[58] The jails of Boston and Ipswich were filled, as well as that of
Salem. Many of the accused were heads of families; the season for
putting in crops was far advanced, and farm labor had been interrupted.
“Upon consideration,” say the records of the Council for May 27, 1692,
“that there are many criminal offenders now in custody, some whereof
have lain long, and many inconveniencies attending the thronging of the
gaols at this hot season of the year, there being no judicatories or
courts of justice yet established: Ordered, That a special commission
of Oyer and Terminer be made out to William Stoughton, John Richards,
Nathaniel Saltonstall, Wait Winthrop, Bartholomew Gedney, Samuel
Sewall, John Hathorne, Jonathan Corwin and Peter Sergeant, Esquires,
assigning them to be justices, or any five of them (whereof William
Stoughton, John Richards and Bartholomew Gedney Esq’s to be one), to
inquire of, hear and determine for this time, according to the law and
custom of England and of this their Magesties’ Province, all and all
manner of crimes and offences had, made, done or perpetrated within the
counties of Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and each of them.” Capt. Stephen
Sewall was appointed clerk, and Thomas Newton as attorney. George
Corwin was the sheriff, and Geo. Herrick, marshal.