Chapter IV: Part 4

[129] 7. _John Kembal_ testified, that _Susanna Martin_, upon a causeless disgust had threatned him about a certain Cow of his, that she should never do him any more good, and it came to pass accordingly; for soon after the Cow was found stark dead on the dry ground, without any Distemper to be discerned upon her. Upon which he was followed with a strange death upon more of his Cattle. Whereof he lost in one Spring, to the value of 30_l._ But the said _John Kembal_, had a further Testimony to give in against the Prisoner, which was truly admirable. Being desirous to furnish himself with a Dog, he applied himself to buy one of this _Martin_, who had a Bitch with Whelps in her House, but she not letting him have his choice; he said, _He would supply himself then at one_ Blezdels. Having mark'd a Puppy which he liked at _Blezdels_, he met George Martin, the Husband of the Prisoner going by, who asked whether he would not have one of his Wives Puppy's; and he answered, No. The same Day one _Edmund Eliot_,[89] being at _Martins_ House heard _George Martin_ relate where this _Kembal_ had been, and what he had said; whereupon _Susanna Martin_ reply'd, _If I live I'll give him Puppies enough_. Within a few days after this, _Kembal_ coming out of the Woods, there arose a little black Cloud in the _N. W._ and _Kembal_ immediately felt a force upon him, which made him not able to avoid running upon the stumps of Trees that were before him, albeit he had a broad plain cart way before him; but tho he had his Axe also on his Shoulder to endanger him in his falls, he could not forbear going out of his way to tumble over them. When he came below the Meeting-House, there appeared unto him a little thing like a Puppy of a darkish Colour, and it shot backwards and forwards between his Legs. He had the Courage to use all possible endeavours of cutting it with his Axe, but he could not hit it; the Puppy gave a jump from him and went, as to him it seem'd into the Ground. Going a little further there appeared unto him a black Puppy, somewhat bigger than the First, but as black as a Coal. It's motions were quicker than those of his Axe. It flew at his Belly, and away at his Throat, so over his Shoulders one way, and then over his Shoulders another way, his heart now began to fail him, and he thought the Dog would have tore his Throat out. But he recovered himself, and called upon God in his distress, and naming the name of Jesus Christ it vanished away at once. The Deponent spoke not one word of these Accidents, for fear of affrighting his Wife. But the next morning, _Edmund Eliot_ going into _Martins_ house, this Woman asked him, where _Kembal_ was? He replied, at home a Bed, for ought he knew. She returned; they say he was frighted last night. _Eliot_ asked with what? She answered with Puppies. _Eliot_ asked, where she heard of it, for he had heard nothing of it! She rejoined, about the Town. Altho' _Kembal_ had mentioned the matter to no creature living.[90]

[130] 8. _William Brown_ testified, that Heaven having bless'd him with a most Pious and Prudent Wife, this Wife of his, one day met with _Susanna Martin_: but when she approached just unto her, _Martin_ vanished out of sight, and left her extreamly affrighted. After which time the said _Martin_ often appeared unto her, giving her no little trouble; and when she did come, she was visited with Birds that sorely peck'd and prick'd her; and sometimes a bunch like a Pullets Egg would rise on her Throat, ready to choak her, till she cry'd out, _Witch, you shan't choak me!_ While this good Woman was in this Extremity, the Church appointed a Day of Prayer on her behalf; whereupon the trouble ceas'd; she saw not _Martin_ as formerly; and the Church instead of their Fast, gave thanks for her deliverance. But a considerable while after, she being summoned to give in some Evidence at the Court, against this _Martin_, quickly this _Martin_ came behind her, while she was Milking her Cow, and said unto her, _For thy defaming me at Court, I'll make thee the miserablest Creature in the World._ Soon after which she fell into a strange kind of Distemper, and became horribly Frantick, and uncapable of any Reasonable Action, the Physicians declaring, that her Distemper was preternatural, and that some Devil had certainly bewitched her; and in that condition she now remained.[91]

9. _Sarah Atkinson_ testified, that _Susanna Martin_ came from _Amesbury_, to their House at _Newbury_, in an extraordinary Season, when it was not fit for any one to Travel. She came (as she said unto _Atkinson_) all that long way on foot. She bragg'd and show'd how dry she was; nor could it be perceived that so much as the Soles of her Shoes were wet. _Atkinson_ was amazed at it, and professed, that she should herself have been wet up to the Knees, if she had then come so far; but _Martin_ reply'd, _She scorned to be drabbled!_ It was noted that this Testimony upon her Tryal, cast her into a very singular confusion.[92]

10. _John Pressy_ testified, that being one Evening very unaccountably bewildred near a Field of _Martin_, and several times as one under an Enchantment, returning to the place he had left, at length he saw a Marvellous light, about the bigness of an half Bushel, near two Rood out of the way. He went and struck at it with a Stick, and laid it on with all his might. He gave it near Forty blows; and felt it a palpable substance. But going from it, his heels were struck up, and he was laid with his back on the ground; sliding as he thought into a Pit: from whence he recovered, by taking hold on the Bush; altho afterwards he could find no such Pit in the place. Having after his recovery, gone five or six Rood, he saw _Susanna Martin_ standing on his Left hand, as the Light had done before; but they changed no words with one another. He could scarce find his House in his return; but at length he got home, extreamly af[131]frighted. The next Day it was upon enquiry understood, that _Martin_ was in a miserable condition by pains and hurts that were upon her.

