this_ Bishop _stood, the bewitched cryed out that he had tore her Coat, in the place then particularly specified; and the Womans Coat was found to be torn in the very place._[72]

4. _One_ Deliverance Hobbs, _who had confessed her being a Witch, was now tormented by the Spectres for her Confession. And she now testified that this_ Bishop _tempted her to sign the Book again, and to deny what she had confess'd. She affirmed, that it was the shape of this Prisoner, which whipped her with Iron Rods, to compel her thereunto. And she affirmed, that this_ Bishop _was at a General meeting of the Witches in a field, at_ Salem-_Village; and there partook of a Diabolical Sacrament, in Bread and Wine then administered._[73]

5. _To render it further unquestionable, that the Prisoner at the Bar was the Person truly charged in this Witchcraft; there was produced many Evidences of other Witchcrafts, by her perpetrated. For instance,_ John Cook _testified, that about five or six Years ago, one morning about Sun-Rise, he was in his Chamber, assaulted by the shape of this Prisoner: which look'd on him, grinn'd at him, and very much hurt him, with a blow on the side of the head; and that on the same day about Noon, the same shape walked in the Room where he was, and an Apple strangely flew out of his hand, into the lap of his Mother, six or eight foot from him._[74]

[122] 6. Samuel Gray, _testify'd, that about fourteen Years ago, he wak'd on a Night, and saw the Room where he lay full of light; and that he then saw plainly a Woman between the Cradle and the Bedside, which looked upon him. He rose, and it vanished; tho he found the Doors all fast: Looking out at the Entry door, he saw the same Woman in the same garb again, and said,_ In God's name, what do you come for? _He went to Bed, and had the same Woman again assaulting him. The Child in the Cradle gave a great Screech, and the Woman disappeared. It was long before the Child could be quieted; and tho it were a very likely thriving Child, yet from this time it pined away, and after divers Months died in a sad condition. He knew not_ Bishop, _nor her name; but when he saw her after this, he knew by her countenance, and apparel, and all circumstances, that it was the Apparition of this_ Bishop, _which had thus troubled him._[75]

7. John Bly _and his Wife, testified, that he bought a Sow of_ Edward Bishop, _the Husband of the Prisoner, and was to pay the price agreed unto another person. This Prisoner being angry that she was thus hindred from fingring the Money, quarrel'd with_ Bly, _soon after which the Sow was taken with strange Fitts, jumping, leaping, and knocking her head against the Fence, she seemed blind and deaf, and would neither eat nor be sucked. Whereupon a Neighbour said, she believed the creature was over-looked; and sundry other circumstances concurred, which made the Deponents believe that_ Bishop _had bewitched it._[76]

8. Richard Coman _testified that Eight Years ago, as he lay awake in his Bed, with a light burning in the Room, he was annoyed with the Apparition of this_ Bishop, _and of two more that were strangers to him; who came and oppressed him so that he could neither stir himself, nor wake any one else: and that he was the Night after molested again in the like manner; the said_ Bishop _taking him by the Throat, and pulling him almost out of the Bed. His Kinsman offered for this cause to lodge with him; and that night, as they were awake discoursing together, this_ Coman _was once more visited by the Guests which had formerly been so troublesome, his Kinsman being at the same time struck speechless, and unable to move hand or foot. He had laid his Sword by him; which those unhappy Spectres, did strive much to wrest from him, only he held too fast for them. He then grew able to call the People of his house; but altho they heard him, yet they had not power to speak or stir, until at last, one of the People crying out, What's the matter! the Spectres all vanished._[77]

