[58] As this Indictment does not appear to be among the Records,
its absence is accounted for as has been remarked of other similar
Documents before noticed; being taken from the Files and never returned.
[59] This Name as has been mentioned already, is doubtless _Bibber_.
[60] Of these abandoned Witnesses, we have already had sufficient.
[61] About twenty appear in the Records, which see, Vol. II, Pages 109,
_et seq._ Respecting Mr. Burrough's great Strength, Samuel Webber, aged
about 36, swore, that "aboute ceauen or eight Yeares agoe I liued at
Casco Bay, and George Burroughs was then Minester there, and haueing
heard much of the great Strength of him sd. Burroughs; he coming to our
House wee ware in discourse aboute the same and he then told mee yt he
had put his fingers into the Bung of a Barrell of Malases and lifted it
vp and carryed it round him." Salem, Augt. 2d, 1692.
Ann Putnam swore, that on the 20th of April, 1692, she saw the
_Apperishtion_ of Mr. Burroughs who tortured her in a terrible Manner;
told her he had had three Wives, and had bewitched two of them to
death; had killed Mistress Lawson because she was so unwilling to
go from the Village; had killed Mr. Lawson's Children because he
went to the Eastward with Sir Edmond [Andros] and preached so to the
Soldiers; had bewitched a great many Soldiers to death when Sir _Edmon_
was there, &c. At another time she swore that the two Wives of Mr.
Burroughs appeared to her in their Winding-sheets, and told her how
they were murdered. Also Mrs. Lawson and her Daughter Ann appeared
in the same Manner; also another Woman who told her she was Goodman
Fuller's first Wife, and that Mr. Burroughs killed her, because of a
Difference between her Husband and him.
Simon Willard, aged about 42 Years, was at the House of Mr. Robert
Lawrence, of Casco Bay, in Sept., 1689; saw Mr. Burroughs show where he
took hold of the Gun of about seven foot Barrel, which was behind the
Lock; and Mr. B. said he held it out with one Hand by so taking it, but
the Deponent did not see him do it. Willard commanded the Fort at Casco.
Thomas Greenslett, aged about 40 Years, said he was at Capt. Joshua
Scottow's at Black Point, about the breaking out of the late Indian
War, where he saw Mr. B. lift a Gun of six foot Barrel or there-about,
by putting the Forefinger of his right Hand into the Muzzle; holding
it out at Arm's Length. Lieut. Richard Hunnewell and John _Greinslett_
being present. The above are a few Specimens of the Evidence on which
Mr. Burroughs was condemned and executed.
[62] Several of those Girls before mentioned, swore to about the same
thing.
[63] The Girl who made oath to this was Mercy Lewis. It took place on
the 9th of May, 1692, as she said: "Mr. Burroughs carried me up to an
exceeding high Mountain and shewed me all the Kingdoms of the Earth,
and told me he would give them all to me if I would writ in his Book,
and if I would not, he would thro me down and break my Neck: but I
tould him they were none of his to give, and would not writ if he
throde me down on a hundred pichforks."--_Records S. W._ ii, 118.
[64] This is only Dr. Mather's Abridgment of the Record, it will be
remembered. "Sus. Sheldon testifyed that Burroughs two Wives appeared
in their Winding-sheets, and said that Man killed them. He was bid to
look upon Sus. Sheldon. He looked back and knockt down all (or most) of
the afflicted who stood behind him."--_Ibid._ ii, 109.
[65] By the Testimony extracted in Note 61, it will be seen that the
Doctor's Statement is rather beyond the Record. He may have, and
doubtless had more than is now extant.
[66] See Note 153, Page 163, Vol. I.
[Bridget Bishop's _Indictment_.]
_The Indictment of_ Bridget Bishop.
_Anno Regni Regis & Reginæ Willielmi & Mariæ, nunc Angliæ, &c. quarto._
[_Essex_ ss.]
