(See also: Margaret Hawkes -- Complaint .)
SALEM, Monday, July 4, 1692 . The examination of Candy, a
negro woman, before Bartholomew Gedney and John Hawthorne
Esqrs. Mr. Nicholas Noyes also present.
Q. Candy ! are you a witch? A. Candy no witch in her country.
Candy's mother no witch. Candy no witch, Barbados. This country,
mistress give Candy witch. Q. Did your mistress make you a witch in
this country? A. Yes, in this country mistress give Candy witch.
Q. What did your mistress do to make you a witch? A. Mistress bring
book and pen and ink, make Candy write in it. Q. What did you write
in it? -- She took a pen and ink and upon a book or paper made a
mark. Q. How did you afflict or hurt these folks, where are the pup-
pets you did it with? -- She asked to go out of the room and she
would shew or tell; upon which she had liberty, one going with her,
and she presently brought in two clouts, one with two knots tied in
it, the other one; which being seen by Mary Warren, Deliverance
Hobbs and Abigail Hobbs , they were greatly affrighted and fell into
violent fits, and all of them said that the black man and Mrs. Hawkes
and the negro stood by the puppets or rags and pinched them, and
then they were afflicted, and when the knots were untied yet they
continued as aforesaid. A bit of one of the rags being set on fire, the
afflicted all said they were burned, and cried out dreadfully. The
rags being put into water, two of the aforenamed persons were in
dreadful fits almost choaked, and the other was violently running
down to the river, but was stopped.
| Essex in the Province of the Massachusett Bay in New England\s-\Ss | & Mariae &c quarto Anoq'e \ Do&mbar; 1692 |
The Jurors for o'r Sov'r: lord & lady the King & Queen doe present
That Candy. A Negro Woman Servant #[Servant] of Margarett
Hawkes of Salem in & Upon the Second day of July last in the Yeare 1692 and divers other days & times as well before as after Certaine
detestable Arts Called Witchcrafts & Sorceries Wickedly Mallitiously
& felloniously hath Used practised & Exercised in the Towne of
Salem afo&rbar;&sbar;'d Upon and Against One Mary Wallcot of Salem Single
Woman by which Wicked Arts The Said Mary wallcot the day
& Yeare aforesaid & Divers other times as well before as after was
& is Tortured Aflicted Consumed Wasted pined & Tormented Con-
trary to the peace of our Sov'r lord & lady the King & Queen their
Crowne & dignity & The laws in that Case made & provided
(Reverse) Candy Negro: for bewitching Mary Wallcott Billa Vera,
*Robert Payne foreman. Ponet Se. The juery find the person here
inditted not gilty of this indittement.
( Mass. Archives, Vol. 135 No. 31 A )
| Essex In the province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England\s-\Ss | & Mariae Angliae &c Quarto Anoq'e Do&mbar; 1692 |
The Jurors for o'r Sov'r lord & lady the King & Queen present
That Candy A Negro Woman Servant to Margarett Hawkes of Salem
in the County of Essex afo&rbar;&sbar;d , In & Upon the Second day of July last in the Yeare 1692 And divers other days & times as well before
as after Certaine detestable Arts Called Witchcrafts & Sorceries,
wickedly Mallitiously & felloniously hath Used practised & exercised
in the Towne of Salem aforesaid Upon & Against One An Putnam of
Salem Single Woman: By which wicked Arts The Said Ann Putnam
(Reverse) Candy Negro: for bewitching Ann Putnum Billa Vera,
*Robert Payne foreman Ponet Se. The juery find the person here
inditted not gilty of this indittement
( Mass. Archives Vol. 135 No. 31 )
Salem May the 28'th 1692
Joseph Houlton and John Walcot both of Salem village Yeomen made
Complaint in behalfe of theire Majes'ts against [] Carrier
of Andover the wife of Thomas Carrier of s'd Towne husbandman
[] fosdick of Maulden or charlstown [] Reed of Marble-
head the wife of Samull Reed of s'd place [] Rice of Reding
the wife of Nicholas Rice of s'd Towne [] How the wife of
James How of Topsfeild Capt John Alden of Boston Mariner, William
procter of Salem farmes, Capt John flood of Rowley marsh on
boston Mary Toothaker , the wife of Roger toothaker of Belrica,
and [] Toothaker the daughter of s'd Roger Toothaker []
Abott that lives between Ips. Topsfeild & wenham for sundry acts
of Witchcraft by them and Every one of them Committed on the
Bodys of Mary Walcot , Abigail Williams Marcy Lewis Ann putnam
and Others belonging to Salem Village or farmes Lately, to the hurt
and Injury of theire bodys therefore Craves Justice.
You are in theire Majests names hereby required [to] apprehend
and forthwith secure, and bring before [us] martha Carrier the wife
of Thomas Currier of An[dover] on Tuesday next being the 31't
day of this Instant mo[nth] of May about ten of the clock in the
forenoon or as soon as may be afterwards at [the] house of L't
Nathaniell Ingersalls in Salem Village who stands charged with have-
ing Committed Sundry [acts] of Witchcraft on the Bodys of Mary
Walcot and abi[gail] williams of Salem Village to theire great hurt
& [injury] in order to her Examination Relateing to the prem[ises]
abovesaid faile not
The Examination of Martha Carrier . 31. May. 1692
Abigail Williams w'o hurts you?
Goody Carrier of Andover.
Eliz: Hubbard who hurts you?
Goody Carrier
Susan:Sheldon , who hurts you?
Goody Carrier , she bites me, pinches me, & tells me she would cut
my throat, if I did not signe her book
Mary Walcot said she afflicted her & brought the book to her.
What do you say to this you are charged with?
I have not done it.
Sus:Sheldon cried she looks upon the black man.
Ann Putman complained of a pin stuck in her.
What black man is that?
I know none
Ann Putman testifyed there was.
Mary Warrin cryed out she was prickt.
What black man did you see?
I saw no black man but your own presence.
Can you look upon these & not knock them down?
They will dissemble if I look upon them.
You see you look upon them & they fall down
It is false the Devil is a liar.
I lookt upon none since I came into the room but you
Susan:Sheldon cryed out in a Trance I wonder what could you
murder. 13. persons?
Mary Walcot testifyed the same that there lay.13. Ghosts.
All the afflicted fell into most intollerable out-cries & agonies.
Eliz: Hubbard & Ann Putman testifyed the same that she had killed
13. at Andover.
It is a shamefull thing that you should mind these folks that are out
of their wits.
Do not you see them?
If I do speak you will not believe me?
You do see them, said the accusers.
You lye, I am wronged.
There is the black man wispering in her ear said many of the afflicted.
Mercy Lewes in a violent fit, was well upon the examinants grasping
her arm.
The Tortures of the afflicted was so great that there was no enduring
of it, so that she was ordered away & to be bound hand & foot with
all expedition the afflicted in the mean while almost killed to the
great trouble of all spectators Magistrates & others.
Note. As soon as she was well bound they all had strange & sodain
ease.
Mary Walcot told the Magistrates that this woman told her she
had been a witch this. 40. yeares.
(Reverse) Martha Carriers Carrier Examina&cbar;ion
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 136 )
et Mariae Nunc Angliae &c Quarto./
Essex ss The Jurors: for our Sovereigne Lord & Lady the King and
Queen pr'sents that #[Bridgett] Martha Carrier wife of #[Richard]
Thomas Carrier of Andover in the County of Essex husbandman the
thirty first Day of May -- in the fourth Year of the Reigne of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady William and Mary by the Grace of God of
England Scottland france and Ireland King, and Queen Defenders
of the faith &c and divers other Dayes and times as well before, as
after, certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcrafts and Sorceries,
Wickedly and feloniously hath Used. Practised. and Exercised, at
and within the Towneship of Salem in the County of Essex afore-
s'd in, Upon, and against, one Mary Walcott of Salem Village Single-
woman in the County of Essex afores'd by which said wicked Arts
the said Mary Walcott the thirty first Day of May -- in the fourth year above said and divers other Dayes and times, as well before, as
after, was and is Tortured, Afflicted, Pined, Consumed wasted
& Tromented ag't the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King
and Queen and against the forme of the Statute in that case made
and Provided./
Mariae nunc Angliae &c Quarto:
Essex ss The Jurors of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King
and Queen: &pbar;r'sents That Martha Carrier wife of #[Richard] Thomas
Carier of Andover in the county of Essex husbandman the 31 Day of May in the forth year of the Reigne of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady
William and Mary by the Grace of God of England Scottland france
and Ireland King and Queen Defenders of the faith: &c And Divers
other Dayes and Times as well before as after, certaine Detestable
Arts called Witchcrafts: and Sorceries, Wickedly and felloniously
hath used Practised and Excercised at and within the Towneship
of Salem in the County of Essex afores'd in and upon and ag't
one Elizabeth Hubbard of Salem in the County of Essex afores'd
by which said Wicked Arts. the said Elizabeth Hubbard the thirty
first Day of May in the forth Year aboves'd and Divers other Dayes,
and times, as well before as after was and is Tortured Afflicted Pined
Consumed Wasted and Tormented ag't the Peace of our Sovereigne
Lord and Lady the King and Queen: and ag't the forme of the Stat-
ute in that case made and Provided
Wm & Mary by the Grace of God of England Scotland France
& Ireland
King & Queen defend'rs of the faith &ca
To the Constable or Constables of Andover Greeting
Wee Comand you to Warn & give Notice unto Allen Toothaker
Ralph farnum Jun'r John farnum son of Ralph farnum sen'r
Benjamin Abbot & his wife Andrew foster Phebe Chandler daughter
of Wm Chandler : Sam'l Holt Sen'r Samuel Preston Jun'r that they
& Every of them be and personaly appear at the Court of Oyer & Ter-
miner to be held by adjournment on Tuesday Next at Ten of the
Clock in the Morning there to testifye the truth to the best of their
knowledge on certain Indictments to be Exhibited against Marth Car-
rier of Andover hereof fail not at your utmost perill & make return
of your doings herein
William & Mary by the Grace of God of England Scotland France
& Ireland King & Queen defend'rs of the faith &ca
To the Constable of Billrica Greeting. --
Wee Comand you to Warn & give Notice unto Capt Danforth -- John
Rogers & that they & Every of them be and personaly appear at the
Court of Oyer & Terminer to be held by Adjurnment Att Salem on
Tuesday Next at Ten of the Clock in the Morning there to testify the
truth to the best of their knowledge on Certaine Indict-
ments to be Exhibited against Martha Carrier of Andover and hereof
they Nor you are to fail at your utmost perill making return hereof
under your hand. --
The teastymony of Benjamin Abbutt aged about 31 years Saith:
last march was twelfe months: then haveing Some land granted to
me by the Touwne of Andover Near to good man Carriers his land,