9. _Samuel Shattuck_ testified, that in the Year, 1680. This _Bridget Bishop_, often came to his house upon such frivolous and foolish Errands, that they suspected she came indeed with a purpose of Mischief. Presently whereupon his Eldest Child, which was of as promising health and sense, as any Child of its Age, began to droop exceedingly; and the [123] oftener that _Bishop_ came to the house, the worse grew the Child. As the Child would be standing at the Door, he would be thrown and bruised against the Stones, by an Invisible hand, and in like sort knock his face against the sides of the house, and bruise it after a miserable manner. Afterwards this _Bishop_ would bring him things to Dye, whereof he could not Imagine any use; and when she paid him a piece of Money, the Purse and Money were unaccountably conveyed out of a lock'd Box, and never seen more. The Child was immediately hereupon taken with terrible Fits, whereof his friends thought he would have died: Indeed he did almost nothing but cry and sleep, for several Months together; and at length his understanding was utterly taken away. Among other Symptoms of an Inchantment upon him one was, that there was a Board in the garden, whereon he would walk; and all the Invitations in the world could never fetch him off. About seventeen or eighteen Years after, there came a stranger to _Shattocks_ house, who seeing the Child, said, _This poor Child is bewitched; and you have a Neighbour living not far off who is a Witch_. He added, _Your Neighbour has had a falling out with your Wife; and she said in her heart, your Wife is a proud Woman, and she would bring down her pride in this Child_: He then remembered, that _Bishop_ had parted from his Wife in muttering, and menacing terms, a little before the Child was taken ill. The abovesaid stranger would needs carry the bewitched Boy with him to _Bishops_ House, on pretence of buying a Pot of Cyder. The Woman entertained him in a furious manner; and flew also upon the Boy, scratching his face till the Blood came, and saying, _Thou Rogue, what? dost thou bring this fellow here to plague me?_ Now it seems the Man had said before he went, that he would fetch Blood of her. Ever after the Boy was followed with grievous Fits, which the Doctors themselves generally ascribed unto Witchcraft; and wherein he would be thrown still into the Fire or Water, if he were not constantly looked after; and it was verily believed that _Bishop_ was the cause of it.[78]

10. _John Louder_ testified, that upon some little controversie with _Bishop_ about her Fowls, going well to bed, he did awake in the Night by Moonlight, and did clearly see the likeness of this Woman grievously oppressing him. In which miserable condition she held him unable to help himself, till near day. He told _Bishop_ of this; but she utterly denied it, and threatned him very much. Quickly after this, being at home on a Lord's Day, with the doors shut about him, he saw a black Pig approach him; at which he going to kick, it vanished away. Immediately after sitting down he saw a black thing jump in at the Window, and come and stand before him. The body was like that of a Monkey, the feet like a Cocks, but the face much like a Mans. He being so extremely afrighted, that he could not speak; this Monster spoke to him and said, _I am a Messenger_ [124] _sent unto you, for I understand that you are in some trouble of Mind, and if you will be ruled by me, you shall want for nothing in this World._ Whereupon he endeavoured to clap his hands upon it; but he could feel no substance, and it jumped out of the Window again; but immediately came in by the Porch, though the doors were shut, and said, _You had better take my counsel!_ He then struck at it with a stick, but struck only the Groundsel, and broke the stick. The Arm with which he struck was presently disenabled, and it vanished away. He presently went out at the back door, and spied this _Bishop_, in her Orchard, going toward her House; but he had not power to set one foot forward unto her. Whereupon returning into the House, he was immediately accosted by the Monster he had seen before; which Goblin was now going to fly at him: whereat he cried out, _The whole Armour of God be between me and you!_ so it sprang back, and flew over the Apple-tree; shaking many Apples off the Tree in its flying over. At its leap, it flung dirt with its Feet, against the Stomach of the Man; whereon he was then struck dumb, and so continued for three Days together. Upon the producing of this Testimony, _Bishop_ denied that she knew this Deponent. Yet their two Orchards joined, and they had often had their little quarrels for some Years together.[79]

11. _William Stacy_ testified, that receiving Money of this _Bishop_, for work done by him, he was gone but a matter of three Rods from her, and looking for his Money, found it unaccountably gone from him. Some time after, _Bishop_ asked him whether his Father would grind her Grist for her? He demanded why? she replied, because folks count me a Witch. He answered, no question, but he will grind it for you; being then gone about six Rods from her, with a small load in his Cart, suddainly the off Wheel slumpt, and sunk down into an hole, upon plain ground, so that the Deponent, was forced to get help for the recovering of the Wheel. But stepping back to look for the hole which might give him this disaster, there was none at all to be found. Some time after he was waked in the Night; but it seemed as light as day, and he perfectly saw the shape of this _Bishop_, in the Room troubling of him, but upon her going out, all was dark again. He charg'd _Bishop_ afterwards with it, and she denied it not; but was very angry. Quickly after, this Deponent having been threatned by _Bishop_, as he was in a dark Night going to the Barn, he was very suddenly taken or lifted from the ground and thrown against a Stone-wall; after that he was again hoisted up, and thrown down a bank, at the end of his House. After this, again passing by this _Bishop_, his Horse with a small load, striving to draw, all his Gears flew to pieces, and the Cart fell down; and this Deponent going then to lift a bag of Corn, of about two Bushels, could not budge it with all his might.[80]

[125] Many other pranks of this _Bishops_, this Deponent was ready to testifie. He also testified, that he verily believed, the said _Bishop_ was the Instrument of his Daughter _Priscilla's_ death; of which suspicion, pregnant reasons were assigned.