It was further testified by this Deponent, that after he had given in some Evidence against _Susanna Martin_ many Years ago, she gave him foul words about it, and said, _He should never prosper, more particularly, that he should never have more than two Cows: that tho he were never so likely to have more, yet he should never have them._ And that from that very day to this; namely for Twenty Years together, he could never exceed that number; but some strange thing or other still prevented his having of any more.[93]

11. _Jarvis Ring_ testified that about Seven Years ago he was oftentimes grievously oppressed in the Night; but saw not who troubled him, until at last he lying perfectly awake, plainly saw _Susanna Martin_ approach him. She came to him and forcibly bit him by the Finger; so that the print of the bite is now so long after to be seen upon him.

12. But besides all these Evidences, there was a most wonderful Account of one _Joseph Ring_ produced on this occasion. This Man has been strangely carried about by _Dæmons_. From one Witch-meeting to another, for near two Years together; and for one quarter of this time they made him and kept him Dumb, though he is now again able to speak. There was one _T. H._[94] who having, as 'tis judged, a design of Engaging this _Joseph Ring_ in a snare of Devilism, contrived a while, to bring this _Ring_ two Shillings in Debt unto him. Afterwards this poor Man would be visited with unknown shapes, and this _T. H._ sometimes among them; which would force him away with them, unto unknown places, where he saw Meetings, Feastings, Dancings; and after his return wherein they hurried him along thro the Air, he gave demonstrations to the Neighbours, that he had indeed been so transported. When he was brought unto these hellish meetings, one of the first things they still did unto him, was to give him a knock on the back, whereupon he was ever as if bound with Chains, uncapable of stirring out of the place, till they should release him. He related, that there often came to him a Man, who presented him a Book, whereto he would have him set his hand; promising to him that he should then have even what he would; and presenting him with all the delectable things, persons, and places, that he could imagine. But he refusing to subscribe, the business would end with dreadful shapes, noises and screeches, which almost scared him out of his wits. Once with a Book, there was a Pen offer'd him, and an Inkhorn, with liquor in it, that seem'd like Blood: but he never touched it.[95]

This Man did now affirm, that he saw the Prisoner at several of those hellish Randezvouzes.

[132] _Note_--This Woman was one of the most Impudent, Scurrilous, wicked Creature in the World; and she did now throughout her whole Tryal, discover herself to be such an one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was, that she had led a most vertuous and holy life.

FOOTNOTES:

[84] This second Indictment is given in full in the Records, for which see _Records of Salem Witchcraft_, Vol. i, 195-6.

[85] Lieut. John Allen was of Salisbury; and his Age 45. The Accused troubled him at some previous Period, but the Time he does not state.

[86] The Witness, John Atkinson, was aged about 56 Years. His Evidence related to Matters of some five Years past. See _Wonders of Invisible World_, Vol. I, Page 178.

[87] Peache's Evidence was of Troubles of about ten Years before. He said his Age was about 42; and at the Time of the Witchcraft complained of, he lived with William Osgood, of Salisbury.

[88] Downer's Age was 52, and he belonged to Salisbury. What he swore to was of Events which happened "several Years ago."

[89] Three Persons of the Name of _Elliot_ are implicated in the Witch Court Proceedings--Andrew, Daniel, and this Edmund, who was of Amesbury. The Boston _Eliots_ were of this Lineage.

[90] John Kimball was of Amesbury, and was "aged 45 or vpward." His swearing was to Occurrencies of twenty-three Years standing; that about that Time he removed from Newbury to Amesbury, having bought a Piece of Land of Geo. Martin. The Testimony of Kimball occupies three and an half Pages of the _Records_, i, 218-21. He probably married Mary Hobbs, in Newbury.

[91] This Testimony was by William Browne, of Amesbury, whose Age was 70 Years, or "ther about." What he swore to happened, he said "about on or to and thirty Years ago." The Trouble seems to have been between Mrs. Martin, and Browne's Wife, who was afflicted with hysteric Fits: insomuch that she was insane. He had applied to Doctors Fuller and Crosby, but they said her Complaint was supernatural, and that some evil Person had bewitched her. When in this State she would not own him for her Husband, and "asked him whether he did not mett with one Mr. Bent of Abey in England by whom he was divorced."--_Records S. W._, i, 206-8.

[92] Sarah Atkinson was probably the Wife of John Atkinson, mentioned at Note 86. The "singular Confusion" appears to have been gratuitously thrown in by Dr. Mather. It is not in the Record. Her Age is given as 48 Years, or thereabouts.

[93] John Pressy, aged 53, and "Marah his Wif aged 46 or ther abouts." It comes out in this Evidence, but is not mentioned by Mather, that at some 20 Years previous, this John Pressy and Wife had testified against Mrs. Martin, and that she had accused them of taking a false Oath. Such was the Origin of much of the Testimony.

[94] Thomas Hardy of Great Island, at Pascatequay. Why Mather conceals his Name, except by the Initials, is not known.

[95] Jarvis Ring's Case could have been nothing but one of Nightmare. Joseph Ring, brother of Jarvis, was 27 years of Age. They belonged to Salisbury. His Evidence compares very well with that of the Girls and other Miscreants, foregone. The Testimonies of the Amesbury Accusers were taken before "Robert Pike, _Assist._"

[_Indictment_ of Elizabeth How.]

The Indictment of _Elizabeth How_.

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

THE Jurors for our Soveraign Lord and Lady, the King and Queen present, That _Elizabeth How_, Wife of _James How_ of _Ipswich_, the Thirty first 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, practiced, 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 aforesaid, single Woman; by which said wicked Arts, the said _Mary Wolcott_, the said Thirty first Day of _May_, in the Fourth Year as abovesaid, and divers other days and times, as well before as after, was and is Tortured, Afflicted, Pined, Consumed, Wasted and Tormented; and also for sundry other Acts of Witchcrafts, by said _Elizabeth How_; committed and done before and since that time, against the Peace of our Sovereign Lord and Lady, the King and Queen, and against the form of the Statue, in that case made and provided.