& when this land Came to be laied out goodwiffe Carrier was verÿ
Angerÿ , & said that she would stick as Closs to Benjamin Abbut as
the bark stooke to the Tree & that I should Repent of it afore Seven
years Came to an Eand & that doctor prescott Could Never Cure
me: These words were heard bÿ Allin Toothaker She also Said to
Ralph farnam Jun'r that she would hold my noss so Closs to the
grindstone as Ever it was held since mÿ Name was Benjamin Abbut:
presently after I was taken with a swelling in mÿ foott & then was
taken with a paÿne in mÿ side Ecksidienglÿ Tormented, wich bred
to a sore: which was lancit bÿ docter prescott & severall gallons of
Corruption did Run out as was Judged & so Continued about six
weeks Verÿ bad, & then one other sore did breed in mÿ grine wich
was lancit bÿ doct.prescott also: & Continued verÿ bad a while
& then on other sore breedin mÿ grine which was also Cutt: & putt me
to verÿ great misserÿ , so that it brough me almost to Deaths doore,
& Continued, untill goodwiffe Carrier was Taken & Carried a waÿe
by the Constable & that verÿ daÿ I begun to grow better, mÿ soers
grew well & I grew better Everÿ daÿ: & so have been well Ever since:
& have great cause to think that the s'd Carrier had a great hand in
my sickness & misery
The deposition of Sarah Abbott aged about 32 years testifieth
that since my husband had a parcell of land granted by the Towne,
lying near the land of Thomas Carrier , (Which as I have heard) his
wife Martha Carrier was greatly troubled att & gave out Threatening
words) that my husband Benjamin Abbott has not been only afflic-
ted in his body, as he testifies, but alsoe that strange & unusuall
things has happened to his Cattle, for some have died suddenly
& strangely, which we could not tell any naturall reason for, & one
Cowe Cleaned a fourthnight before she Calved, but the Cowe died
afterwards strangely though she calved well soe far as we Could
&pbar;rceive , & some of the Cattle would Come out of the woods w'th
their tounges hanging out of their mouths in a strange & affright-
ing manner, & many such things, which we can give noe account of
the reason of, unless it should be the effects, of martha Carriers
threatnings
The deposition of John Rogger of Billreca aged 50 yeares or
Thereabouts Saith
That about Seven yeares since Martha Carrier being a Nigh Neig-
bour unto this depon't and there hapening some difference betwixt
us she gave forth severall threatning words as she often used to doe
and in a short time after this deponent had two large lusty Sowes
w'ch frequented home daily that were lost & this deponent: found
one of them dead Nigh the s'd Carriers house w'th both Eares cut
of & the other sow I Never heard of to this day; & the same summer
to the best of my rembrance I had a Cow w'ch used to give a good
Mess of milke twice a day & of a sudden she would give little or
None Every Morning though a Nights she gave as formerly and
The deposition of Phoebe Chandl'r aged about 12 years:
Testifieth That about a fourthnight before Martha Carrier , was
sent for to Salem to be examined, upon the Sabbath day when the
psalm was singing, s'd Martha Carrier took me s'd deponent by the
shoulder & shaked me, in the meeting house & asked me where I
lived: but I made her no answere, (not doubting but that she knew
me, having lived some time the next door to my fathers house, on
one side of the way) & that day that s'd Martha Carrier was ceased,
my mother sent me to Carry some bear to the folks that were att
work in the lott, & when I came within the fence there was a voice
in the bushes(which I thought was Martha Carriers voice, which I
knowe well) but saw noe body, & the voice asked me, what I did
there & whether I was going: which greatly frighted me, soe that
I run as fast as I could to those att work, & told them what I had
heard, about an hour & half, or two hours after, my mother sent me
again upon the same occasion, to the workmen aboves'd Coming
home, near the place aboves'd where I heard that voice before, I
Bridget Chandler aged 40 years Mother to the s'd Phoebe Testi-
fieth that in the day of it her daughter Complained as above is Ex-
pressed .
The deposition of Allin Toothaker aged about 22 years Saith
I heard Martha Carrier Saÿ that Benjamin Abbutt would wish he
Samuel Preston aged about 41: years Saith that about 2 yeares
since I had some difference w'th Martha Carrier w'ch also had
hapened sever'll times before and soon after I lost a Cow in a strange
manner being Cast upon her back w'th her heels up in firm ground
when she was very Lusty it being in June & within abo't month after
The deposistion of Eliz: Hubburd agged about 17 years who testi-
fieth and saith that I have been along time afflected by a woman that
tould me hir name was Carrier and that she came from Andevore but
on the 31:may 1692 martha Carrier did most greviously tortor. me
dureing the time of hir Examination for if she did but look upon me
she would strick me down or almost choak me and also I saw martha
Carrier most greviously torment Mary Walcott, mercy lewes, Abigail
williams and ann putnam jun'r with such dreadfull tortor as no tongue
can express: that had not the Honr'd Majestrats Commanded hir to
be fast bound I beleve she would have quickly kiled sume of us: and
I verily beleve in my hart that martha Carrier is a most dreadful
wicth for severall times sence martha Carrier #[or hir Apperance]
has been in prison she hath or hir Apperance com to me and most
greviously tortored me by pinching pricking and [and] almost choak-
ing me to death: which I beleve she could not doe if she ware not a
witch/
Elizabeth Hubburd: owned: the above written evidence: to be the
truth: to the Jury of Inquest: upon: the oath: she hath taken:
July: 1: 1692
The deposistion of Mary Walcott agged about 18 years who testifi-
eth and saith that I have ben a long time afflected by a woman
which tould me hir name was Carrier and that she came from Ande-
vor but on the 31'th may 1692 : martha Carrier of Andever did most
greviously torment me dureing the time of hir Examination by
biting pricking pinching and all most Choaking me to death for if
she did but look upon me she would strik me down or allmost
Choak me to death also on the day of hir Examination I saw martha
Carrier most greviously torment and afflect mercy lewes Elizabeth
Hubburd abigail williams and ann putnam jun'r by most dreadfully
pricking and claping hir hand on their throats and allmost choaking
them to death and with such cruell tortors as no toung can Express:
that had not the Hon'rd Majestrats Command hir to be bound fast
#[heart I beleve] she would have quickly kild sum of us: and I
beleve in my heart that Martha carrier is a most dreadfull wicth and
that she hath tormented me and the parsons affore named by hir
acts of wicthcraf
Mary Walcot: owned: to: the Jury of inquest that the above written
evidence: is the truth. upon the oath she hath taken: July 1: 1692
The Deposistion of Thomas putnam agged 40 years and Jno putnam
aged 36 years -- who testifie and saith that we haveing ben conversant
with divers of the afflected parsons as namely Mary Walcott mercy
lewes Abigail williams Eliz. Hubburt and Ann putnam and we have
seen tham often most greviously tormented by biting pinching and
being almost Choak to death often Complaining of one goody
Carrier for hirting them: but on the 31: may 1692 being the day of
the Examination of martha Carrier the afforementioned parsons
ware most dreadfully tormented dureing the time of hir exami-
The tistimony of Andrew foster aged about 55 who saith that some
time Last may I being at the hous of Thomas Carrier I was saieing
that I hard that when Timothy oosgood and his Brother Samuell
want to Salam the other day thay goeing to Let Engerson one of the
afflicted maides lucked out and asked what thay brought them three
woman behind them fore thay asked what woman the maid sayd
Goodwife Carrier goodwife Touthacor and hir dughter and thay goe-
ing into Engerson hous thay askeed the maide where goodwife car-
rier was shee Answared thar shee sits by you upon the table upon
which the maide had a fitt: which #[almost] twisted her nick
almost round of. then goodwife carrier Answared no it is no matter
if hir nicke had ben quite of if shee sayd I was thiere
(See also: Mary Lacey, Jr. -- Examination .)
To the Sherriffe of the County of Essex or Deputy or Constable
of Andover You are in their Majesties names hereby required to
Apprehend and forthwith bring before us Richard Carrier and
Andrew Carrier Son of Thomas Carier of Andivor Husband-
man who Stands charged on behalfe of their Majesties with have-
ing Comitted Sundry acts of wichcraft on the body of Mary
Warren of Salem &c & that in order to his Examination relating
to the abovesaid premisses and hereof Faile not & you are like-
wise to inquire after & make Serch for any paper or popetts.
that may relate to witchcraft.
Richard Carriers: Confession July 22: 1692
Q. have you bin in the devils snare A: yes. Q. is yo'r bro: Andrew
ensnared by the devils snare: A Yes how long has yo'r brother bin
( Essex County Archives Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 53 )
| Province of the Massatutchetts Bay in New England Essex | & Mariae Angliae &c Quarto Annoq'e \ D&mbar; : 1692 |
The Jurors for our Sov'r Lord & Lady the King & Queen Presents
That Richard Carier of Andvor in the County of Essex Son of
Andrew Carier of Andivor aforesaid Husbandman Sometime in the
month of June in the Yeare 1692 aforesaid -- And Divers other
Dayes and times as well before as after Certaine Detestable Arts
called Witchcrafts & Sorceries Wickedly Mallishiously & felloniously
hath Used Practised and Excercised at & in the Towne of Andivor in
the County of Essex afores'd upon & against one Timothy Swann --
the Day and year afores'd and Divers other Dayes and times as well
before as after, was and is Tortured Afflicted Tormented Consumed
Pined and wasted against the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady
(Reverse) Richard Carryer for Afflicting Timothy Swan
Billa vera *Richard Payne foreman
( Mass. Archives. Vol. 135 No. 163 )
(See also: Stephen Johnson -- Recognizance .)
The Examination of Sarah Carrier Taken before Dudly Broad-
steat Sarah Carrier being accused of witchcraft Confeseth as fol-
loweth that she hath been a witch Ever Since She was Six years Old
that her Moth'r brought a red book to her and She touched it that
her Moth'r Baptiz'd her in Andrew fostters pauster the day before
She went to prison & that her Moth'r promised her she should
not be hanged that her Mother taught her how to afflicte persons
by pinching them or Setting on them that She began to afflict Sarah
Phelps last Satterdy & that Betty Johnson was w'th her that her
Moth'r gave her a Spear last Night & that She pricked Sarah Phelps
& Ann Puttnam w'th it.
(On side of paper) Sarah Carrier
( Miscellaneous Papers -- Essex Institute, Salem No. 5 )
Aug. the 11th, 1696. [1692]
It was asked Sarah Carrier by the Magistrates or Justices John
Hawthorne Esq; and others: How long hast thou been a witch? A.