12. To crown all _John Bly_ and _William Bly_ testified, that being employ'd by _Bridget Bishop_, to help take down the Cellar-wall of the old House, wherein she formerly lived, they did in holes of the said old Wall, find several Poppets made up of Rags, and Hogs Bristles, with headless Pins in them, the points being outward. Whereof she could now give no Account unto the Court, that was reasonable or tolerable.[81]

13. One thing that made against the Prisoner was, her being evidently convicted of Gross lying in the Court, several times, while she was making her Plea. But besides this, a Jury of Women, found a preternatural Tet upon her Body; but upon a second search, within three or four hours, there was no such thing to be seen. There was also an Account of other People whom this Woman had Afflicted. And there might have been many more, if they had been enquired for. But there was no need of them.[82]

14. There was one very strange thing more, with which the Court was newly entertained. As this Woman was under a guard, passing by the great and spacious Meeting House of _Salem_, she gave a look towards the House; and immediately a _Dæmon_ invisibly entring the Meeting House, Tore down a part of it; so that tho there were no person to be seen there, yet the People at the Noise running in, found a board which was strongly fastened with several Nails, transported unto another quarter of the House.[83]

FOOTNOTES:

[67] There are four Indictments recorded. The Witnesses to the first correspond with the Records. Those to the second differ by the Omission of "John Bligh, and Rebeckah, his Wife; Samuell Shattuck, and Sarah, his Wife; William Bligh, William Stacey; John Loader."

[68] These correspond with the Original, with some very slight Difference in the Orthography; and so of those to the fourth Indictment.

[69] It will be seen that much the same Set of Witnesses figure in most of the Cases; and it is surprising that such _stereotype_ Testimony should have been so long imposed upon the Judges.

[70] The Answers of Bridget at her Examination were Common-sense-like, and carried with them such honest Simplicity, that it is Matter of Astonishment the Judges could not distinguish between the most puerile Absurdities and Truth. It appears that she had had a Husband, named Oliver; hence she is often called Bridget Bishop, alias Oliver. During her Examination, the Afflicted apparently suffered excessive Torture. One "Sam. Gold" afterwards asked her if she was not troubled to see them so tormented. He reported that her Answer was "No. She was not troubled for them." This was viewed as strong Evidence against her.

[71] Among all the hard swearing, that of "Sus. Sheldon" was perhaps equal to any. She was about 18 Years old. At one Time, June 2d, 1692, she saw the "Apperishtion" of Bridget Bishop, and immediately came two little Children, Twins, which told her (Bridget) to her Face that she had murdered them by setting them into Fits, whereof they dyed. One John Cooke, aged 18, swore about an Apple which jumped out of his Hand. John _Blye_ and his Wife, about a Sow of theirs being bewitched, and they "Judged Bishop bewitched said Sow." Elizabeth Balch of Beverly, aged about 38, Wife of Benj. B. Juʳ, "being at Salem ye very Day that Capt George Corwin was buried, and in ye Euening of said Day coming from sd. Salem vnto sd. Beuerly, on Horseback, with her Sister, then known by the Name of Abigail Woodburie, now Abigail Waldron lieuing in Wenham, Wife vnto Nathaniell Waldron, riding behinde her; and were come so far as Crane Riuer Common soe called, Edward Bishop and his Wife ouertook vs (on horseback) who are both now in Prison vnder Suspition of Witchcraft." Bridget complained of her Husband for riding into the Water, and of riding too fast. Whereupon an Altercation arose, and hard Words were bandied between them. "And then sd. Bishop directed his Speech vnto vs as we rode along, and sd. that she had been a bad Wife vnto him euer since they were marryed, and reckoned vp many of her Miscarriages towards him; but now of late she was worse than euer before (and that the she Devill did come bodyly vnto her, and that she was familiar with the Deuil, and that she sate vp all ye Night long with ye Deuill) or Words to that Purpose. Said Bishop's Wife made very little Reply."--_Records S. W._, i, 167-8.