THE jurors for our Sovereign Lord and Lady, the King and Queen present,
That _Bridget Bishop_, alias _Oliver_, the Wife of _Edward Bishop_
in _Salem_, in the County of _Essex_, Sawyer, the Nineteenth day
of _April_, in the Fourth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord
and Lady, _William_ and _Mary_, by the Grace of God, of _England_,
_Scotland_, _France_ and _Ireland_, King and Queen, Defenders of the
Faith, _&c._ and divers other days and times, as well before as after,
certain detestable Arts, called Witchcrafts, and Sorceries, wickedly
and Felloniously hath used, practiced, and exercised at, and within the
Township of _Salem_, in the County of _Essex_, aforesaid, in, upon,
and against one [120] _Mercy Lewis_, of _Salem_-Village, in the County
aforesaid, single Woman; by which said wicked Arts, the said _Mercy
Lewis_, the said Nineteenth day of _April_, in the Fourth Year above
said, and divers other days and times, as well before as after, was and
is Hurt, Tortured, Afflicted, Pined, Consumed, Wasted and Tormented,
against the Peace of our Sovereign Lord and Lady, the King and Queen,
and against the form of the Statute, in that case made and provided.
_Endorsed_ Billa Vera.
Witnesses--_Mary Lewis, Nathaniel Ingarsoll_, Mr. _Samuel Parris,
Thomas Putnam_, Junior, _Mary Walcott_, Junior, _Ann Putnam_, Junior,
_Elizabeth Hubbard, Abigail Williams_.
There was also a Second Indictment, on the said _Bishop_, for
afflicting and practising Witchcraft on _Abigail Williams_. Witnesses
to the said Indictment, were the said _Abigail Williams_, Mr. _Parris,
Nathaniel Ingarsoll, Thomas Putnam, Ann Putnam, Mary Walcott, Elizabeth
Hubbard_.[67]
The Third Indictment was for afflicting _Mary Walcott_, Witnesses to
which said Indictment, were _Mary Walcott, Mercy Lewis_, Mr. _Samuel
Parris, Nathaniel Ingarsoll, Thomas Putnam, Ann Putnam, Elizabeth
Hubbard, Abigail Williams_.[68]
The Fourth Indictment was for afflicting _Elizabeth Hubbard_, Witnesses
to which said Indictment, were the said _Elizabeth Hubbard, Mercy
Lewis_, Mr. _Parris, Nathaniel Ingarsoll, Thomas Putnam, Ann Putnam,
Mary Walcott, Abigail Williams_.
The Fifth Indictment was for afflicting _Ann Putnam_, Witnesses to
which said Indictment, were the said _Ann Putnam_, Mr. _Samuel Parris,
Nathaniel Ingarsoll, Thomas Putnam, Mercy Lewis, Mary Walcott, Abigail
Williams, Elizabeth Hubbard_.[69]
[Bridget Bishop's _Tryal_.]
_The Tryal_ of Bridget Bishop, _as printed_, _in Wonders of
Invisible World_, June 2, 1692. P. 104 to 114.
1. S_HE was Indicted for bewitching several persons in the
Neighbourhood. The Indictment being drawn up, according to the form
in such cases usual, and pleading not guilty, there were brought in
several persons, who had long undergone many kinds of miseries, which
were preternaturally inflicted, and generally ascribed unto an horrible
Witchcraft. There was little occasion to prove the Witchcraft, it being
evident and notorious to all beholders. Now to fix the Witchcraft on
the Prisoner at the Bar, the first thing used was, the testimony of
the bewitched; whereof several testified, that the shape of the_ [121]
_Prisoner did oftentimes very grievously pinch them, choak them, bite
them, and afflict them; urging them to write their names in a Book,
which the said Spectre call'd Ours. One of them did further testifie,
that it was the shape of this Prisoner, with another, which one day
took her from her Wheel, and carrying her to the River side, threatned
there to drown her, if she did not sign the Book mention'd, which yet
she refused. Others of them did also testifie, that the said shape,
did in her threats, brag to them, that she had been the death of
sundry persons, then by her named. Another testified, the Apparition
of Ghosts unto the Spectre of_ Bishop, _crying out,_ You murdered us.