Witnesses--_Mary Wolcott_, _Ann Putnam_, _Abigail Williams_, _Samuel Pearly_, and his Wife _Ruth_, _Joseph Andrews_, and Wife _Sarah_, _John Sherrin_, _Joseph Safford_, _Francis Lane_, _Lydia Foster_, _Isaac Cummins_, Junior.

There was also a second Indictment for afflicting of _Mercy Lewis_.

Witnesses--_Mercy Lewis_, _Mary Wolcott_, _Abigail Williams_, _Ann Putnam_, _Samuel Pearly_ and Wife, _Joseph Andrews_ and Wife, _John Sherrin_, _Joseph Safford_, _Francis Lane_, _Lydia Foster_.

[Elizabeth How's _Tryal_.]

[133] The Tryal of _Elizabeth How_,[96] _June_ 30, 1692. As is
Printed In _Wonders of the Invisible World_, from P. 126 to P.
132, inclusively.

1. E_LIZABETH How_, pleading, not Guilty to the Indictment of Witchcrafts, then charged upon her; the Court, according to the usual proceeding of the Courts in _England_; in such Cases, began with hearing the Deposition of several Afflicted People, who were grievously tormented by sensible and evident Witchcrafts, and all complained of the Prisoner, as the cause of their trouble. It was also found that the Suffers were not able to bear her look, as likewise, that in their greatest swoons, they distinguished her touch from other Peoples, being thereby raised out of them.

And there was other Testimony of People to whom the shape of this _How_, gave trouble Nine or Ten Years ago.[97]

2. It has been a most usual thing for the bewitched persons at the same time that the Spectres representing the Witches, Troubled them to be visited with Apparitions of Ghosts, pretending to have been murdered by the Witches then represented. And sometimes the confessions of the Witches afterwards acknowledged those very Murders, which these Apparitions charged upon them; altho they had never heard what Information had been given by the Sufferers.

There was such Apparitions of Ghosts testified by some of the present Sufferers, and the Ghosts affirmed that this _How_ had murdered them: which things were fear'd, but not proved.[98]

3. This _How_ had made some attempts of Joining to the Church at _Ipswich_, several Years ago; but she was denied an Admission into that holy Society, partly thro a suspicion of Witchcraft, then urged against her. And there now came in Testimony of preternatural Mischiefs, presently befalling some that had been Instrumental to debar her from the Communion whereupon she was intruding.[99]

4. There was a particular Deposition of _Joseph Safford_, that his Wife had conceived an extream Aversion, to this _How_, on the reports of her Witchcrafts; but _How_ one day taking her by the hand, and saying, _I believe you are not Ignorant of the great scandal, that I lye under, by an Evil report raised upon me_. She immediately, unreasonably, and unperswadeably, even like one Inchanted, began to take this Womans part. _How_ being soon after propounded, as desiring an Admission to the Table of the Lord, some of the Pious Brethren were unsatisfied about her. The Elders appointed a meeting to hear matters objected against her; and no arguments in the World could hinder this Goodwife _Safford_ from going to the Lecture. She did indeed promise with much ado that she would not go to the Church-meeting; yet she could not refrain going thither also. [134] _How_'s affairs there were so canvassed, that she came off rather Guilty, than cleared; nevertheless Goodwife _Safford_ could not forbear taking her by the Hand, and saying, _Tho you are condemned before Men, you are justified before God_. She was quickly taken in a very strange manner; Frantick, Raving, Raging, and crying out, _Goody_ How _must come into the Church; she is a precious Saint, and tho' she be condemned before Men, she is justified before God_. So she continued for the space of two or three hours; and then fell into a Trance. But coming to herself, she cried out, _Ha! I was mistaken!_ afterwards again repeated, _Ha! I was mistaken!_ being asked by a stander by, Wherein? she replied, _I thought Goody_ How _had been a precious Saint of God, but now I see she is a Witch: she has bewitched me and my Child, and we shall never be well, till there be Testimony for her, that she may be taken into the Church._[100]

And _How_ said afterwards, _That she was very sorry to see_ Safford _at the Church-meeting mentioned. Safford_ after this, _declared herself to be Afflicted by the shape of_ How, _and from that shape she endured many miseries._

5. _John How_, Brother to the Husband of the Prisoner testified that he refusing to accompany the Prisoner unto her Examination as was by her desired, immediately some of his Cattle, were bewitched to Death, leaping Three or four Foot high, turning about, squeaking, falling and dying at once; and going to cut off an Ear, for an use, that might as well perhaps have been omitted, the Hand wherein he held his Knife was taken very Numb; and so it remained, and full of pain for several Days; being not well at this very time. And he suspected this Prisoner, for the Author of it.[101]

6. _Nehemiah Abbot_ testified, that unusual and mischievous accidents would befall his Cattle, whenever he had any difference with this Prisoner. Once particularly she wished his Ox choaked, and within a little while, that Ox was choaked with a Turnip in his Throat. At another time, refusing to lend his Horse, at the request of her Daughter, the Horse was in a preternatural manner abused. And several other odd things of that kind were testified.[102]

7. There came in Testimony that one Goodwife _Sherwin_, upon some difference with _How_ was bewitched, and, that she died, charging this _How_ of having an hand in her Death. And that other People had their Barrels of Drink unaccountably mischiev'd, spoiled, and spilt upon their displeasing her.[103]