Ever since I was six years old. Q. How old are you now? A. Near
eight years old, brother Richard says, I shall be eight years old in
November next. Q. Who made you a witch? A. My mother, she
made me set my hand to a book. Q. How did you set your hand to
it? A. I touched it with my fingers and the book was red, the paper
The Examination of Th&obar;.. Carrier Taken before Dudly Broad-
stret Esq'r on of their Majesties Justices of the Peace --
Th&obar;. Carr'r being acused of witchcraft Conffeseth that he was
guilty of witchcraft & that he had been a witch a week & that his
Mother taught him witchcraft --
That a Yellow bird apeared to him & Spoke to him w'ch She
being affrighted his Mother apeared to him & brought him a book
& bid him Sett his hand to it telling him it would doe him good if he
did Soe & that She would tear him in peices if he would not --
That his Mother baptized him in ShawShin River pulled of his
Cloths & put him into the River & that his Mother then told him he
was hers for Ever. That his Moth'r bid him afflict Mary Walkutt Ann
Puttman & Sarah Phelps -- And that he went the 9'th Instant at
night to Jno Chandlers , that their were 10 in Company w'th him who
rid upon 2 Poles that there were 3 men in the Company & 2 of the
woeman belonged to Ispwich whose names ware Mary & Sarah
& that he Saw Betty Johnson in the Company & Conffesed that he did
the 9'th Instant at night afflict Sarah Phelps & Ann Puttnam by
pinching them. --
(In left margin) Thos Carrier
( Miscellaneous Papers -- Essex Institute, Salem No. 4 )
(See also: Ann Sears -- Warrant .)
(Case of Bethya Carter -- Witchcraft -- 8 Dec. 1692 )
Memorandum.
That on the 8'th. Day of Decemb'r 1692 in the fowert Year of
the Reign of our Soveraign Lord & Lady William & Mary by the
Grace of God of England &c King & Queen Defenders of the faith
personally Appeared before us James Russell & Sam'll Heman Esq'r
of their Majests Councill & province of the Massachusets Bay in New
England & Justices of Peace within the Same John Pierson & George
Lylly of Lin in the County of Essex husbandman, And acknowledged
themselves & Each of them to be indebted unto our Said Lord
& Lady the King & Queen & the Survivor of them their Heires & Suc-
cessors in the Some of (two hundred pounds to be leavied on their
or Either of their goods or Chattels Lands or Tennements for the
use of our Said Lord & Lady the King & Queen or Survivor of them
if Default be made in the &pbar;formance of the Condition under-
written --
The Condition of the Above Recognizance is Such that where as
Bethya Carter of Wooburn Widdow in the County of Middlesex
Stands Charged with Suspition of the horrible Sin of witchcraft
& was Committed to Goale for the same; If therefore the Aforesaid
Bethya Carter who is Suspected as Abovs'd, Shall make her personall
Appearance before the Justices of our Said Lord & Lady the King
& Queen at the Next Court of Assize Oyer & Terminer & Generall
Goall delivery to be holden for & within the County of Middle-
sex . Afores'd to Answere what Shall be objected against her in their
Majests behalf refering to Witchcraft & to do & receive that w'ch by
Salem, Maÿ 28'th 1692.
Mr. Thomas. puttnam & Benjamin Hutchinson both of Salem Vilage
Yeomen Complaine of Elizabeth Ca[rey] the wife of Capt Nathaniell
Carÿ of Charls=Towne Ma[ri]ner, on behalfe of theyr Majestyes, for
Sundry Acts of Witch craft by hir Comitted upon the Bodys of
M[ary] Walcott , Abigall. Willyams & Mercy Lewis all of Sa[lem] Vil-
lage , whereby great hurt & da&mbar;age is done them and therefore Crave
Justice
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 52 )
I having heard some days, that my Wife was accused of Witch-
craft , being much disturbed at it, by advice, we went to Salem-
Village , to see if the afflicted did know her; we arrived there, 24 May, it happened to be a day appointed for Examination; accord-
ingly soon after our arrival, Mr. Hathorn and Mr. Curwin , etc., went
to the Meeting-house, which was the place appointed for that Work,
the Minister began with Prayer, and having taken care to get a
convenient place, I observed, that the afflicted were two Girls of
about Ten Years old, and about two or three other, of about eight-
een , one of the Girls talked most, and could discern more than the
rest. The Prisoners were called in one by one, and as they came in
were cried out of, etc. The Prisoner was placed about 7 or 8 foot
from the Justices, and the Accusers between the Justices and them;
the Prisoner was ordered to stand right before the Justices, with an
But I having an opportunity to Discourse Mr. Hale (with whom
I had formerly acquaintance) I took his advice, what I had best to
do, and desired of him that I might have an opportunity to speak
with her that accused my Wife; which he promised should be, I
acquainting him that I reposed my trust in him.
Accordingly he came to me after the Examination was over,
and told me I had now an opportunity to speak with the said Accuser,
viz . Abigail Williams , a Girl of 11 or 12 Years old; but that we could
not be in private at Mr. Parris's House, as he had promised me; we
went therefore into the Alehouse, where an Indian Man attended us,
who it seems was one of the afflicted: to him we gave some Cyder,
he shewed several Scars, that seemed as if they had been long there,
and shewed them as done by Witchcraft, and acquainted us that his
Wife, who also was a Slave, was imprison'd for Witchcraft. And now
instead of one Accuser, they all came in, who began to tumble down
like Swine, and then three Women were called in to attend them.
We in the Room were all at a stand, to see who they would cry
out of; but in a short time they cried out, Cary ; and immediately
Being brought before the Justices, her chief accusers were two
Girls; my Wife declared to the Justices, that she never had any knowl-
edge of them before that day; she was forced to stand with her
Arms stretched out. I did request that I might hold one of her
hands, but it was denied me; then she desired me to wipe the Tears
from her Eyes, and the Sweat from her Face, which I did; then she
desired she might lean her self on me, saying, she should faint.
Justice Hathorn replied, she had strength enough to torment
those persons, and she should have strength enough to stand. I
speaking something against their cruel proceedings, they commanded
me to be silent, or else I should be turned out of the Room. The
Indian before mentioned, was also brought in, to be one of her
Accusers: being come in, he now (when before the Justices) fell
down and tumbled about like a Hog, but said nothing. The Justices
asked the Girls, who afflicted the Indian? they answered she ( mean-
ing my Wife) and now lay upon him; the Justices ordered her to touch
him, in order to his cure, but her head must be turned another way,
least instead of curing, she should make him worse, by her looking on
him, her hand being guided to take hold of his; but the Indian took
hold on her hand, and pulled her down on the Floor, in a barbarous
manner; then his hand was taken off, and her hand put on his, and
the cure was quickly wrought. I being extreamly troubled at their
Inhumane dealings, uttered a hasty Speech (That God would take
vengeance on them, and desired that God would deliver us out of the
hands of unmerciful men.) Then her Mittimus was writ. I did with
difficulty and charge obtain the liberty of a Room, but no Beds in it;
if there had, could have taken but little rest that Night. She was
committed to Boston Prison; but I obtained a Habeas Corpus to
remove her to Cambridge Prison, which is in our County of Middle-
sex . Having been there one Night, next Morning the Jaylor put
Irons on her legs (having received such a command) the weight of
them was about eight pounds; these Irons and her other Afflictions,
soon brought her into Convulsion Fits, so that I thought she would
have died that Night. I sent to intreat that the Irons might be taken
off, but all intreaties were in vain, if it would have saved her Life,
so that in this condition she must continue. The Tryals at Salem
Sarah Churchwell confesseth that Goody pudeator brought the
book to this Examin't and she signed it, but did not know her at
that tyme but when she saw her she knew her to be the same and
that Goody Bishop a&lbar;&sbar; Olliver appeared to this Examinant & told her
she had killed John Trask's Child, (whose Child dyed about that
tyme) & said Bishop a&lbar;&sbar; Olliver afflicted her as alsoe did old George
Jacobs , and before that time this Examin't being afflicted could not
doe her service as formerly and her s'd Master Jacobs called her bitch
witch & ill names & then afflicted her as #[before] above and that
pudEater brought 3: Images like Mercy Lewis, Ann putnam , Eliza'
Hubbard & they brought her thornes & she stuck them in the Images
& told her the persons whose likeness they were, would be afflicted
& the other day saw Goody Olliver [sitt] sate upon her knee,
The diposition of Sarah Ingelson Aged about 30 yers: saith that
seing Sarah Church after hur exsamination She came to me Crieng
and wringing hur hands seming to be mutch trobeled in Sparet I
asked hur what she ailed she answered she had undon hur self I asked
hur in what she saied in belieng hur salfe and others in saieing she
The Complaint of Roburt swane and John swane of Andevor against
Mary Clarke the wife of Edward Clarke of Haverhill: In behalf of
Their Majesties: for themselves and severall of their neighbors: for
High suspition of sundry acts of witchcraft by hir oftly commited on
the bodys of Timothy [swwane] of Andevor and Mary Walcott and
Ann Putnam of Salem village wherby much hurt hath ben don the
afore said afflicted persons and theirfore they crave justis
4't Agust 1692.
The Examination of Mary Clark . of. Haverhill Taken before. Jno
Hauthorn Esq'r and other their majesties justices of the peace. The
accused mary Clark being called, it was enquyred of Mary walcot if
ever Clark had afflicted her, she answered yes, that is the very wom-
an , and upon mary Clarks #[afflicting Of] Lookeing upon walcott
and others of the afflicted they wer. str[u]ck into fitts. -- The Jus-
tices haveing used severall arg&ubar;ments (for the good of her so&ubar;l ) to
Walcot answered this is the very woman I saw afflict Timothy swan ,
and she has aflicted me severall tymes and after a fitt she was then
Imediatly in, she said she saw the above mary Clark afflict Betty
hubbard & Ann putnam The said mary Clark Lookeing upon Wal-
cott , hubbard putnam, warrin, they wer in fitts.
Mary Walcott haveing a pinn r&ubar;n into her arme suddenly: said that
mary Clark did it, At the same tyme mary warrin had a pinn run
into her throat under her chin which Mr Noice took out, Susanna
Shelden upon s'd examination had 4 pinns taken out, of her hand
sayeing that s'd Clark p&ubar;t in two of them & Mr usher the other two.
Richard Carryer a former confessor said he beleeved he saw the
s'd mary Clark with some others and himself baptised at Newburry
falls. Betty hubbard was struck down by her lookeing upon her It
was asked if she could say the lords prayer perfectly she erred much.
Ann putnam said that s'd Clark had afflicted her by pincheing choak-
eing & stricking her in the face, & told her, that her name was
Mistriss Mary Clark , but that people used to call her goody Clark .
Ann putnam said further that She saw the s'd Clark stabb Timothy
Swan with a square ragged Speare as long as her hand
(Reverse) and being asked why she called it a Ragged speare, she
said #[it] because it was ragged like a file.
Mary post said she saw this mary Clarke Spirit at the village witch
meeting & that she did eat & drink There as the rest did And fur-
ther she has seen the s'd Mary Clark afflict Timothy Swan/ I under-
written being appoynted by authority to take the within examin-
tion in wryting Doe testify upon oath taken in court, that this is a
true copy of the substance of it, to the best of my knowledge.