_About the truth whereof, there was in the matter of Fact, but too much
suspicion._[70]
2. _It was testified, that at the Examination of the Prisoner, before
the Magistrates, the bewitched were extreamly tortured. If she did
but cast her Eyes on them, they were presently struck down; and this
in such a manner as there could be no collusion in the business. But
upon the touch of her hand upon them, when they lay in their swoons,
they would immediately revive; and not upon the touch of any ones
else. Moreover upon some special Actions of her Body, as the shaking
of her head, or the turning of her Eyes, they presently and painfully
fell into the like postures. And many of the like accidents now fell
out, while she was at the Bar. One at the same time testifying,
that she said,_ She could not be troubled to see the Afflicted thus
tormented.[71]
3. _There was Testimony likewise brought in, that a Man striking once
at the place, where a bewitched person said, the shape of this_ Bishop
_stood, the bewitched cryed out that he had tore her Coat, in the place
then particularly specified; and the Womans Coat was found to be torn
in the very place._[72]
4. _One_ Deliverance Hobbs, _who had confessed her being a Witch, was
now tormented by the Spectres for her Confession. And she now testified
that this_ Bishop _tempted her to sign the Book again, and to deny
what she had confess'd. She affirmed, that it was the shape of this
Prisoner, which whipped her with Iron Rods, to compel her thereunto.
And she affirmed, that this_ Bishop _was at a General meeting of
the Witches in a field, at_ Salem-_Village; and there partook of a
Diabolical Sacrament, in Bread and Wine then administered._[73]
5. _To render it further unquestionable, that the Prisoner at the Bar
was the Person truly charged in this Witchcraft; there was produced
many Evidences of other Witchcrafts, by her perpetrated. For instance,_
John Cook _testified, that about five or six Years ago, one morning
about Sun-Rise, he was in his Chamber, assaulted by the shape of this
Prisoner: which look'd on him, grinn'd at him, and very much hurt him,
with a blow on the side of the head; and that on the same day about
Noon, the same shape walked in the Room where he was, and an Apple
strangely flew out of his hand, into the lap of his Mother, six or
eight foot from him._[74]
[122] 6. Samuel Gray, _testify'd, that about fourteen Years ago, he
wak'd on a Night, and saw the Room where he lay full of light; and
that he then saw plainly a Woman between the Cradle and the Bedside,
which looked upon him. He rose, and it vanished; tho he found the Doors
all fast: Looking out at the Entry door, he saw the same Woman in the
same garb again, and said,_ In God's name, what do you come for? _He
went to Bed, and had the same Woman again assaulting him. The Child
in the Cradle gave a great Screech, and the Woman disappeared. It was
long before the Child could be quieted; and tho it were a very likely
thriving Child, yet from this time it pined away, and after divers
Months died in a sad condition. He knew not_ Bishop, _nor her name; but
when he saw her after this, he knew by her countenance, and apparel,
and all circumstances, that it was the Apparition of this_ Bishop,
_which had thus troubled him._[75]
7. John Bly _and his Wife, testified, that he bought a Sow of_ Edward
Bishop, _the Husband of the Prisoner, and was to pay the price agreed
unto another person. This Prisoner being angry that she was thus
hindred from fingring the Money, quarrel'd with_ Bly, _soon after which
the Sow was taken with strange Fitts, jumping, leaping, and knocking
her head against the Fence, she seemed blind and deaf, and would
neither eat nor be sucked. Whereupon a Neighbour said, she believed the
creature was over-looked; and sundry other circumstances concurred,
which made the Deponents believe that_ Bishop _had bewitched it._[76]
8. Richard Coman _testified that Eight Years ago, as he lay awake in
his Bed, with a light burning in the Room, he was annoyed with the
Apparition of this_ Bishop, _and of two more that were strangers to
him; who came and oppressed him so that he could neither stir himself,
nor wake any one else: and that he was the Night after molested again
in the like manner; the said_ Bishop _taking him by the Throat, and
pulling him almost out of the Bed. His Kinsman offered for this cause
to lodge with him; and that night, as they were awake discoursing
together, this_ Coman _was once more visited by the Guests which had
formerly been so troublesome, his Kinsman being at the same time struck
speechless, and unable to move hand or foot. He had laid his Sword by
him; which those unhappy Spectres, did strive much to wrest from him,
only he held too fast for them. He then grew able to call the People of
his house; but altho they heard him, yet they had not power to speak or
stir, until at last, one of the People crying out, What's the matter!