The things in themselves were trivial; but there being such a course of them, it made them the more to be considered. Among others, _Martha Wood_ gave her testimony, that a little after, her Father had been employed in gathering an account of this _How's_ Conversation, they once and again lost great quantities of Drink, out of their Vessels, in such a [135] manner, as they could ascribe to nothing but Witchcraft. As also that _How_ giving her some Apples, when she had eaten of them, she was taken with a very strange kind of a maze, insomuch that she knew not what she said or did.[104]

8. There was likewise a Cluster of Depositions, that one _Isaac Cummings_, refusing to lend his Mare, unto the Husband of this _How_; the Mare was within a Day or two taken in a strange condition. The beast seemed much abused; being bruised, as if she had been running over the Rocks, and marked where the Bridle went, as if burnt with a red hot Bridle. Moreover one using a Pipe of Tobacco for the cure of the Beast, a blew flame issued out of her, took hold of her hair, and not only spread and burnt on her, but it also flew upwards towards the Roof of the Barn, and had like to have set the Barn on fire. And the Mare dy'd very suddenly.[105]

9. _Timothy Perly_ and his Wife, testified, not only that unaccountable Mischiefs befel their Cattle, upon their having of differences with this Prisoner; but also that they had a Daughter destroyed by Witchcrafts; which Daughter still charged _How_, as the cause of her Affliction; and it was noted that she would be struck down, whenever _How_ were spoken of. She was often endeavoured to be thrown into the Fire, and into the Water, in her strange Fitts; tho her Father had corrected, for charging _How_ with bewitching her, yet (as was testified by others also) she said she was sure of it, and must dye standing to it. Accordingly she charged _How_ to the very death; and said, _Tho_ How _could Afflict and Torment her Body, yet she could not hurt her Soul, and that the truth of this matter would appear when she should be dead and gone_.[106]

10. _Francis Lane_ testified, that being hired by the Husband of this _How_ to get him a parcel of Posts and Rails, this _Lane_ hired _John Pearly_ to assist him. This Prisoner then told _Lane_ that she believed the Posts and Rails would not do, because _John Pearly_ helped him; but that if he had got them alone without _John Pearly_'s help, they might have done well enough. When _James How_ came to receive his Posts and Rails of _Lane_, _How_ taking them up by the Ends, they, tho good and sound yet unaccountably broke off, so that _Lane_ was forced to get Thirty or Forty more. And this Prisoner being informed of it, she said, _She told him so before: because_ Pearly _helped about them_.[107]

11. Afterwards there came in the Confessions of several other (penitent) Witches, which affirmed this _How_ to be one of those who with them had been baptized by the Devil in the River, at _Newberry-Falls_: before which he made them there kneel down by the Brink of the River, and Worship him.[108]

FOOTNOTES:

[96] The Indictment does not appear in the Records, probably for the Reason that it had been given to or taken by Dr. Mather, and never returned. Mrs. How was of Topsfield, Wife of James How of that Town. Ephraim Wildes was the Constable who apprehended her. Her Examination was on the 30th of May, 1692, occupies two Pages, and was taken down by Mr. "Sam. Parris."

[97] The Author has not taken up the respective Parties who gave Evidence. Among others, no Notice is taken of that of two Ministers, namely, Mr. Samuel Phillips and Mr. Edward Payson, both of Rowley. Mr. Phillips gave his Age as about 67. Mr. _Paison_ did not state his. Their Testimonies were passed over undoubtedly because they did not in the least criminate Mrs. How; nor did they pretend that they had seen any Thing like Witchcraft.

[98] They were not only not proved, but there are no Testimonies recorded containing these Ghost Stories. The following Witnesses are not noticed by Dr. Mather, viz.: Samuel Perley, aged about 52, and his Wife about 46. Deborah Hadley, aged about 70 Years; had lived near Elizabeth How ("ye Wife of James How, Jr. of Ipswich 24 year.") She gave her a good Character. Mrs. Hadley testified on the 24th of June. The next Day Daniel Warner, Sen. gave in his Testimony. It was of the same tenor of Mrs. Hadley's. John Warner, Senʳ. also signed the same Evidence. They had been well acquainted with Mrs. How "aboue 20 yeers." So Simon Chapman and his Wife testified. Simon gave his Age as about 48--"hath ben aquainted with the Wiuef of James How, iunʳ. as a Naybar for this 9 or 10 Yers;" never knew any harm of her, and "found hur joust in hur delling, faythfooll," &c.

[99] Against such gratuitous, and to say the least, hearsay Testimony, the Doctor should, in fairness, have noticed such Evidence as that referred to in the last Note. A few others must not be overlooked. Joseph Knowlton stated that he had been acquainted with Mrs. How, as a Neighbor, and sometimes boarded in the House at his first coming to live in these Parts, which was about ten Years ago. He and his Wife Mary both gave her a good Character. His Age was "forty tu," and his Wife's "thurty-tu."

James How, Sen., aged about 94, testified that he had lived by Elizabeth, the Wife of James How, Junʳ, for about thirty Years; and, "setting a side humain Infurmity," she always behaved well, becoming her Place as a Daughter and Wife in all Relations.

Respecting the Church Difficulty, referred to in the Text, one Jacob Foster, aged about 29, swore, that "some Years agoe," as Goodwife How was about to join the Church, his Father was a Means of preventing it. Whereupon his Mare was lost for several Days. When found she looked as if she had been miserably beaten and abused. Sworn June 30th, 1692. Thomas Andrews of Boxford, aged about 50, told a more ridiculous Story about a Mare, belonging to Josiah Comings, Senʳ of Topsfield.

[100] Joseph Safford gave his Age about 60.

