"AN EXAMINATION OF THE QUAKERS BEFORE [THE] COURT OF ASSISTANTS, 8
SEPTEMBER, 1656."
[The following is an exact copy of the original minutes, made at the
examination of the Quakers, at the court in Boston above specified.
Hutchinson refers to the books of the Court in his account or notice of
this affair; but whatever may there be found to justify his remark that
the Quakers made "rude and contemptuous answers," no one will allow
that any thing of the kind was contained in these original minutes, to
justify any such conclusion. They are here presented to illustrate, as
far as they may, this dark page of our early history. This document
is the more important, as it appears to be one of the earliest, if
not _the_ earliest paper in relation to the proceedings against that
people. They came into New England in July preceding their apprehension
and trial, and were twelve in number. The issue of their examination
being matter of history, it will not be necessary to go into the
details here. The inquirer after truth may consult Hutchinson, Neal,
Hazard, Bishop, and others for them.]
1. Quest. Whither you oune yor selves to be such as are commonly
knowne or called by ye name of Quakers?
Ansr. Wee are all so called. Wee are all of one minde.
2. Quest. Whither yow brought not ouer hither seuerall bookes wherein
are conteyned the seuerall opinions of yt sect or people. Mary
Prince and another.
[Ans.] Yea. those yt were taken from us.