(Vertically in right margin)
Mary Clarks Examinan
( New York Public Library -- Manuscripts and Archives Division )
Whereas There is Complaint Exhibbitted to the Honored Court now
holden at Ipswich
In Behalfe of their majesties. against Rachell -- Formerly the Wife of
Lawrence Clenton of Ipswich on grounded Suspision of witchcraft,
& whereas Recognizance is Enterd, for prosecution --
You are hereby Required in their Majesties names forthwith or as
soon as may be to apprehend seize & bringe before the Honored
Court to be holden at Ipswich the sayd Rachell Clenton on the next
morrow morning at Eight a Clock In order to an orderly Examina-
tion , & Conviction & hereof fail not at Your perrill & for so doing
this shall be your warrant of which you are to make a true returne
as the Law derects:
You are hereby required In their Majesties names to Su&mbar;ons warne
& Require to appeare at the Court to be holden at Ipswich on the
morrow morning Viz't Mary Fuller sen'r & Mary fuller Junior
& Allexsander Thomson jur & Richard fitts & Doct: John Bridgham
& Thomas Maning & Nathaniel Burnam all of Ipswich & Thomas
The Deposition of Mary fuller sen'or Aged About 41 years Saieth
About the 23 or fouorth of Last March: 1691/2 About Tenn of the
Clock Rachell Clenton cam to our house and Charged me with
Raisen Lies of hur About my Daughter and Mary Thorne and whille
she S'd Rachell was drawing: my Brother Joseph Fuller's boy Com in
and said their Betty was fall Downe Ded and this was as shee S'd
Rechell pased by: hur: A comming to our house and further Run up
to my Brothers Joseph Fullers house for the space of Three hours
with out any [motission] of Life. spoke I Get hur hold up hur hand
If S'd Rachell was the caus of it and shee ded: and when shee could
Speke shee S'd The womman with A white cape pased by and
struck hur: on the forehead:
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2660 Page No. 141 )
This Deposition of Thomas Boarman sen'or aged 47 This Deponent
testifieth and saith that som wimen of worth and quality: Desired
me To Aquaint the seven men that Rachell Clinton was a great Diss-
turber unto them in the house in hunching them with hur Elboo: as
they went by hur s'd Clinton , and then the same Day ther I the
s'd Boarman : Desired the seven men to take som Cear the Rachell
Clenton : might be for warned: not to com in to Thoes wimens house,
no more to Dissturbe them, and as I the s'd Boarman was Riding
whom: that night after I had bin, Before me Like a Cat as I Apper-
prehended : and then I looked wistfully upon it; and it Semed to be
sumething Like a Littell Doge: and then I pursued it: and it Kept
the same Distance in the parth before me: all though I Road heard
after it I could not over take it, then I looked once [to] my right
hand: and I saw a Grat Turkle that moved as fast as I Roud a Long:
and Then I thought of Rachell Clinton then the Littell Creature and
the Turkle vanished away: and further saith not.
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2660 Page 140 )
The Deposion of William Baker Aged 36 years Saith: About 10 years
Agoo: I living with my Master Rust: There was a Barrill of strong
beer brewed & the Day it was Brewed Rachell Clinton came there,
& was with sum small Thing: But what it was I can not tell: & the Day
morning the Bere was put in to the Berrill: & that day said Rachell
went bakwords and forrowords, 6 or 7 times: up & Dow the lane
that Leds to our house & Did not com in to the house that Day:
& that night following: hannah Rust: went Downe to see whether the
Bere worked or no: & Puld out the tape & could find no Bere in
the Barrel: neither was there any appearance of wet upon the flouer:
and presently after we fild the Barril with worter and it was in a
night and Day and Did not Leke any of it out as we could see And
after that we our folke Brued another Barrel of Bere and put it in
the sam Barrill & it Did not Leke tall after that And further Saieth
not:
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2660 Page No. 141 )
Ipswich April the 4'th 1692
The testimony of Mary Edwards ageed about 52 yeres testifieth
& Saith that abought the 27'th day: of: this Last Dissember 1691 that
Rachell CLenton came to our houes & was very importinat with me
the s'd Mary: to have Rome in our house to kepe share but I tould:
har the s'd Rachell that there were no wages: provided to acommedat
har tharfore she -- must Rest har seat contented:)& at: this time: I
the s'd Mary was mackeing of BLood pudens: and she the above
s'd Rachell siting by the fier) by: her discorse had a great dissire to
have sum of that pudens: saying that it was very good foode:
& that she loved it very: well: so I the s'd mary gave: her: the s'd
Rachell one of the pudens: the which she Reseaved vary: sCornfully:
& quickly after rose up: out of her seate & went a way: muttering
but what she said I coulld not tell: but about the Latter end of Jin-
nywary : the s'd Edwards : had nine pigges: that ware a bout eight
weckes oulld that ware: tacken suddenly: five of them: &: died
& a bout a fortnight after that the s'd Edwards : had thre: yerelings
tacken sudently that semed to be very harty: & was: in good: Case:
but sudenly was tacken with unusuall fittes: Jumping & Roreing till
thay tumbled downe with in a Littell tim after one a nother) as: to:
the Latter part of this testymony Releating to the death of my pigges:
& yearings I can attest two
The deposition of Jeams Fuller Junier aged about eighteen years
saith that on the 15'th Day of march Last: 1692 or there a bouts:
as to the Day: A bout 9 or 10: of the Clock: I was talking with Good-
man Perry & telling him how the s'd mary Fuller my sister & Mary
Thorn wer taken last night: & in the mene while, whilst he and I was
talking Rachell Clinton Cam in to our house & sat Downe by the fier
I asked hur what shee came bother for at this time of night, & shee
said shee Came to see what Lies them were that we raisd of hur
& I tould hur I Ded not know as I had Raisd Eny of hur: Presently
my onkles Boy Cam in & told me that ther Betty was Ded, and as
soon as Ever she s'd Rachall Herd them words: she run out of Dors:
and I followed hur as herd as I could & when I Came to the Dore I
could see nothing of hur: & it was a very Cler mone light night & I
Run up to my onkles: Joseph fullers House: to see what the matter
was: & ther I found the Gerle Dede as the boys told me; & s'd onkl
fuller & I took hur up & Carried hur in the house & so shee conti-
nued for the space of 3 or 4 hours: before ther was any Apperance
of Life in hur; & the next Day I asked hur whoe mad hur so Last
night & she told me: She See Sumthing stare up at the Corner of
the [Stope] & Shee went a little way towards it & it Loced So Basly
she turned A bout to Run a way from it & it followed her & Knocked
hur Down
( Boston Public Library -- Dept. of Rare Books and Manuscripts )
(See also: Elizabeth Proctor -- Complaint, Warrant, Examination, Mittimus; Martha Corey -- Mittimus; Mary Easty -- Petition of Mary Easty and Sarah Cloyce .)
| Essex in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England | Quarto Annoq'e Domini 1692. |
The Jurors for our Soveraigne Lord & Lady the King and Queen
doe present That Sarah Cloyce Wife of Peter Cloyce of Salem --
in the County of Essex Husbandman upon or about the n'th Day of April -- In the yeare aforesaid and divers other Days and times as
well before as after Certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcraft and
Sorceries Wickedly Mallitiously and felloniously hath used practised
and Exercised At and in the Towne of Salem in the Country of
Essex -- aforesaid in upon and against one Abigail Williams of Salem --
aforesaid Single Woman -- by which said Wicked Acts the said Abi-
gaill Williams the Day & Yeare -- aforesaid and Divers other Days
and times both before and after was and is Tortured Aflicted Con-
sumed Wasted Pined and Tormented against the Peace of our Sov'r
Lord and Lady the King & Queen theire Crowne and Dignity and
The Law In that case made and Provided
(Reverse)
Ignoramus
Robert Payne
foreman
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2677 Page 7 )
| Essex in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England | Angliae &c Quarto Annoq'e Domini 1692// |
The Juniors for our Sov'r Lord and Lady the King and Queen doe
present that Sarah Cloyce wife of Peter Cloyce of Salem -- In the
County of Essex In or upon the Eleventh Day of Aprill -- In the yeare aforesaid and Divers other Days and times as well before as
after Certaine detestable arts called Withcrafts and Sorceries Wicked-
ly Mallitiously and felloniously hath used practised and Exercised At
and in the Towne of Salem -- aforesaid in the County of Essex --
aforesaid in and upon & against one Mary Walcott of Salem -- afore-
said Single Woman -- by which said Wicked acts the said Mary Wal-
cott -- the Day & yeare -- aforesaid and divors other Days and times
both before and after was and is Tortured Aflicted Consumed Wasted
Pined and Tormented, and also for Sundry other Acts of Witchcraft
by the said Sarah Cloyce -- Comitted and done before and since that
time against the Peace of our Sov'r Lord and Lady the King and
Queen theire Crowne and Dignity and the forme in the Stattute
In that case made and Provided
(Reverse)
Ignoramus.
*Robert Payne
foreman
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2677 Page No. 7 )
| Essex in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England ss// | Angliae &c Quarto Annoq'e Domini 1692 |
The Jurors for our Sover' Lord and Lady the King & Queen doe
present that Sarah Cloyce Wife of Peter Cloyce of Salem -- In the
(Reverse)
Ignoramus
*Robert Payne
foreman
( Suffolk Court Records Case No. 2677 Page 8 )
(See also: Lydia Dustin -- Mittimus)
The Complaint Mary Browne of Reding Evidence against Sarah
Cole wife of John Cole of Lyn: Cooper // Complaineth folowth --
That the aboves'd Sarah Colle bodyly Appeared to mee and that In
her full shapp and person: both night and day: and hath threatened
me. sorely what Shee would do to me: hath come to my bedd Sid
[] & feel much Disturbing of me & puting me to grat paine both
strang and Unwonted Such pains as In all my Illness past have not
met w'th such pains: // and I must say I do think the s'd Sarah Colle
(Is by gods purmition) Is the Cauess of this my Illness and that By
acts of witchcraftes done & acted on my body & mind: This hath
been all maner and Custome for the most part of the later part of
september past: but I got some frinds to goe to speek to hur about
a week past: & since that time I have not seen her but Remaine
under the lik Illness as before and beleive that she Is acting her part
to the [the] rouning of my family: as farr as god doth give Sow//
my self and children have often heard lik the throwing of stone
against the house and creatures crying like catts upon the Roffe of
the house but where running there, was like dogs or bigger creatures
for the [end of] the Ross Creke.