[101] John How gave his Age as about 50. The Doctor has made some wretched Mistakes in his Abstract of this Testimony. It was his Sow that "leaped up about three or foure foot hie," and fell down dead. The _squeaking_ belonged to the Swine, and not to the Cattle.

[102] I do not find any Note of Nehemiah Abbot's Evidence in the Records.

[103] This has reference, perhaps, to the Ghost Stories darkly hinted at by the Dr. Mather in a previous Page.

[104] I have not noticed Martha Wood's Evidence among the Records. The "great Quantities of Drink" reported lost, was probably found by some of the Witnesses already noticed.

[105] Cummin's Testimony occupies above two solid Pages. His Age was about sixty Years. His Christian Name was mistaken by Mather, being Isaac instead of Josiah, as appears by the Records.

[106] Timothy _Perley_ and his Wife Deborah testified, June 1st, 1692, that he was about 39 Years of Age, and his Wife about 33. The Abstract above is exceedingly defective. See the _Records_, ii, 73-4.

[107] Francis Lane gave his Age as about 27, and said that the Time the Witches afflicted the Rails was about "seauen" Years ago, and makes a long Story out of it; but it is of a Piece with most of the Evidence. Lane's Parentage has not been traced.

[108] They affirmed that many of those wretched Souls had been Baptized at Newberry Falls; and at several other Rivers and Ponds; and as to the Manner of Administration, the Great Officer of _Hell_ took them up by the Body, and putting their Heads into the Water, said over them, _Thou art mine, and I have full Power over the_: And thereupon they engaged and covenanted to renounce GOD, CHRIST, their _sacred Baptism_, and the whole Way of _Gospel Salvation_; and to use their utmost Endeavours to oppose the Kingdom of CHRIST, and to set up and _advocate_ the Kingdom of _Satan_.--Lawson, _Second Edition_, 118. See, also, Vol. I, Page 102-3.

[Martha Carryer's _Indictment_.]

[136] _The Indictment of_ Martha Carryer.[109]

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

THE Jurors for our Soveraign Lord and Lady the King and Queen, present, That _Martha Carryer_, Wife of _Thomas Carryer_ of _Andover_, in the County of _Essex_, Husbandman, The Thirty first 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, Single Woman, in the County of _Essex_ aforesaid; by which said wicked Arts the said _Mary Wolcott_, the Thirty first Day 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; 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.

Witnesses--_Mary Wolcott, Elizabeth Hubbard, Ann Putnam_.

There was also a Second Indictment for afflicting _Elizabeth Hubbard_, by Witchcraft. Witnesses--_Elizabeth Hubbard_, _Mary Wolcott_, _Ann Putnam_, _Mary Warrin_.

[Martha Carryer's _Tryal_.]

The Trial of _Martha Carryer_, August 2, 1692. As may be seen in
_Wonders of the Invisible World_, from P. 132, to 138.

1. M_Artha Carryer_ was indicted for the bewitching of certain persons according to the form usual in such Cases: Pleading not Guilty to her Indictment; there were first brought in a considerable number of the Bewitched persons; who not only made the Court sensible of an horrid Witchcraft committed upon them, but also deposed, That it was _Martha Carryer_, or her shape, that grievously tormented them by biting, pricking, pinching and choaking them. It was further deposed that while this _Carryer_ was on her Examination before the Magistrates, the poor People were so tortured, that every one expected their Death upon the very spot; but that upon the binding of _Carryer_ they were eased. [137] Moreover the looks of _Carryer_ then laid the Afflicted People for dead, and her Touch, if her Eyes at the same time were off them, raised them again. Which things were also now seen upon her Tryal. And it was testified, that upon the mention of some having their Necks twisted almost round by the shape of this _Carryer_, she replied, _Its no matter, tho their Necks had been twisted quite off_.[110]

2. Before the Tryal of this Prisoner, several of her own Children had frankly and fully confessed not only that they were Witches themselves, but that this their Mother had made them so. This confession they made with great shows of Repentance, and with much Demonstration of Truth. They related Place, Time, Occasion; they gave an Account of Journeys, Meetings, and Mischiefs by them performed; and were very credible in what they said. Nevertheless, this Evidence was not produced against the Prisoner at the Bar, in as much as there was other Evidence enough to proceed upon.[111]

3. _Benj. Abbot_ gave in his Testimony, That last _March_ was a Twelve month, this _Carryer_ was very angry with him, upon laying out some Land near her Husbands. Her expressions in this Anger were, _That she would stick as close to_ Abbot, _as the Bark stuck to the Tree; and that he should repent of it afore seven Years came to an end, so as Doctor_ Prescot _should never cure him_. These words were heard by others, besides _Abbot_ himself, who also heard her say, _She would hold his Nose as close to the Grind-stone as ever it was held since his name was_ Abbot. Presently after this he was taken with a swelling in his Foot, and then with a Pain in his Side, and exceedingly tormented. It bred unto a Sore, which was lanced by Dr. _Prescot_, and several Gallons of Corruption ran out of it. For six Weeks it continued very bad; and then another Sore bred in his Groin, which was also lanced by Dr. _Prescot_. Another Sore bred in his Groin which was likewise Cut, and put him to very great misery. He was brought unto Death's door, and so remained until _Carryer_ was taken and carried away by the Constable. From which very day he began to mend, and so grew better every day, and is well ever since.[112]

_Sarah Abbot_ also his Wife testified, that her Husband was not only all this while Afflicted in his Body; but also that strange, extraordinary and unaccountable calamities befel his Cattle; their Death being such as they could guess at no Natural Reason for.[113]

4. _Allin Toothaker_ testified, that _Richard_ the Son of _Martha Carryer_, having some difference with him, pull'd him down by the Hair of the Head, when he rose again, he was going to strike at _Richard Carryer_, but fell down flat on his back to the ground, and had not power to stir Hand or foot, until he told _Carryer_ he yielded; and then he saw the shape of _Martha Carryer_, go off his Breast.