[72] "Sus. Sheldon," in additional Testimony said, that "on the fourth Day, at Night, came Goody Olliuer, Mrs. English, Goodman Corie, and a black Man with a hi crowned hatt, with Books in their Hands. Goody Olliuer bid me touch her Book. I would not;" told me she had been a Witch twenty Years. "Then there came a streacked Snake, creeping ouer her Shoulder, and creep into her Bosom. Mrs. English had a Yello Bird in her Bosom, and Goodman Corie had two Turcles hang to his Coat, and he opened his Bosom and put his Turcles to his Brest and gave them suck. Then Goodm. Core and Goody Oliuer kneeled downe before the Black Man and went to prayer. The Black Man told me Goody Olliver had been a Witch 20 years and an half. Then they all set to biting mee, and so went away. Goodwife Core told me she lived in [B]osston Prison. Then she pulled out her brest and the Black Man gave her a thing like a blake Pig. It had no Hairs on it. Shee put it to her brest and gave it suck. Goody Olliver told mee shee had killed four Women. Two of them were the Fosters Wifes and John Traskes Wife, and did not name the other. Then they did all bite mee."--_Records S. W._ ii, 169-170. Then follows the "Death Warrant" of Bridget Bishop, dated at Boston, June the 8th, 1692, signed by Lieutenant Governour Stoughton.

[73] Her Testimony, as recorded, may be read in the Records as above cited, i, 148-9. It is a Tissue of Contradictory Nonsense; and if at all relied upon would excite no Wonder, in view of what had gone before.

[74] John Cooke was a young Man of some 18 years of Age. It should be remembered that these accounts of Evidence are Dr. Mather's Version. He has omitted the most important Item in Cook's Testimony. He swore, that after Goodwife Bishop had struck him on the side of the Head, he saw her go out under the end Window at a little Crevice about as large as one could thrust his hand into. See _Records S. W._ i, 165.

[75] Gray gave his age as about 42 Years. His Testimony is pretty fully and fairly given above. See _Records_, _Ibid_, 152-3. He is noticed in Savage's _Dictionary_, ii, 299.

[76] This Testimony was given June 2d, 1692. The Blighs gave other Testimony, also, on the same Day. John _Blye_, Senior, aged about 57, and William Blye, aged about 15 Years. These testified concerning the finding of _Poppitts_, as given in Volume i, Page 173-4.

[77] Coman gave his Age as about 32 years. His Nightmare Story is here a good deal abridged. The curious Reader must go to the Records, _as published by_ Woodward, Vol. i, 163-4.

[78] Shattuck's Testimony occupies three and an half of Mr. Woodward's quarto Pages. His Age was 41. A part of his Story reminds one of the Man who appeared among his friends with an awfully bruised Face. On being asked how it happened, replied that the Stones in the Road flew up and struck him as he was walking along. Poor Shattuck was unquestionably injured in the same way.

[79] John Louder gave his Age "about thirty two." He said he lived with Mr. John Gedney in Salem about seven or eight Years since. He was doubtless afflicted by the same Agents as Samuel Shattuck was, and saw quite as much if not hurt as much. A black Pig seemed determined to keep him Company; but there were some other Things equally nondescript. See _Records_, i, 160-1.

[80] _Stacy_ was of Salem, aged thirty six, or thereabouts. He goes back fourteen Years, which was the time of the Money Transaction. So that Dr. Mather's version of the Affair, as though it had just happened, is not a fair one. Stacy was often in the same Predicament of Shattuck and Louder, only Stone Fences, Stumps and other odd things knocked him about in a manner, which if it surprised the Magistrates, it probably surprised nobody who might be better acquainted with him. See _Wonders_, Vol. i, 172.

[81] This Evidence has been referred to in a previous Note.

[82] It was no difficult matter, during a long and tedious Examination, so to bewilder and confound Persons of firmer nerves than an aged Matron, and thus make them contradict themselves, not knowing what to say and hardly what was said to them. Respecting the Jury of Women, who searched her, the Reader may consult the Records, if his Patience is equal to his Curiosity.