Complaint haveing ben made to us Bartho' Gidny and John Hig-
ginson Esq'rs. their majesties Justices of the Peace in Salem, by
Benja. Larobe of Lin in behalfe of Mary Browne of Reding widow
against Sarah Coale wife of John Coale of Lin. Cooper for that the
Said Sarah Coale hath Greatly & feloniously hurt the Said Mary
Browne by witchcraft to her great paine & damage & the Said Larobe
hath given in bond to procecut the Said Complaint to Effect. These
are therfore in their Majesties name to require you forthwith to
Aprehend & Seize the Body of Sarah Coale the wife of John Coale of
Lin Cooper & bring her before their Majesties Justices of the Peace
in Salem ther to be Examined & proced with according to Law dated
in Salem: 3 october 1692
Reeding
1st of october 1692
*Mary Browne
Benja Larobe Enters the within Complaint w'th their Majesties
Justices of Salem in behalfe of the said Mary Browne of Reding
widow
The Mark
of
Benja' Larobe:
3: October 1692
Benja' Larobe. of Lin in the County of Essex obligeth him selfe to
our Soveraines Wm & Mary King & Queen of Engld & in the full
& whole Sum of one hundred pounds Currant mony of New England.
The Condition is that wheras the Said Larobe hath Entred a Com-
plaint w'th their Maj's Justices of the Peace at Salem in Behalf of
Mary Browne of Reding widow against Sarah Coale wife of John
Coale of Lin for that she hath Sorly hurt the said Mary Browne by
witch craft, &c: that he the Said Larobe will & Shall procecut the
Said Complaint to Effect as the law directs
The Marke
of
Benja' Larobe
3 October 1692
This recognizance was taken before me
The Examination of Sarah Cole of Lynne Octob'r -- 3 -- 1692
She saith that the same night Capt Osgoods wife was examined She
saw Eliz: Colston & Abraham Coles wife come into her house person-
ally to her apprehension and Jno Wilkinsons wife of Malden & one
of her sisters & a little Girle she did not know; about 10 years old
one of them had a piece of board w'th. nails in it thro the board at
the end about a foot long as broad as her hand, That one of her
children was sorely afflected at that time, and s'd one of them did
strike her on the head w'th s'd board. They seemed to turn side
ways and so were gone w'ch was about midnight -- The child was
afflicted till Abr. Coles wife was take up. The beginning of the af-
fliction in our family was upon a fast Day about a month agoe Abrah.
Coles wife was at my house She Commended my children much for
One night being in bed I was sorely afflicted and saw a ball of fire I
arose to see w't was the matter before I got a light it went away --
the last thing I saw was a Dog w'ch I went to strike w'th a spade and
was beat down my self this was about a week ago The Dog went out
at a crack: in the side of the house --
Mary Warren being afflicted was brought to Goody Coale & w'th her
touch was recovered. & looked on her twice & struck her downe
& recovered her w'th her hand Mary Warren said that she had sen this
Coale many times with Goody Hart & another wo. & that she had
not afflicted her till this night; & said that a woman that said her
name was baites & a Child both stoad up before her & beged for
Vengance, Coale owned that she & some others toyed w'th a Venus
glase & an Egg. what trade their sweet harts should be of
you are required in their Majesties name to Sumon Maj'r Swain Mary
Browne Elizabeth Welman John Coale Benja' Larobe & the wife of
Dan'el Eaton that they & Every of them doe forthwith apeare before
their majesties Justices of the Peace in Salem their to give in their
testimony of what they know against Sarah Coale wife of John Coale
who is complained of for comitting Severall acts of witchcraft upon
the body of Mary Browne of Reding widow &c: & hereof make
returne faile not
| Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England ss // | At a Superior Court of Judicature held at Charlston for the County of Midlesex the 31 of January 1692/3 Annoq'e RR's & Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae Angliae &ca Quarto |
The Jurors for our Sovereigne lord and lady the King and Queen
Present That
Sarah Cole Wife of John Cole of Lynn in the County of Essex
Coop[er] On or about the twenty-sixt day of Sept'r In the yeare 1692 aforesaid and Divers other Days and times as well before as
after, Certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcrafts and Sorceries
Wickedly Mallitiously hath Used practised and Exercised at and in
the Towne of Reding -- In the County of Midlesex --
Upon and against One Mary Browne of Redin In the County
of Midlesex afores'd By which Wicked arts the said Mary Browne
The day and Yeare aforesaid, and Divers other Days and times as
well before as after was and is Tortured Tormented aflected Con-
sumed Pined Wasted against the Peace of Our Soveraigne Lord
and Lady the King and Queen their Crowne and Dignity and the
Laws In that case made and Provided,
The Deposistion of Mary Eaton Sen'r Lyn: Saith that upon a Time
Sarah Cole wife of Jno Cole of Lyn and myself had some Difference
and with in averry Litle time I had a Cow taken in a Strange maner
and at that same time the afores'd Goodw. Cole came to my house
and Stood at my window and Said that she saw Something on the
Cow. in the Barn and Desired that my daughter would goe w'th
her to the Barn & they boath went but when they came to the Barn
they Saw nothing on the Cow but they both heard agreat Noyes on
the Scaffald in the Barn and Sarah Cole Said that She Believed the
Cow was bewitched --
The deposision of eelizzebeth Wellman aged forty five testifieth
and saith that she saw Sarah Cole the wif of John Cole the Cooper
liveing in the [house] of him goin [on a] in a plaine wood in august
past and she had cast the scirt of her garment over her neck, and she
saw a black thing of a considerable bigness goe by her sid and as soon
as Sarah Cole came against a tree that lay upon the ground This black
thing was gon and be sene no more and Sarah Cole going a little
further turnd hir, face out to me she Claspt hir hands together and
swong them twice overe hir head was gon and I coold se hir no more
and when I came to the place whare she toock hir Flite I lookt for
hir but coold not se hir. further saith not 1692
The Deposition of Jno Browne aged about twenty five years: This
Deponant Testifieth & saith that about the latter end of August Last 1692 being at the house of Jno Dole: coming out of s'd house
Sarah Cole leaving her husband talking with mee, she Broke out into
these expressions, that all Church members were Devills & that her
husband was going to be a Devill too hee was then going to Joine
with the Church; whereupon I s'd Browne Replyed to her she had
often expressed her selfe very Badly & that if she didnot suddenly
amend & leave of such expressions against Church members, their
was them that would take notice of it & she must answer for such
speeches wherupon she was silent & looked stedfastly upon mee
& I was taken Ile #[in about a week] presently as my evidence doth De-
clare . Owned before the Grand jury by Jno Browne Jany'y 11'th
1692 upon the oath hee had taken. Jno Testified to the above s'd
upon the oath hee had taken January 11'th 1693 Attests
The Deposition of Abraham Welman Aged about 49 years: This De-
ponant Testifieth & saith, that I had a Cow which some told mee
Sarah Cole Wife of Jno Cole had a great Desire to have & the s'd
Cow was taken with fitts though before she was as Gentle a Cow
Jno Cole Saith that Coming home to his house on saturday night
after his wife had seen strange sights -- That from that time his
house hath been troubled w'th Cats & Dogs w'ch he saw often
running up & down & one night he thinks he saw a ball of fire,
& last Munday night being a week ago he saith as he was at prayer in
his family I heard something like a great thing flung against the
house & on a sudden it was at him & struck him on the head & on
one of his sides, and almost beat the breath out of his body -- so
that I was forced to break of prayer for about half a quarter of an
hour w'n he revived again he proceeded in his prayer his wife being
asked affirms she knew nothing of his being hindered in his prayer --
W'th in a week or 8 Days after S'd Cole saw a great Cat of an un-
usuall bignes at my door, staring me in the face I pursued it w'ch
went into the stalks near the house and tho it was very calm all
the stalks did wave as if there had been a strong wind -- and he
thinks since this some of his children have been afflicted by witch-
craft and s'd Cole saith that for this 3 nights he had not lodged in
his own house being so affrighted that he was afraid to stay or
lodge in it being sorely molested always about the dead of the
The Deposition of Isaac Welman Aged forty five years, this De-
ponant Testifieth & saith, that I have often heard the Wife of Jno
Cole of Linn, wish harm to her Husband, & one time being both at
my house having some words, s'd Sarah Cole wished her Husband
might Dye if ever he came within Daniell Eattons Doore any more
Isaac Welman owned the abovs'd
before the Grand jury Jan'y. 11'th
1692/3 upon the oath hee had taken
To the Sheriffe of the County of Essex or his Deputy Complaint
haveing ben made to us their Majesties Justices of the Peace in Salem
by Henery Brage of Salem labourer against Hannah Carrell wife of
Nathaniell Carell whele right. & Sarah Coale , wife of Abraham Coale
of Salem Taylor. for that the Said Hannah Carrell Did Sometimes
one of them & Sometimes Both. together Severall Times feloniously
afflict Torture & Torment William Brage Son of Henr' Brage by that
Diabollicall art of witchcraft, & the Said Henr' Brage hath given in
bond to procecut his said Complaint to Effect./ These are therefore
in their Majesties names to. -- require you forthwith to Apprehend
& Seize the Bodyes of the Said Hanah Carrell & Sarah Coale & Bringe
them before their Majesties Justices of the Peace in Salem in order
to their Examination for w'ch this shall be your sufficient warrant
Memor'm.