[138] This _Toothaker_ had received a wound in the Wars, and he now testified, that _Martha Carryer_ told him, _He shall never be cured_. Just afore the apprehending of _Carryer_, he could thrust a Knitting-Needle into his wound four Inches deep, but presently after her being seized, he was thoroughly healed.

He further testified, that when _Carryer_ and he sometimes were at variance, she would clap her Hands at him and say, _He should get nothing by it_. Whereupon he several times lost his Cattle, by strange Deaths, whereof no natural causes could be given.[114]

5. _John Roger_ also testified, that upon the threatning words of this malicious _Carryer_, his Cattle would be strangely bewitched; as was more particularly then described.[115]

6. _Samuel Preston_ testified, that about two Years ago, having some difference with _Martha Carryer_, he lost a Cow in a strange, preternatural, unusual manner; and about a Month after this, the said _Carryer_, having again some difference with him, she told him, _He had lately lost a Cow, and it should not be long before he lost another!_ which accordingly came to pass; for he had a thriving and well kept Cow, which without any known cause quickly fell down and died.[116]

7. _Phebe Chandler_ testified, that about a Fortnight before the Apprehension of _Martha Carryer_, on a Lords Day, while the Psalm was singing in the Church, this _Carryer_ then took her by the Shoulder, and shaking her, asked her, _Where she lived?_ she made her no Answer, altho as _Carryer_, who lived next door to her Father's House, could not in Reason but know who she was. Quickly after this, as she was at several times crossing the Fields she heard a Voice that she took to be _Martha Carryers_, and it seem'd as if it were over her head. The Voice told her, _She should within two or three Days be Poison'd_: Accordingly within such a little time, one half of her Right Hand became greatly swollen and very painful; as also part of her Face; whereof she can give no Account how it came. It continued very bad for some days; and several times since she has had a great pain in her Breast; and been so seized on her Legs that she has hardly been able to go. She added that lately, going well to the House of God, _Richard_ the Son of _Martha Carryer_, look'd very earnestly upon her, and immediately her Hand which had formerly been Poisoned, as is abovesaid, began to pain her greatly, and she had a strange burning at her Stomach; but was then struck deaf, so that she could not hear any of the Prayer, or Singing, till the two or three last words of the Psalm.[117]

8. One _Foster_, who confessed her own share in the Witchcraft, for which the Prisoner stood Indicted, affirmed, that she had seen the Prisoner at some of their Witch-meetings, and that it was this _Carryer_, who perswaded her to be a Witch. She confessed that the Devil carried them on [139] a Pole to a Witch-meeting, but the Pole broke, and she hanging about _Carryer's_ Neck, they both fell down, and she then received an hurt by the fall, whereof she was not at this very time recovered.[118]

9. One _Lacy_, who likewise confessed her share in this Witchcraft, now testified that she and the Prisoner, were once bodily present, at a Witch-meeting in _Salem_-Village, and that she knew the Prisoner to be a Witch, and to have been at a Diabolical Sacrament, and that the Prisoner was the undoing of her and her Children, by enticing them into the Snare of the Devil.[119]

10. Another _Lacy_, who also confessed her share in this Witchcraft, now testified that the Prisoner was at the Witch meeting in _Salem_-Village, where they had Bread and Wine administred unto them.

11. In the time of this Prisoners Tryal, one _Susanna Shelden_[120] in open Court, had her Hands unaccountably tied together, with a Wheel-band, so fast, that without cutting, it could not be loosed. It was done by a Spectre; and the Sufferer affirm'd, it was the Prisoners.

_Memorandum._ This _Rampant Hag, Martha Carryer_, was the person of whom the Confessions of the Witches and of her own Children, among the rest, agreed, that the Devil had promised her, she should be Queen of Hell.[121]

Thus far the Account given in _Wonders of the Invisible World_; in which setting aside such words as these, in the Tryal of _G. B._ viz. [_They_ (i. e.) _the Witnesses were enough to fix the character of a Witch upon him._]

In the Tryal of _Bishop_, these words, [_but there was no need of them_] i. e. of further Testimony.

In the Tryal of _How_, where it is said, [and there came in Testimony of preternatural Mischiefs, presently befalling some that had been instrumental to debar her from the Communion, whereupon she was _intruding_.] _Martin_ is call'd [one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked Creatures in the World.] In his Account of _Martha Carryer_, he is pleased to call her [a _Rampant Hag_,] &c.

These Expressions as they manifest, that he wrote more like an Advocate than an Historian; so also that those that were his Imployers were not mistaken in their choice of him for that work, however he may have mist it in other things.

As in his owning (in the Tryal of _G. B._) That the _Testimony of the bewitched, and confessors was not enough against the Accused_, for it is known that not only in _New-England_, such Evidence has been taken for sufficient, but also in _England_, as himself there owns, and will also hold true of _Scotland_, &c. they having proceeded upon such Evidence, to the taking away of the Lives of many, to assert that this is not enough, is to tell the World that such Executions were but so many Bloody Murders; which surely was not his intent to say.[122]

FOOTNOTES:

[109] Complaint was made against Martha Carrier on the 28th of May, by Joseph Houlton and John Wallcott, both of Salem. John Ballard, Constable, arrested her. John _Bayley_, Assistant Constable of Andover, summoned the Witnesses. See _Records S. W._ ii, 54, 55, &c.