[83] It would be much more satisfactory if the matter of the Dæmon had been well attested. If a Noise, and the Transportation of _that Board_ is all the Evidence that could be adduced that the Devil was at work there, it can hardly be said to amount to much. Besides, if the Devil had had any ill will towards the Meeting House, he could easily have set fire to it. His Enmity to M. Houses is generally admitted.

[Susanna Martin's _Indictment_.]

_The Indictment of_ Susanna Martin.

[Essex ss.] _Anno Regni Regis & Reginæ Willielmi & Mariæ, nunc Angliæ, &c. quarto._--

THE Jurors for our Soveraign Lord and Lady the King and Queen, present, That _Susanna Martin_ of _Amesbury_ in the County of _Essex_, Widow, The second Day of _May_, in the fourth Year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lord and Lady _William_ and _Mary_, by the Grace of God, of _England_, _Scotland_, _France_ and _Ireland_, King and Queen, Defenders of the faith, _&c._ And divers other days and times, as well before as after, certain detestable Arts, called Witchcrafts, and Sorceries, Wickedly and Felloniously hath used, practised, and exercised, at and within the Township of _Salem_, in the County of _Essex_ aforesaid, in, upon, and against one _Mary Wolcott_ of _Salem_-Village, in the County of _Essex_, Single-Woman, by which said wicked Arts the said _Mary Wolcott_, the Second Day [126] of _May_, in the fourth Year aforesaid, and at divers other days and times, as well before as after, was and is Tortured, Afflicted, Pined, Consumed, Wasted and Tormented; as also for sundry other Acts of Witchcraft, by said _Susanna Martin_, committed and done before and since that time, against the Peace of our Soveraign Lord and Lady, _William_ and _Mary_, King and Queen of _England_; Their Crown and Dignity, and against the Form of the Statute, in that Case made and provided.

Return'd by the Grand-Jury, _Billa Vera_.

Witnesses--_Sarah Vibber, Mary Wolcott_, Mr. _Samuel Parris, Elizabeth Hubbard, Mercy Lewis_.

The Second Indictment[84] was for afflicting _Mercy Lewis_. Witnesses--_Samuel Parris, Ann Putnam, Sarah Vibber, Elizabeth Hubbard, Mary Wolcott, Mercy Lewis_.

[Susanna Martin's _Tryal_.]

The Trial of _Susanna Martin, June_ 29, 1692. As is Printed, in
_Wonders of the Invisible World_, from p. 114 to p. 116.

1. S_USANNA Martin_, pleading not Guilty, to the Indictment of Witchcrafts brought in against her; there were produced the Evidences of many persons very sensibly and grievously bewitched; who all complained of the Prisoner at the Bar, as the person whom they believed the cause of their Miseries. And now as well as in the other Trials, there was an extraordinary endeavour by Witchcrafts, with cruel and frequent Fits, to hinder the poor Sufferers, from giving in their Complaints; which the Court was forced with much patience to obtain, by much waiting and watching for it.

There was now also an Account given, of what had passed at her first Examination before the Magistrates. The cast of her Eye then striking the Afflicted People to the Ground, whether they saw that cast or no: There were these among other Passages between the Magistrates and the Examinate.

_Magistrate._ Pray, what ails these People?

_Martin._ I don't know.

_Magist._ But, What do you think ails them?

_Martin._ I don't desire to spend my Judgment upon it.

_Magist._ Don't you think they are bewitched?

_Martin._ No, I do not think they are.

_Magist._ Tell us your thoughts about them then.

_Martin._ No, my thoughts are my own when they are in, but when they are out, they are anothers. Their Master--

_Magist._ Their Master; Who do you think is their Master?

_Martin._ If they be dealing in the black Art, you may know as well as I.

[127] _Magist._ Well, what have you done towards this?

_Martin._ Nothing at all.

_Magist._ Why, 'tis you or your appearance.

_Martin._ I can't help it.

_Magist._ Is it not your Master? How comes your appearance to hurt these?

_Martin._ How do I know? He that appeared in the shape of _Samuel_, a Glorified Saint may appear in any ones shape.