That on the fourteenth day of January 1692 in the fourth year
of the Reigne of our Soveraigne Lord & Lady William and Mary
by the Grace of God of [of] England &c King and Queen Defenders
of the faith &c Personally appeared before Jno Ha[] Esq'r one
of their Maj'ties Justices for the County of Essex #[There] Abraham
Cole of Salem Taylor and acknowledged himselfe to be oweing and
Indebted unto our said Soveraigne Lord and Lady and the survivor of
them their Heires and Successors in the su&mbar;e of fifty pounds money
to be Levied on his Lands and Tenements goods and Chattles for the
use of our s'd Soveraigne Lord and Lady the King and Queen or the
Survivor them on Condition That -- Sarah Cole his wife [shall] per-
sonally appear before the Justices of our s'd Lord and Lady the King
& Queen at the next Court of Assizes & Gen'll Goall Delivery to be
holden for the County of Essex and in the mean time to be of Good
behaveour and then and there to answer to all Such matters and
things as shall in their Maj'ties behaffe be alledged against her and to
do and receive that w'ch by the said Court shall be then and there
Injoyned her and thence not to depart without Lycence
(See also: George Jacobs Jr. -- Complaint; Lydia Dustin -- Mittimus )
You are in theÿr Majestyes Names herebÿ Required to Apprehend
& bring before us (upon Tuesday next being the Seavententh day of
this Instant May by Tenne of the Clock aforenoone att the house of
Lef't Nathaniell Ingersolls in Salem Village) the body of Elizabeth
Colson of Redding Single woeman, whoe standeth charged in behalfe
of theyr Majestys w'th high Suspition of Sundry Acts of Witchcraft
done or Co&mbar;itted upon the Bodyes of Mary. Walcott , Mercy Lewis
& others in Salem Village, whereby great hurt hath bin done them:
And hereof you are nott to faile
You are likewise required to apprehend [] Coloson of Reding
single woman who we are Informed is gone from Reding to Boston
or Charlstowne, And who Also stands Charged w'th Sundry acts of
witchcraft by her Committed on the Bodys of Susannah Sheldon and
Others of Salem Village. and send her also to Salem in order to her
Examination there Relateing to the Premises afores'd --
Complaynt beinge made to me underwritten by William Arnold
of Readinge that the above intended and mentioned Elizabeth Cole-
ston is fled from the hands of Justice for which The warr't above is
directed to aprehend her, and that she is now concealed in Bostine,
These are in Their Majesties name to require you to aprehend the
said Elizabeth Colstone & carry Before Lawfull Authority to be
secured till she can be carried to Salem in order to her tryall these
dated in Bostine the 10'th of Sept 1692
To the sherif of the Countie of Suffolk
or his Deputie
Salem. April the 18'th 1692
There being Complaint this day made (Before us) by Ezekiell
Chevers and John putnam Jun'r both of Salem Village Yeomen: in
Behalfe of theire Majesties, for themselfes and also for theire Neigh-
bours Against Giles Cory , and Mary Waren both of Salem farmes
And Abigaile Hobbs the daughter of Wm Hobs of the Towne of Tops-
feild and Bridgett Bushop the wife of Edw'd Bishop of Salem Sawyer
for high Suspition of Sundry acts of Witchcraft donne or Committed
by them, upon the Bodys of: Ann putnam . Marcy Lewis , and Abig'l
Williams and Mary Walcot and Eliz. Hubert -- of Salem village --
whereby great hurt and damage hath benne donne to the Bodys of
Said persons above named.therefore craved Justice --
You are therefore in their Majest's names hereby required to
apprehend and bring before us Giles Cory & Mary Waren of Salem
farmes, and Abigail Hobs the daugter of Wm Hobs of the Towne of
Topsfeild and Bridget Bushop the wife of Edward Bushop of Salem
To Morrow about Eight of the Clock in the forenoone, at the house
of Lt Nathaniell Ingersalls in Salem Village in order to theire Ex-
amination Relateing to the premises aboves'd and here of you are not
to faile Dated Salem April 18'th 1692
Salem April 18'th 1692
April 18'th 1692 I have taken the within named persons and
brought them [to the] house of leu't Nath: Ingersoll according to
the tenner of this warrant
You are likewise required to summons Ma&rbar;&gbar;&rbar;&ebar;t Knight Lidya
Nichols Elizabeth Nichols and Elizabeth Hubert Jonathan putnam
and Hephzibah Rea & John Howe all & every one of them to appeare
before us at the aboves'd time & place to give in w't evedence thay
know Relateing to the aboves'd or like cases depending.
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 29 )
April 18'th 1692 I have sumoned the within named persons to
apeare att the time and place within mentioned to Give in whatt
Evidence thay know Relateing the premises
Wm & Mary by the Grace of God of England Scotland France
& Ireland King and Queen defend'rs of the faith &c
To the Constable of Salem Greeting
Wee Comand you to Warn & give notice unto Jno Derick the wife
of Stephen Small the Widow Adams & Goody Golthite that they
& Every of them be and personaly Appear at the pr'sent Court of Oyer
& Terminer holden at Salem forthwith there to Testify the Truth to
the best of thier knowledge On Certain Indictments Exhibited
against Giles Cory hereof make return fail not
The Deposistion of Ann putnam who testifieth and saith that on
13'th of April 1692, I saw the Apperishtion of Gilles Cory com and
afflect me urging me to writ in his book and so he continewed hurt-
ing me by times tell the 19'th April being the day of his examina-
tion : and dureing the time of his examination Giles Cory did tortor
me a grat many times.and allso severall times sence Giles Cory or
his Apperance has most greviously afflected me by beating pinching
and almost Choaking me to death urging me to writ in his book also
on the day of his examination I saw Giles Cory or his Apperance
most greviously afflect and torment Mary Walcott mercy lewes and
sarah vibber and I veryly beleveue that Giles Cory is [is] a dreadfull
wizzard for sence he has ben in prison he or his Apperance has come
to me a grat many tims and afflected me.
An Putnam owned upon her oath that the above written evidence
is the truth to the Jury of inquest Sept 9: 92
(Reverse) Ann puttnam agst Giles Cory
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 41 )
The Deposistion of Mercy lewes agged about 19 years who testi-
fieth and saith that on the 14'th April 1692 I saw the Apperishtion
of Giles Cory com and afflect me urging me to writ in his book and
so he contineued most dreadfully to hurt me by times beating me
& almost braking my back tell the day of his examination being the
19th April and then allso dureing the time of his examination he did
afflect and tortor me most greviously: and also several times sence
urging me vehemently to writ in his book and I veryly beleve in my
heart that Giles Cory is a dreadfull wizzard for sence he had ben in
prison he or his Apperance has com and most greviously tormented
me.
Mercy Lewis: affirmd to the Jury of Inquest. that the above
written evidence: is the truth upon the oath: she has formerly taken
in the Court of Oyer & terminer: Sept'r 9: 1692
(Reverse) Mercy Lewis again't Geoyles Cory
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 41 )
The deposistion of Sarah vibber who testifieth and saith that I
have ben most greviously affleted by giles Cory or his Appearance
and allso I have seen Giles Cory or his Apperance most greviously
( affleted by giles Cory or his Appearance and allso I have seen Giles
Cory or his Apperance most greviously) affleting and tormenting
the bodyes of Mary Walcott mercy lewes and ann putnam and I
beleve in my heart that Giles Cory is a wizzard and that he has very
often afflected and tor[mented me] and the persons above men-
Sarah Vibber: affirmed to the Jury of Inquest: that the above
written evidence: is the truth upon oath: Sep'r 9: 1692
(Reverse) Sarah Vibber vs Giles Corey
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2, Page 42 )
Mary Warin affirmed: to the Jury of Inquest:that: she hath been
afflicted by Giles Cory or his appearition and that by beating of me
with his staffe: & by: biting me & pinching & choaking me greatly
torturing me & cutting me with a knife. & perticulerly at the time of
his examination he did greviously torment me: also: at the time
of his examination I saw: s'd Cory or his appearition most: dred-
fully afflect: Mary Walcot An putnam. Mercy lewes & Sarah Vibber
Sept'r 9. 1692
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 42 )
Eliz Woodwell upon the oath she formerly has taken in this
Court: did affirm to the Jury of Inquest: that: she saw Giles Cory
at meeting at Salem on a lecture day.since he has ben at prison he
or his apearition came in & sat in the middlemost seat: of the mens
seats: by the post this was the lecture day before. Bridget Bishop was
hanged and I saw him come out: with the rest of the people mary
Walcot: affirmed: that she saw s'd Cory: as above. sit in the same
place at the same time he or his appearance & that she did se him goe
out with the rest of the people: this she affirmed to the Jury of
Inquest. Sept 9: 1692
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 42 )
Eliz Hubbard. to the Jury of Inquest. that Giles Cory hath sev-
eral times afflected [me] with several sorts of torments. I veryly
think he is a wizard & afflicted me by wichcraft sept 9: 1692
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 42 )
The deposistion of benjamin gould aged about 25 yeares ho
testifieth and saith one the 6 day of april 1692 giles Cory and his wife
Came to my bead side and looked upon me sum time and then went
away and emediately I had two penches upon my side: all so another
time I saw giles Cory and John proctir and I had then shuch a paine
in one of my feet that I Cold not ware my shue for 2: or 3.days
Susanna.Shelden saith that the Spectre of Giles Corey Murdered
his first wife & would have murdered this to if she had not been a
Witch that his first wife gave him nothing but Skim Milke.and I for
one he did it & that Goody Procters Spectre told her she Murdered
her owne child & that it was sick & she did it because she would not
be troubled w'th it & that she allso saies that Goody Buckley & Jno
Willard app'd w'th Hen. Wilkins app'en
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 43 )
the testomeny of John derech Eaged about sixten years testefieth
and sayeth that gils Cory also Came to me and aflicted me this 5 of
September as wel be fore as after he al so Came a bout the 20 of
oges and told me that he wanted som platers for he was gowen to
afeast he told me that he had a good mind to ask my dame but he
sayd that she wouled not let him have them so he took the platers
and cared them a way being gown a bout half a oure with them then
he brot them a gaine gowen a way and sayd no thing
also Sary pese afliceth me at several times she Came to me af
the fast day last at Salam She pinched me then and i have not sene
har sencs --
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2, Page 43 )
these howes nams are under riton were there and saw the platers
were gown as John derich sayed
The deposistion of Eliz: booth the wife of George booth & Allies
Booth who testifie and say that on the 12'th of this Isant Sept'r at
the widow Shaflin's house in Salem their appeared to us a grate num-
ber of wicthes as neare as we could tell about fifty thirteen of which
we knew:who did Receive the sacriment in our right amongst whicth
we saw Giles Cory who brought to us bread and wine urging us to
pertake thereof: but because we Refused he did most greviously
afflect and torment us: and we beleve in our hearts that Giles Cory is
a wizzard and that he has often affleted us and sevroll others by acts
of wicthcraft
The Last Night my Daughter Ann was grievously Tormented by
Witches, Threatning that she should be Pressed to Death, before Giles
Cory . But thro' the Goodness of a Gracious God, she had at last a
little Respite. Whereupon there appeared unto her (she said) a man
in a Winding Sheet; who told her that Giles Cory had Murdered him,
by Pressing him to Death with his Feet; but that the Devil there
appeared unto him, and Covenented with him, and promised him,
He should not be Hanged. The Apparition said, God Hardened his
Heart, that he should not hearken to the Advice of the Court, and so
Dy an easy Death; because as it said, "It must be done to him as he
has done to me." The Apparition also said, That Giles Cory was
Carry'd to the Court for this, and that the Jury had found the
Murder, and that her Father knew the man, and the thing was done
before she was born. Now Sir, This is not a little strange to us; that
no body should Remember these things, all the while that Giles
Cory was in Prison, and so often before the Court. For all people
now Remember very well, (and the Records of the Court also men-
tion it,) That about Seventeen Years ago, Giles Cory kept a man
in his House, that was almost a Natural Fool: which Man Dy'd
suddenly. A Jury was Impannel'd upon him, among whom was
Dr. Zorobbabel Endicot ; who found the man bruised to Death, and
having clodders of Blood about his Heart. The Jury, whereof sev-
eral are yet alive, brought in the man Murdered; but as if some
Enchantment had hindred the Prosecution of the Matter, the Court
Proceeded not against Giles Cory , tho' it cost him a great deal of
Mony to get off.
There being Complaint this day made before us, By Edward put-
nam and Henery Keney Yeoman both of Salem Village, Against
Martha Cory the wife of Giles Cory of Salem farmes for suspition
of haveing Comitted sundry acts of Witchcraft and thereby donne
much hurt and injury unto the Bodys of Ann Putnam the wife of
Thomas Putnam of Salem Village Yeoman And Anna Puttnam the
daugtter of s'd Thomas putnam and Marcy Lewis Single woman Live-
ing in s'd Putnams famyly; also abigail Williams one of mr parris
his family and Elizabeth Hubert Doctor Grigs his maid.