[110] Martha Carrier underwent the usual Examination, which occupies two Pages, and the Original is in the Hand of Mr. Samuel Parris. The above is but a very unsatisfactory Abridgement of it.

[111] It appears from Lawson's Account that such Accusations were much heeded. He says--"Several have confessed against their own Mothers, that they were Instruments to bring them into the _Devil's Covenant_, to the undoing of their Body and Soul. And some Girls of Eight or Nine Years of Age did declare that after they were so betrayed by their Mothers, to the Power of _Satan_, they saw the _Devil_ go in their _own shapes_ to afflict others."--Page 118-19.

[112] Benjamin Abbot was of Andover, and his Age was about 31.

[113] Sarah Abbot gave her Age as about 32 Years.

[114] Allen Toothaker was a young Man, aged about 22 Years. He may have received his Wound when the Indians attacked Andover, as mentioned in an earlier Note.

[115] John _Rogers_ was of Billerica. He gave his Age as about 50. His Testimony takes up a quarto Page in the Records. Three Years later, viz., August 5th, 1695, he, with several others, was killed at Billerica by the Indians.

[116] Samuel Preston gave his Age as about 41 Years. He swore he "lost a Cow in a strange Manner." That _strange Manner_, it is evident from his Story, referred to the Way in which she was cast, and not being able to free herself, died. The _preternatural_ and _unusual_ being thrown in by the Doctor.

[117] It is only necessary to state that Phebe Chandler was but about 12 Years old, as a Reason that no Notice should be taken of her Evidence; and notwithstanding near two solid Pages of her Testimony are in the Records. However, Bridget Chandler, her Mother, aged 40 Years, corroborated the Daughter's Story.

[118] This has reference to Ann Foster, of Salem Village. See _Records S. W._, ii, 136-7.

[119] Mary Lacy was Wife of Lawrence Lacy, of Andover, and Daughter of Ann Foster. See _Ibid._, ii, 139-40. This "other Lacy" was also named "Mary." _Ibid._, 142.

[120] Susanna Sheldon was a ready Witness in a large Number of Cases, as has already been noticed.

[121] No Testimony appears to have been omitted that could be tortured by any Construction against "this rampant Hag," by the Author, while all that went to clear her was rejected. Fortunately the Case is changed, and the whole is spread before disinterested Inquirers, or enough upon which to form a correct Judgment. Mr. Francis Dane, the second Minister of Andover, dared to give his Thoughts upon the Witchcraft Cases. These he communicated to the Court, and the Scribe recorded them among the Evidence. He said he had lived above forty Years in Andover, and in his "healthfull Yeares had been frequent among ye Inhabitants in their Habitations," and never heard of anything of the Nature of Witchcraft until the Arrests the last Summer (1692). If there were any Suspicions that Martha Carrier was a Witch, before she was apprehended, he said he had never heard of it; and "as for any other Persons, I had no Suspicion of them, and had Charity been put on, the Diuel would not have had such an Advantage against us, and I beleeve many innocent Persons have been accused." This Testimony of an aged and worthy Gentleman (then 77), well acquainted with all the Circumstances, and with the Accused, should accompany that against "the rampant Hag."

[122] This Passage caused Dr. Mather to utter some very wrathful Expressions against the Author. He says, or rather, his Defenders for him: "What was done in the dark Time of our Troubles from the _Invisible World_, all honest Men believe, they did in Conscience of the _Oath_ of God upon them, and they followed unto the best of their Understanding, as we are informed, the Precedents of _England_ and _Scotland_, and _other Nations_ on such a dark and doleful Occasion. When they found the Matter carried beyond the Reach of Mortals, they stopt."--_Some Few Remarks_, 6; _Magnalia_, B. ii, 64.

[_Law Enacted, &c._]

[140] His telling that the Court began to think that _Burroughs_ stept aside to put on Invisibility, is a rendring them so mean Philosophers, and such weak Christians, as to be fit to be imposed upon by any silly pretender.

His calling the Evidence against _How_ trivial, and others against _Burroughs_, he accounts no part of his Conviction; and that of lifting a Gun with one Finger, its being not made use of as Evidence, renders the whole but the more perplext. (Not to mention the many mistakes therein contain'd.)

Yet all this (and more that might have been hinted at) does not hinder, but that his Account of the manner of Trials of those for Witchcraft is as faithfully related as any Tryals of that kind, that was ever yet made publick; and it may also be reasonably thought that there was as careful a Scrutiny, and as unqestion'd Evidences improved, as had been formerly used in the Tryals of others, for such crimes in other places.[123] Tho indeed a second part might be very useful to set forth which was the Evidence Convictive in these Tryals, for it is not supposed, that Romantick or Ridiculous stories should have any influence, such as biting a Spectres Finger so that the Blood flowed out, or such as _Shattock's_ Story of 12 Years standing, which yet was presently 18 Years or more, and yet a Man of that excellent Memory, as to be able to recall a small difference his Wife had with another Woman when Eighten Years were past.

As it is not to be supposed that such as these could Influence any Judge or Jury, so not unkindness to relations, or God's having given to one Man more strength than to some others, the over-setting of Carts, or the death of Cattle, nor yet Excrescencies (call'd Tets) nor little bits of Rags tied together (call'd Poppets.) Much less any persons illness, or having their Cloaths rent when a Spectre has been well hanged, much less the burning the Mares Fart, mentioned in the Tryal of _How_.

None of these being in the least capable of proving the Indictment; The supposed Criminals were Indicted for Afflicting, _&c._ such and such particular persons by Witchcraft, to which none of these Evidences have one word to say, and the Afflicted and Confessors being declared not enough, the matter needs yet further explaining.