the Spectres all vanished._[77]
9. _Samuel Shattuck_ testified, that in the Year, 1680. This
_Bridget Bishop_, often came to his house upon such frivolous and
foolish Errands, that they suspected she came indeed with a purpose
of Mischief. Presently whereupon his Eldest Child, which was of as
promising health and sense, as any Child of its Age, began to droop
exceedingly; and the [123] oftener that _Bishop_ came to the house,
the worse grew the Child. As the Child would be standing at the Door,
he would be thrown and bruised against the Stones, by an Invisible
hand, and in like sort knock his face against the sides of the house,
and bruise it after a miserable manner. Afterwards this _Bishop_ would
bring him things to Dye, whereof he could not Imagine any use; and when
she paid him a piece of Money, the Purse and Money were unaccountably
conveyed out of a lock'd Box, and never seen more. The Child was
immediately hereupon taken with terrible Fits, whereof his friends
thought he would have died: Indeed he did almost nothing but cry and
sleep, for several Months together; and at length his understanding
was utterly taken away. Among other Symptoms of an Inchantment upon
him one was, that there was a Board in the garden, whereon he would
walk; and all the Invitations in the world could never fetch him off.
About seventeen or eighteen Years after, there came a stranger to
_Shattocks_ house, who seeing the Child, said, _This poor Child is
bewitched; and you have a Neighbour living not far off who is a Witch_.
He added, _Your Neighbour has had a falling out with your Wife; and
she said in her heart, your Wife is a proud Woman, and she would bring
down her pride in this Child_: He then remembered, that _Bishop_ had
parted from his Wife in muttering, and menacing terms, a little before
the Child was taken ill. The abovesaid stranger would needs carry the
bewitched Boy with him to _Bishops_ House, on pretence of buying a Pot
of Cyder. The Woman entertained him in a furious manner; and flew also
upon the Boy, scratching his face till the Blood came, and saying,
_Thou Rogue, what? dost thou bring this fellow here to plague me?_ Now
it seems the Man had said before he went, that he would fetch Blood
of her. Ever after the Boy was followed with grievous Fits, which the
Doctors themselves generally ascribed unto Witchcraft; and wherein he
would be thrown still into the Fire or Water, if he were not constantly
looked after; and it was verily believed that _Bishop_ was the cause of
it.[78]
10. _John Louder_ testified, that upon some little controversie with
_Bishop_ about her Fowls, going well to bed, he did awake in the Night
by Moonlight, and did clearly see the likeness of this Woman grievously
oppressing him. In which miserable condition she held him unable to
help himself, till near day. He told _Bishop_ of this; but she utterly
denied it, and threatned him very much. Quickly after this, being at
home on a Lord's Day, with the doors shut about him, he saw a black Pig
approach him; at which he going to kick, it vanished away. Immediately
after sitting down he saw a black thing jump in at the Window, and come
and stand before him. The body was like that of a Monkey, the feet
like a Cocks, but the face much like a Mans. He being so extremely
afrighted, that he could not speak; this Monster spoke to him and said,
_I am a Messenger_ [124] _sent unto you, for I understand that you are
in some trouble of Mind, and if you will be ruled by me, you shall
want for nothing in this World._ Whereupon he endeavoured to clap his
hands upon it; but he could feel no substance, and it jumped out of
the Window again; but immediately came in by the Porch, though the
doors were shut, and said, _You had better take my counsel!_ He then
struck at it with a stick, but struck only the Groundsel, and broke the
stick. The Arm with which he struck was presently disenabled, and it
vanished away. He presently went out at the back door, and spied this
_Bishop_, in her Orchard, going toward her House; but he had not power
to set one foot forward unto her. Whereupon returning into the House,
he was immediately accosted by the Monster he had seen before; which
Goblin was now going to fly at him: whereat he cried out, _The whole
Armour of God be between me and you!_ so it sprang back, and flew over
the Apple-tree; shaking many Apples off the Tree in its flying over.