You are therefore in theire Majest's names hereby required to
apprehend and bring; before us. Martha Cory the wife of Giles Cory
abovesaid on Munday next being the 21't day of this Instant month,
at the house of Lt Nathaniell Ingersalls of Salem Village aboute
twelve of the Clock in the day in order to her Examination Relateing
to the premises and hereof you are not to faile
March 21'st I have taken Martha Cory and brought to the house
of Leut Nath: Engersoll where she is in the Costody of some persons
by mee Required and is forth Comeing att demand
21 March 1691/2
Mr Hathorne.
You are now in the hands of Authority tell me now
why you hurt these persons
Martha Kory.
I do not.
who doth?
Pray give me leave to goe to prayer
This request was made sundry times
We do not send for you to go to prayer But tell me
why you hurt these?
I am an innocent person: I never had to do with
Witchcraft since I was born. I am a Gospel Woman
Do not you see these complain of you
The Lord open the eyes of the Magistrates & Ministers:
the Lord show his power to discover the guilty.
Tell us who hurts these children.
I do not know.
If you be guilty of this fact do you think you can
hide it.
The Lord knows --
Well tell us w't you know of this matter
Why I am a Gosple-woman, & do you think I can have
to do with witchcraft too
How could you tell then that the Child was bid to
observe what cloths you wore when some came to
speak w'th you.
Cheevers.
Interrupted her & bid her not begin with a lye
& so Edw'd Putman declared the matter
Mr Hath:
Who told you that
K.
He said the child said
Cheev:
you speak falsly
Then Edw: Putman read again
Mr H.
Why did you ask if the child told w't cloths you wore
My husband told me the others told
Who told you about the cloaths? Why did you ask
that question.
Because I heard the children told w't cloaths the
other wore
Goodm: Kory did you tell her
The old man denyed that he told her so.
Did you not say your husband told you so
K.
--
H.
Who hurtes these children now look upon them.
K.
I cannot help it
H.
Did you not say you would tell the truth why you
askt that question: how come you to the knowledge --
I did but ask
You dare thus to lye in all this assembly You are now
before Authority. I expect the truth, you promised it,
Speak now & tell#[what cloths] who told you what
cloths
K.
No body
H.
How came you to know that the children would be
examined what cloth you wore
Because I thought the child was wiser, than any body
if she knew
Give an answer you said your husband told you
He told me the children said I afflicted them
How do you know w't they came for, answer me this
truly,
#
will you say how you came to know what they came
for
I had heard speech that the children said I #[afflicted
them] troubled them & I thought that they might
come to examine
But how did you know it
I thought they did
Did not you say you would tell the truth, who told
you w't they came for
No body
How did you know
I did think so
But you said you knew so
Child:
H Q
There is a man whispering in her ear,
What did he say to you.
We must not beleive all that these distracted children
say
Cannot #[he tell] you tell what that man whispered
I saw no body
But did not you hear
No, here was Extream agony of all the afflicted
If you expect mercy of God, you must look for it in
Gods way by confession
Do you think to find mercy by aggravating your sins
A true thing
Look for it then in Gods way
#
So I do
Give glory to God & confess then
But I cannot confess
Do not you see how these afflicted do charge you
We must not beleive distracted persons
Who do you improve to hurt them
I improved none
Did not you say our eyes were blinded you would
open them
Yes to accuse the innocent
Then Crossly gave in evidence
Why cannot the girl stand before you
I do not know.
What did you mean by that
I saw them fall down
It seems to be an insulting speech as if they could
not stand before you.
They cannot stand before others.
But you said they cannot stand before you
Tell me what was that turning upon the Spit by you
You beleive the Children that are distracted I saw no
spit
Here are more than two that accuse you for witchcraft
What do you say
I am innocent
Then mr Hathorn read farther of Croslys evidence
What did you mean by that the Devil could not stand
before you
She denyed it
3. or 4. Sober witnesses confirm'd it.
What can I do many rise up against me
Why confess.
So I would if I were guilty
Here are sober persons what do you say to them
You are a Gosple woman, will you lye
Abigail cryed out next Sab: is sacrament day, but she
shall not come there
Kory
I do not care
You charge these children with distraction: it is a note
of distraction when persons vary in a minute, but
these fix upon you, this is not the manner of dis-
traction --
When all are against me w't can I help it
Now tell me the truth will you, why did you say that
the Magistrates & Ministers eyes are blinded you would
open them
She laught & denyed it.
Now tell us how we shall know
Who doth hurt these if you do not
Can an innocent person be guilty
Do you deny these words
Yes
Tell us who hurts these: We came to be a Terror to
evil doers
You say you would open our eyes we are blind
If you say I am a Witch
You said you would show us
She denyed it.
Why do you not now show us
I cannot tell: I do not know
What did you strike the maid at Mr Tho: Putmans with
I never struck her in my life
Here are two that see you strike her with an iron rod.
I had no hand in it
Who had
Do you beleive these children are bewitcht
They may for ought I know I have no hand in it.
You say you are no Witch, may be you mean you
never Covenanted with the Devil. Did you never deal
w'th any familiar
No never
What bird was that the children spoke of
Then Witnesses, spoke
What bird was it.
I know no bird.
It may be: you have engaged you will not confess. but
God knows.
So he doth
Do you beleive you shall go unpunished
I have nothing to do w'th withcraft
Why was you not willing your husband should come
to the former Session here
But he came for all
Did not you take the Saddle off
I did not know what it was for
Did you not know w't it was for
I did not know that it would be to any benefit
[illegible]
Some body said that she would not have them help to
find out witches.
Did you not say you would open our eyes why do
you not
I never thought of a Witch
Is it a laughing matter to see these afflicted persons
She denyed it
Severall prove it
Ye are all against me & I cannot help it
Do not you beleive there are Witches in the Countrey
I do not know that there is any
Do not you know that Tituba Confessed it
I did not hear her speak
I find you will own nothing without severall witnesses
& yet you will deny for all
It was noted w'n she bit her lip severall of the afflic-
ted were bitten
When she was urged upon it that she bit her lip saith
she what harm is there in it.
Mr. Noyes .
I beleive it is apparent she practiseth Witchcraft in
the congregation there is no need of images
What do you say to all these thing that are apparent
If you will all go hang me how can I help it.
Were you to serve the Devil ten years tell how many
She laught
The Children cryed there was a yellow bird with her
When Mr Hathorn askt her about it she laught
When her hands were at liberty the afflicted persons
were pincht
Why do not you tell how the Devil comes in your
shape & hurts these; you said you would
How can I know how
Why did you say you would show us
She laught again
What book is that you would have these children
write in
What book: were should I have a book I showed them
none, nor have none nor brought none.
The afflicted cryed out there was a man whispering in
her ears.
What book did you carry to Mary Walcott
I carryed none: if the Devil appears in my shape
Then Needham Said that Parker some time agoe
thought this woman was a Witch
Who is your God
The God that made me
Who is that God
The God that made me
What is his name
Jehova
Do you know any other name
God Almighty
Doth he tell you that you pray to that he is God
Almighty
Who do I worship but the God that made [me]
How many Gods are there
One
How many persons
Theree
Cannot you say so there is one God in three blessed
persons
** (then she was troubled)
Do not you see these children & women are rational
& sober as their neighbours when your hands are
fastened Immediately they were seized with fitts
& the standers by
** [Partially illegible on account of fold in paper.]
said she was squeezing her fingers her hands being
eased by them that held them on purpose for triall
Quickly after the Marshall said she hath bit her lip
& immediately the afflicted were in an uproar
[torn] you hurt these, or who doth
She denyeth any hand in it
Why did you say if you were a Witch you should have
no pardon.
Because I am a [] Woman
Salem Village March the 21't 1691/2
The Rever't mr Sam'll parris being desired to take in wrighting the
Examination of Martha Cory , hath returned it as afores'd Upon hear-
ing the afores'd and seing what wee did then see, togather with the
charges of the persons then present Wee Committed Martha Cory
the wife of Giles Cory of Salem farmes, unto the Goale in Salem as p
mittimus then Given out
You are in theire Majest's names hereby required to take into
your care and safe Custody the Bodys of Martha Cory the wife of
Giles Cory of Salem farmes husbandman Rebecka Nurse the wife of
francs Nurce of Salem Village husbandman. Dorothy Good the
daugter of Wm Good afores'd husbandman. Sarah Cloyce the wife
of peter Cloyce of Salem Village husbandman. John procter of Salem
farmes husbandman and Elizabeth the wife of s d John Procter
of Salem farmes Husbandman who all and every one of them stand
charged in behalfe of theire Majest's for feloniously Committeing
Sundry Acts of Witchcraft Lately, at Salem Village, on the bodys of
Ann putnam the daugter of Thomas putnam Abigail Williams Eliz.
Hubbert & others of Salem Village afores'd whereby great hurt hath
beene donne to theire bodys Contrary to the peace of our Sov'r L'd
& Lady Wm & Mary of England &c King & Queen, whome you are
all well to secure untill thay shall be delivered by due order of Law
And hereof you are not to faile
| Province of the Mattathusets Bay in New England Essex ss | et Mariae nunc: Angliae & .c Quarto |
The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King and
Queen pr'sents That Martha Corey Wife of Gyles Corey of Salem hus-
bandman the 21: Day of March in the fourth Year of the Reigne of
our Sovereigne Lord and Lady William and Mary by the Grace of
God of England Scottland France and Ireland King and Queen De-
fend'rs of the faith &c and Divers other Dayes and times as well
before as After Certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcrafts & sorceries,
wickedly and felloniously hath Used, Practised & Exercised. at and
within the Township of Salem in the County of Essex afores'd in
upon and ag't one Elizabeth Hubbard of Salem singlewoman by
which said wicked Arts the said Elizabeth Hubbard the 21. Day of
March in the year aboves'd and Divers other Dayes & times as well
before as after was and is Tortured afflicted Pined Consumed and
Tormented and also for sundry other Acts of Witchcraft by said
Martha Corey-Committed and Done before and since that time ag't
the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord & Lady the King and Queen their
Crowne and Dignity and ag't the form of the statute in that case
made and Provided/
| Province of the Massacusetts Bay in New England\s-\ Essex ss | et Mariae nunc. Angliae &c Quarto |
The Jurors of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King & Queen
pr'sents That Martha Corey wife of Giles Corey of Salem -- hus-
bandman -- the 21 day of March in the fourth Year of the Reigne
of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady William & Mary by the Grace of
God of England Scottland France and Ireland King & Queen defend'rs
of the faith &c and divers other dayes & times, as well before as after.
certaine detestable Arts called Witchcrafts & Sorceries. Wickedly
and felloniously hath Used Pratised & Exercised at and within the
Towneship of Salem in the County of Essex aforesaid in upon
& agt one Marcy Lewis of Salem village Singlewoman -- by which
said Wicked Arts the said Marcy Lewis the 21 -- day of March in
the fourth year above said & divers other days & times as well
before as after, was and is Tortured afflicted Pined Consumed
wasted & Tormented and also for sundry other Acts of Witchcrafts
by said Martha Corey -- Committed & done before & since that time
ag't the Peace of our Sovereign Lord and Lady the King and Queen
their Crowne and dignity and ag't the form of the Statute in that
case made and Provided
Wm & Mary by the Grace of God of England Scotland France
& Ireland King & Queen defenders of the faith &c.