But to proceed, the General Court having sat and enacted Laws, particularly one against Witchcraft, assigning the Penalty of Death to any that shall feed, reward or employ, _&c._ Evil Spirits, though it has not yet been explained what is intended thereby, or what it is to feed, reward or imploy Devils, _&c._ yet some of the Legislators have given this instead of an Explanation, that they had therein but Copied the Law of another Country.[124]

[_against Witchcraft_]

_January_ 3. By vertue of an Act of the General Court, the first Superior Court was held at _Salem_, for the County of _Essex_, the Judges appointed were Mr. _William Stoughton_ (the Lieutenant Governor) _Thomas_ [141] _Danforth_, _John Richards_, _Wait Winthorp_, and _Samuel Sewall_, Esquires. Where Ignoramus was found upon the several Bills of Indictment against Thirty, and _Billa-Vera_ against Twenty six more; of all these Three only were found Guilty by the Jewry upon Trial, two of which were (as appears by their Behaviour) the most senseless and Ignorant Creatures that could be found; besides which it does not appear what came in against those more than against the rest that were acquitted.[125]

The Third was the Wife of _Wardwell_, who was one of the Twenty Executed, and it seems they had both confessed themselves Guilty; but he retracting his said Confession, was tried and Executed; it is supposed that this Woman fearing her Husbands fate, was not so stiff in her denials of her former Confession, such as it was. These Three received Sentence of Death.[126]

FOOTNOTES:

[123] See Volume I, Pages 35, 86.

[124] What the Laws of England were on the Subject of Witchcraft has been exhibited in the Introduction to the first Volume. Their Abrogation by Parliament, through the exertions of Lord Talbot, took place in 1736. See Douglass' _Summary_, i, 451.

[125] I do not find the Court Proceedings at this Period.

[126] The Indictments and Examination of Samuel Wardwell may be seen in the Records, in the usual Form. He was of Andover, and is styled Carpenter. His first Indictment was for afflicting one Martha Sprague of Boxford, in August last (1692). The second charges, that "about 20 Yeares agoe, in the Towne of Andivor, he the said Samuel Wardell, with the Evill Speritt the Devill [did felloniously make] a Couenant wherein he promised to honor, worship and belieue the Devill Contrary to the Stattute." His Examination was before John Higginson, Esq. on Sept. 1st, 1692. He was then about 46 Years old. His strange Answers clearly indicate a state of Insanity. Martha Sprague, aged 16, swore to being bewitched by him. Ephraim Foster of Andover, aged about 34, swore that he foretold Events by looking in people's Hands; "would cast his Eyes down upon ye ground allways before he told enything." Thomas Chandler, aged about 65, often heard said Wardwell tell young Persons their Fortunes. Joseph Ballard, aged about 41, swore that his Brother John Ballard told him that Samuel Wardwell told him, that he (Wardwell) had bewitched his (Joseph Ballard's) Wife. Abigail Martin of Andover, aged 16, said that some time last Winter S. Wardwell and John _Farnam_ were at her Fathers. W. told F.'s Fortune. He also told Jeams Bridge's Fortune. See _Records S. W._ ii, 146-153.

[Sara Dasston's _Tryal_.]

At these Tryals some of the Jewry made Inquiry of the Court, what Account they ought to make of the Spectre Evidence? and received for Answer [as much as of Chips in Wort][127]

_January_ 31, 169⅔. The Superior Court began at _Charlestown_, for the County of _Middlesex_, Mr. _Stoughton_, M. _Danforth_, M. _Winthorp_, and Mr. _Sewall_ Judges, where several had Ignoramus returned upon their Bills of Indictment, and _Billa Vera_ upon others.[128]

In the time the Court sat, word was brought in, that a Reprieve was sent to _Salem_, and had prevented the Execution of Seven of those that were there Condemned, which so moved the chief Judge, that he said to this effect, _We were in a way to have cleared the Land of these, &c. who it is obstructs the course of Justice I know not; the Lord be merciful to the Countrey_, and so went off the Bench, and came no more that Court:[129] The most remarkable of the Tryals, was of _Sarah Daston_, she was a Woman of about 70 or 80 Years of Age, To usher in her Tryal, a report went before, that if there were a Witch in the World she was one, as having been so accounted of, for 20 or 30 Years; which drew many People from _Boston, &c._ to hear her Tryal. There were a multitude of Witnesses produced against her; but what Testimony they gave in seemed wholly forreign, as of accidents, illness, &_c._ befalling them, or theirs after some Quarrel; what these testified was much of it of Actions said to be done 20 Years before that time. The Spectre-Evidence was not made use of in these Tryals, so that the Jewry soon brought her in not Guilty, her Daughter and Grand-daughter, and the rest that were then tried, were also acquitted. After she was cleared Judge _Danforth_ Admonished her in these words, _Woman, Woman, repent, there are shrewd things come in against you_; she was remanded to Prison for her Fees, and there in a short time expired.[130] One of _Boston_ that had been at the Tryal of _Daston_, being the same Evening in company with one of the Judges [142] in a publick place, acquainted him that some that had been both at the Tryals at _Salem_ and at this at _Charlestown_, had asserted that there was more Evidence against the said _Daston_ than against any at Salem, to which the said Judge conceeded, saying, _That it was so_. It was replied by that person, _that he dare give it under his hand, that there was not enough come in against her to bear a just reproof_.

_April_ 25, 1693. The first Superior Court was held at _Boston_, for the County of _Suffolk_, the Judges were the Lieutenant Governour, Mr. _Danforth_, Mr. _Richards_, and Mr. _Sewall_, Esquires.

[Mary Watkins's _Tryal_.]