Samuel Willard, A briefe account of a strange & unusuall Providence of God
befallen to Elizabeth Knap of Groton
in Samuel A. Green, ed.,
Groton In The Witchcraft Times Groton, MA: [s.n.] 1883
Hanover Historical Texts Project <
Scanned by Monica Banas, August 1996. Not yet proofread.
Green's Note: [Page 5] IN the early days of our history a belief in witchcraft, so far from being peculiar to Massachusetts, was held throughout Christendom. By no means confined to the ignorant or superstitious classes, it was entertained by educated and thoughtful men everywhere. It was a delusion for which the age was responsible, rather than any particular land or country. To us of to-day, with our light and experience, this state of affairs seems incredible; but perhaps a time may come when even some of our actions will need apologies and explanations.
In the autumn of 1671 a case of so-called witchcraft occurred at Groton, and the Reverend Samuel Willard, at that time the minister of the town, gave much attention and study to it. He wrote a long letter to Cotton Mather, giving the minutest details of the case, and Dr. Mather refers to it in his “Magnalia Christi Americana" (book vi. chapter vii. page 67). Two years later Mr. Willard published a volume of sermons entitled “Useful Instructions for a professing People in Times of great Security and Degeneracy: delivered in several Sermons on Solemn Occasions." It consists [Page 6] of three sermons, of which one was preached in consequence of this supposed manifestation of the Devil. The fame or notoriety of the case evidently had spread far and wide throughout the colony. Mr. Willard says:
There is a voice in it to the whole Land, but in a more especial manner to poor Groton: it is not a Judgement afar off, but it is near us, yea among us, God hath in his wisdome singled out this poor Town out of all others in this Wilderness, to dispense such an amazing Providence in, and therefore let us make a more near and special use of it: Let us look upon our selves to be set up as a Beacon upon a Hill by this Providence, and let those that hear what hath been done among us, hear also of the good effects, and reformation it hath wrought among us.
The victim of the witchcraft was one Elizabeth Knapp, who had the long train of symptoms which were then usually ascribed to the personal influence of the Evil One, but which nowadays would constitute a well-marked case of hysteria. She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Warren) Knapp, and born at Watertown, on April 21, 1655. Her father's house-lot was situated on the west side of Main Street, at the southerly end of the village; and the family were living, doubtless, on that site when the daughter was seized with the symptoms.
TheoriginalletterofMr.Willard,describingthecase,isstillpreserved,andisfoundnumbered3inthesecondvolumeofthe"MatherPapers"nowattheBostonPublicLibrary.Itiswritteninaverysmall,crampedhand,andcontainedinfourpagesofmanuscript,whichisextremelydifficulttoread.IthasbeenprintedintheCollectionsoftheMassachusettsHistoricalSociety,volumeviii.,fourthseries,pages555-570;butthepresentcopyismadeindependentlyofthatone,andvariesslightlyfromit.Theletterisasfollows:-
[Page7]AbriefeaccountofastrangeunusuallProvidenceofGodbefallentoElizabethKnapofGroton,bymeSamuelWillard.
THISpooremiserableobject,aboutafortnightbeforesheewastaken,weeobservedtocarryherselfeinastrangeunwontedmanner,sometimessheewouldgivesuddenshriekes,ifweeenquiredaReason,wouldalwayesputitoffwithsomeexcuse,thenwouldburstforthintoimmoderateextravagantlaughter,insuchwise,assometimessheefellontothegroundwithit:Imyselfeobservedoftentimesastrangechangeinherecountenance,butcouldnotsuspectthetruereason,butconeivedsheemightbeeill,thereforediverstimesenquiredhowsheedid,sheealwayesansweredwell;whichmademeewonder:butthetragedyebegantounfolditselfeuponMunday,Octob.30.71,afterthismanner(asIreceivedbycredibleinformation,beingthatdaymyselfegonfromhome).