At its leap, it flung dirt with its Feet, against the Stomach of the
Man; whereon he was then struck dumb, and so continued for three Days
together. Upon the producing of this Testimony, _Bishop_ denied that
she knew this Deponent. Yet their two Orchards joined, and they had
often had their little quarrels for some Years together.[79]
11. _William Stacy_ testified, that receiving Money of this _Bishop_,
for work done by him, he was gone but a matter of three Rods from her,
and looking for his Money, found it unaccountably gone from him. Some
time after, _Bishop_ asked him whether his Father would grind her Grist
for her? He demanded why? she replied, because folks count me a Witch.
He answered, no question, but he will grind it for you; being then gone
about six Rods from her, with a small load in his Cart, suddainly the
off Wheel slumpt, and sunk down into an hole, upon plain ground, so
that the Deponent, was forced to get help for the recovering of the
Wheel. But stepping back to look for the hole which might give him this
disaster, there was none at all to be found. Some time after he was
waked in the Night; but it seemed as light as day, and he perfectly saw
the shape of this _Bishop_, in the Room troubling of him, but upon her
going out, all was dark again. He charg'd _Bishop_ afterwards with it,
and she denied it not; but was very angry. Quickly after, this Deponent
having been threatned by _Bishop_, as he was in a dark Night going to
the Barn, he was very suddenly taken or lifted from the ground and
thrown against a Stone-wall; after that he was again hoisted up, and
thrown down a bank, at the end of his House. After this, again passing
by this _Bishop_, his Horse with a small load, striving to draw, all
his Gears flew to pieces, and the Cart fell down; and this Deponent
going then to lift a bag of Corn, of about two Bushels, could not budge
it with all his might.[80]
[125] Many other pranks of this _Bishops_, this Deponent was ready to
testifie. He also testified, that he verily believed, the said _Bishop_
was the Instrument of his Daughter _Priscilla's_ death; of which
suspicion, pregnant reasons were assigned.
12. To crown all _John Bly_ and _William Bly_ testified, that being
employ'd by _Bridget Bishop_, to help take down the Cellar-wall of the
old House, wherein she formerly lived, they did in holes of the said
old Wall, find several Poppets made up of Rags, and Hogs Bristles, with
headless Pins in them, the points being outward. Whereof she could now
give no Account unto the Court, that was reasonable or tolerable.[81]
13. One thing that made against the Prisoner was, her being evidently
convicted of Gross lying in the Court, several times, while she
was making her Plea. But besides this, a Jury of Women, found a
preternatural Tet upon her Body; but upon a second search, within three
or four hours, there was no such thing to be seen. There was also an
Account of other People whom this Woman had Afflicted. And there might
have been many more, if they had been enquired for. But there was no
need of them.[82]
14. There was one very strange thing more, with which the Court was
newly entertained. As this Woman was under a guard, passing by the
great and spacious Meeting House of _Salem_, she gave a look towards
the House; and immediately a _Dæmon_ invisibly entring the Meeting
House, Tore down a part of it; so that tho there were no person to be
seen there, yet the People at the Noise running in, found a board which
was strongly fastened with several Nails, transported unto another
quarter of the House.[83]