To the Sheriffe of Essex or deputy or Constable or Constables of
Salem, Topsfield & Boxford Greeting
Wee Comand you & Either of you to warn and give Notice
unto Jonathan Putman James Darlin Samuel Abbey of Salem Daniel
Clarke of Topsfield & Samuel Smith of Boxford Edward Putman
Ez: Cheever Jno Parker Sen'r Sam'll Braybrooke Mary Wolcot Ann
Putman Sarah Vibber Marcey lewis Eli: Hubbard that they & Every
of them be at the Next Court of Oyer & Terminer holden at Salem
on Tuesday Next at Twelve of the Clock, or as soon after as may be
there to testify the truth to the best of their knowledge on Sev-
erall Indictments Exhibited against Mary Easty & Sarah Cloyce Giles
Corey & Martha Corey his wife hereof Make Return fail not
The testimony of Abigail Williams Witnesseth & saith that divers
times in the monthe of March last past particularly 14.20.21. & 23
dayes of that month, & also in the month of April last past at several times, particularly on the. 12. 13. &.14 dayes of that month she the
said Abigail was much disquieted by the apparition of Martha Kory ,
by which apparition she was sometimes haled to & fro. & somtimes
pinched, & somtimes tempted to put her hand to the Devils book,
& that she hath several times seen her at the Devils sacrament
The deposition of Ephraim Shelden aged April 10'th 92 20 years
who testefieth. and sayth I this deponent being at the house of Lew-
tent Ingersol when Mercy Lewes was in one of her fits I heard her
cry out of Goodwife Cloyce and when she came to herselfe she was
asked who she saw. she answered she saw no body they demanded
of her whether or noe she did not see. Goodwife Nurse or Goodwife
Cloyce or Goodwife Gory . she answered she saw no body./
(Reverse) Eph: Shelden
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 13 )
The Deposition of Sam: Parris aged about. 39. years, & Nathan-
ael Ingersol aged about fifty & eight yeares & Thomas Putman aged
about fourty yeares all of Salem -- testifyeth & saith that severall
of the bewitched persons were much afflicted at the examination of
Martha Kory , wife to Giles Kory of Salem, #[& particu] before the
honoured Magistrates. 21. March. 1961/2 & particularly that #[when]
before her hands were held severall of the afflicted were pincht,
& when said Martha bit her lip severall of them were bitten: & that
some of the afflicted said there was a black man whispering in her
ear, namely Mary Walcot and Abigail Williams both of which also
were bit & pincht by her as they said
(Reverse) The D&ebar;&pbar;&obar;&obar;&nbar; of Sam: Parris &c ag'st Martha Kory
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 13 )
The evidence of Giles Choree testifieth & saith that Last sattur-
day in the Evening. sitting by the fire my wife asked me to go to
bed. I told I would go to prayr. & when I went to prayer I could
Sometime last weake I fetcht an ox well out the woods. about
noone, & he laying down in the yard I went to raise him to yoake
him butt he could not rise butt dragd his hinder parts as if he had
been hiptshott. butt after did rise.
I had a Catt somtimes last weeke strangly taken on the suddain
& did make me think she would have died presently. #[butt] my
wife bid me knock her in the head. butt I did not. & since she is
well.
Another time going to duties I was interrupted for aspace. butt
affterward I was helpt according to my poore measure
My wife hath ben wont to sitt up after I went to bed, & I have per-
ceived her to kneel down to the harth. as if she were at prayr, but
heard nothing
The deposition of Edward Putnum aged about 36 years and Eze-
kiel Cheever aged about 37 years testifieth and sayeth that wee being
often complained unto by An Putnum that goode Corie did often
appear to her and tortor her by pinching and other wayes thought
it our duty to goe to her and see what shee would say to this com-
plaint shee being in church covenant with us.
and accordingly upon the 12'th day of march about ten of the
clock we appointed to goe about the midle afternoon, and wee de-
sired An Putnam to take good notice of what cloathes goode Corie
came in that so we might see whither shee was not mistaken in the
person, and accordingly wee went to the house of Thomas Putnum
then wee went both of us away from the house of Thomas Put-
num to the house of Giles Corie where we found go the abovesaid
Corie all alone in her house and as soone as we came in. in a smil-
ing manner shee sayeth I know what you are come for you are come
to talke with me about being a witch but I am none I cannot helpe
peoples talking of me Edward Putnum answered her that it was the
afflicted person that did complain of her that was the occasion of
our coming to her. she presently replied but does shee tell you what
cloathes I have on we made her no answer to this at her first asking
where upon shee asked us again with very great eagernes but does
she tell you what cloathes I have on at which questions with that
eagernes of mind. with which shee did aske made us to thinke of
what An Putnum had told us before wee went to her. #[to which]
and wee told her no shee did not for shee told us that you came and
blinded her and told her that shee should see you no more before
it was night that so shee might not tell us what cloathes you had
on. shee made but litle answer to this but seemed to smile at it as
if shee had showed us a pretty trick
we had a great deal of talke with her about the complaint that was
of her and how greatly the name of God and religion and thee
church was dishonured by this meanes but shee seemed to be no
way conserned for any thing about it but only to stop the mouthes
of people that they might not say thus of her shee told us that shee did
not thinke that they were accused for shee said if they were wee
could not blame the devill for making witches of them for they were
idle sloathfull persons and minded nothing that was good. but we
had no reason to thinke so of her for shee had made a profession of
christ and rejoyced to go and hear the word of god and the like.
but we told her it was not her making an out ward profession that
would clear her from being a witch for it had often been so in the
wourld that witches had crept into the churches: much more dis-
course we had with her but shee made her profession a cloake to
we doe furder testifie that upon her examination shee accordeng to
what was said of her that shee would open thee eyes of the magis-
trates and ministers. so shee did for shee made a most clear discovery
witchcraft for by biting her lip it was observed that the afflicted #
[children] persons were bit when that was discovered then we ob-
served that shee would #[pinch] pinch them by niping her fingers
togeather and when that was discovered and her hands held then
shee afflict them by working with her foot and when that was dis-
covered then shee pressed upon the seate with her breast and mistress
Pope was greatly afflicted by great pressure upon her stomack
Jurat in Curia Sept. 8. 92
(Reverse) Mr Ezekell Cheevers: affimd: to the Jury of inquest: that
he saw: Martha wife of Giles Cory examined before the majestrates:
at which time he observed that the s'd Cory: some times did: bite
her lip: and when she bit her lip: Mercy Lewis and Eliza'th Hubbard
and others of the afflicted persons: were bitten: also when s'd
Cory: pinched her fingers to gether: then mercy lewis & elizabeth
Hubbard and others were pinched: and #[when] according to: the
motions of s'd martha Coryes body: so was the afflicted persons:
afflicted: this he affirmd to be true according to the best of his
observation: Mr Edward Putnam affirmd the same: to the Jury
of inquest that: Mr Cheevers doth. Mr Thomas Putnam affirmed
the same: all upon oathe all of them
The testimony of Elesebeth Booth Aged 18 yers or their a bout
testifieth that one the 8 of June Geiorg nedom A peired unto me
& saide that mattha Goerie Kiled him Because he wold not mend her
Lening wheal
The Deposistion of Elizabeth Hubburd agged about 17 years who
testifieth and saith that about the 15'th march 1691/2 I saw the
Apperishtion of Martha Cory who did Immediatly hurt me and urged
me to writ in hir book and so she continewed hurting of me by times
tell the 21 march being the day of hir Examination: and then in the
time of hir Examination she did torment me most dreadfully by bit-
ing pinching and almost choaking me the marks of which I shewed
to severall and at the same time aso I saw the Apperishtion of Martha
Cory greviously afflect mircy lewes: and also severall times sence
the Apperishtion of martha Cory has most greviously afflected me
and urged me vehemently to writ in hir book also on the day of hir
Examination I saw martha Cory or hir Apperan[ce most greviously
tormet mary wolcott mercy lewes Abigail williams] and ann putnam
and I beleve in my heart that martha Cory is a dreadfull wicth and
that she hath very often affle[c] ted and tormented me and the affor-
mentioned parsons by acts of wicthcraft
The diposistion of Edward Putnam aged about 38 yeares ho testi-
fieth and saith one the 14 day of march 1692 martha Cory the wife
of giles Cory Came to the house of Thomas Putnum: she being de-
sired to Come and see his dauter ann Putnam: ho had Charged martha
Cory to her face that she had hurt her by witchcraft but no sonner
did martha Cory Come in to the hous of thomas putnam but ann
putnam fell in to grevious feets of Choking blinding feat and hands
twisted in a most grevious maner and told martha Cory to her face
that she did it, and emediately hur tonge was dran out of her: mouth
and her teeth fasned upon it in a most grevious maner after ann
putnam had libberty to spake she said to martha Cory ther is a
yellow burd a sucking betwen your fore finger and midel finger I
see it said ann putnam I will Come and see it said she: so you may
said martha Cory: but before an Came to her I saw martha Cory
put one of her fingers in the place whear ann had said she saw the
burd and semed to give a hard rub ann putnam Came and said she
see nothing but emediately she was blinded after this ann putnam
tryed to go to her and when she Came allmost to her shee fell down
blindad and Cold not Come at her any more: ann putnam allso
told her she put her hands upon the face of Joseph poopes wife one
the Sabath day at meeting and shuing. her how she did it emediately
her hands ware fasned to her eyes that they Cold not be pulled from
them except they should have ben broaken. off, after this ann put-
nam said hear is a speet at the fier with a man apon it and Goodey
Cory you be a turnning of it then marcy lues toock a stick and
struck at it and then it went away but emediately it apered again and
marcy lues ofred to strike it again but ann putnam said do not if you
love your self but presently marcy lues Cryed out with a grevious
pane in her arme as if one had struck her with a stick upon her arme
The Deposistion of Mircy lewes agged about 19 years who testifieth
and saith that I veryly beleve I was bewiched by gooddy Cory on
the: 14'th of March 1691/92 for she then came to the house of
Thomas putnam to se ann putnam whom I was atending and I was
Immediatly taken whill gooddy Cory was their: and Ann putnam
said shee se gooddy Cory bewich me: but I could not se parfitly
who they ware that hurt me tell the 26'th of march and sence that
I have often seen the Aperishtion of goody Cory Come and afflect
me by biting pinching and almost choaking me urging me vehe-
( Bowditch Mss. Massachusetts Historical Society )