It was then also noted in her, as in others like her, that if the Afflicted went to approach her, they were flung down to the ground. And, when she was asked the reason of it, she said, I cannot tell, it may be, the Devil bears me more Malice than another.--

The Court accounted themselves Alarm'd by these things, to inquire further into the Conversation of the Prisoner; and see what there might occur, to render these Accusations further credible.⒜ Whereupon _John Allen_, of _Salisbury_ testified, that he refusing, because of the weakness of his Oxen, to Cart some Staves at the request of this _Martin_, she was displeased at it, and said, _It had been as good that he had; for his Oxen should never do him much more service_. Whereupon this Deponent said, _Dost thou threaten me, thou old Witch? I'll throw thee into the Brook_: which to avoid, she flew over the Bridge and escaped. But as he was going home, one of his Oxen tired, so that he was forced to unyoke him, that he might get him home. He then put his Oxen with many more, upon _Salisbury-Beach_, where Cattle did use to get Flesh. In a few Days, all the Oxen upon the _Beach_ were found by their Tracks, to have run unto the mouth of _Merrimack-River_ and not returned; but the next day they were found come ashore upon _Plum-Island_. They that sought them, used all imaginable gentleness, but they would still run away with a violence, that seemed wholly Diabolical, till they came near the mouth of _Merrimack-River_; when they ran right into the Sea, swimming as far as they could be seen. One of them then swam back again, with a swiftness amazing to the beholders, who stood ready to receive them, and help up his tired Carcass: but the Beast ran furiously up into the Island, and from thence thorough the Marishes, up into _Newbury_ Town, and so up into the Woods; and there after a while found near _Amesbury_. So that of Fourteen good Oxen, there was only this saved: the rest were all cast up, some in one place, and some in another, Drowned.[85]

⒜: The Above is but a very small Part of the Examination, as appears by the Records. See _Wonders of the Invisible World_, Vol. I, P. 175.

4. _John Atkinson_ testified, that he exchanged a Cow, with a Son of _Susanna Martins_, whereat she muttered, and was unwilling he should have it. Going to receive this Cow, tho he Hamstring'd her, and halter'd her, she of a tame Creature grew so mad, that they could scarce get her along. She broke all the Ropes that were fastened unto her, and tho she was tied [128] fast unto a Tree, yet she made her escape, and gave them such further trouble, as they could ascribe to no cause but Witchcraft.[86]

5. _Bernard Peache_ testified that being in Bed, on a Lords Day Night, he heard a scrabbling at the Window, whereat he then saw _Susanna Martin_ come in, and jump down upon the floor. She took hold of this Deponents Feet, and drawing his body up into an heap, she lay upon him near two hours; in all which time he could neither speak nor stir. At length when he could begin to move he laid hold on her hand, and pulling it up to his mouth, he bit three of her Fingers as he judged to the Bone. Whereupon she went from the Chamber down the Stairs, out at the door. This Deponent thereupon called unto the people of the House to advise them of what passed; and he himself did follow her. The People saw her not; but there being a Bucket at the Left hand of the door, there was a drop of Blood on it; and several more drops of Blood upon the Snow, newly fallen abroad. There was likewise the print of her two Feet, just without the Threshold; but no more sign of any footing further off.[87]

At another time this Deponent was desired by the Prisoner, to come unto a husking of Corn, at her House; and she said, _If he did not come, it were better that he did_! He went not; but the night following, _Susanna Martin_, as he judged, and another came towards him. One of them said, _here he is_! but he, having a Quarterstaff, made a blow at them. The Roof of the Barn broke his blow; but following them to the Window, he made another blow at them, and struck them down; yet they got up, and got out, and he saw no more of them.

About this time, there was a Rumour about the Town, that _Martin_ had a broken head; but the Deponent could say nothing to that.

The said _Peache_ also testified, the bewitching of Cattle to Death, upon_ Martin's_ discontents.

6. _Robert Downer_ testified, that this Prisoner being some years ago prosecuted at Court for a Witch, he then said unto her, _He believed she was a Witch_. Whereat she being disatisfied, said, _That some she Devil would shortly fetch him away_; which words were heard by others, as well as himself; the night following, as he lay in his Bed, there came in at the Window, the likeness of a Cat, which flew upon him, and took fast hold of his Throat, lay on him a considerable while, and almost killed him; at length he remembered what _Susanna Martin_ had threatened the Day before, and with much striving, he cried out, _Avoid thou the Devil, In the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, avoid_: Whereupon it left him, leaped on the Floor, and flew out at the Window.

And there also came in several Testimonies that before ever _Downer_ spoke a word of this Accident, _Susanna Martin_ and her Family had related how this _Downer_ had been handled.[88]