Intheevening,alittlebeforesheewenttobed,sittingbythefire,sheecryedout,ohmylegs!claptherhandonthem,immediatelyohmybreast!removedherhandsthither;forthwith,ohIamstrangled,putherhandsonherthroat:thosethatobservedhercouldnotseewhattomakeofit;whithersheewasinearnestordissembled,inthismannertheylefther(exceptingthepersonthatlaywithher)complainingofherbreathbeingstopt:Thenextdaysheewasinastrangeframe,(aswasobservedbydivers)sometimesweeping,sometimeslaughing,manyfoolishapishgestures.Intheevening,goingintothecellar,sheeshriekedsuddenly,beingenquiredofthecause,sheeanswered,thatsheesaw2personsinthecellar;whereuponsomewentdownewithhertosearch,butfoundnone;sheealsolookingwiththem;atlastsheeturnedherhead,lookingonewaystedfastly,usedthestatement,whatcheereoldman?which,theythatwerewithhertookeforafansye,soeceased;afterwards(thesameevening,)therestofthefamilybeinginbed,sheewas(asonelyingintheroomesaw,sheeherselfealsoafterwardsrelated)suddenlythrownedowneintothemidstofthefloorewithviolence,takenwithaviolentfit,whereuponthewholefamilywasraised,withmuchadoewassheekeptoutofthefirefromdestroyingherselfeafterwhichtimeshewasfollowedwithfitsfromthencetillthesabbathday;inwhichsheewasviolentinbodilymotions,leapings,strainingsstrangeagitations,scarcetobeeheldinboundsbythestrengthof3or4:violentalsoeinroaringsscreamings,[Page8]representingadarkresemblanceofhellishtorments,frequentlyusinginthesefitsdiverswords,sometimescryingoutmoney,money,sometimes,sinmiserywithotherwords.
Onwednesday,beinginthetimeofintermissionquestionedaboutthecasesheewasin,withreferencetothecauseoroccasionofit,sheeseemedtoimpeachoneoftheneighbors,aperson(Idoubtnot)ofsincereuprightnessebeforeGod,asthougheithershee,orthedevillinherlikenessehabit,particularlyherridinghood,hadcomedownethechimney,strickenherthatnightsheewasfirsttakenviolently,whichwastheoccasionofherbeingcastintothefloore;whereuponthoseabouthersenttorequestthepersontocometoher,whocomingunwittingly,wasatthefirstassaultedbyherstranglye,forthoughhereyeswere(asitwere)sealedup(astheywerealwayes,orforthemostpart,inthosefits,soecontinueinthemalltothisday)sheeyetknewherverytouchfromanyother,thoughnovoicewereuttered,discovereditevidentlybyhergestures,soepowerfullwereSatanssuggestionsinher,yetafterwardGodwaspleasedtovindicatethecasejustifyetheinnocent,eventoremovejealousyesfromthespiritsofthepartyconcerned,satisfactionofthebystanders;foraftersheehadgontoprayerwithher,sheeconfessedthatshebeleevedSatanhaddeludedher,hathneversincecomplainedofanysuchapparitionordisturbancefromtheperson.Thesefitscontinuing,(thoughwithintermission)divers,(whentheyhadopportunity)presseduponhertodeclarewhatmightbeethetruerealoccasionoftheseamazingfits.Sheeusedmanytergiversationsexcuses,pretendingsheewouldtothisthatyoungperson,whocoming,sheputitofftoanother,tillatthelast,onthurdsdaynight,sheebrakeforthintoalargeconfessioninthepresenceofmany,thesubstancewhereofamountedtothusmuch:
Thatthedevillhadoftentimesappearedtoher,presentingthetreatyofaCovenant,prefferinglargelytoher:viz,suchthingsassutedheryouthfullfancye,money,silkes,finecloaths,easefromlabortoshowherthewholeworld,c:thatithadbinthen3yeerssincehisfirstappearance,occasionedbyherdiscontent:Thatatfirsthisapparitionshadbinmorerare,butlatelymorefrequent;yeathosefewweekesthatsheehaddweltwithusalmostconstant,thatsheeseldomewentoutofoneroomeintoanother,butheeappearedtoherurgingofher:thatheehadpresentedherabookewrittenwithbloodofcovenantsmadebyotherswithhim,toldhersuchsuch(ofsomewherofwehopebetterthings)hadanamethere;[Page9]thatheeurgeduponherconstanttemptationstomurderherparents,herneighbors,ourchildren,especiallytheyoungest,temptinghertothrowitintothefire,onthehearth,intotheoven;thatonceheeputabillhookeintoherhand,tomurdermyselfe,persuadingherIwasasleep,butcomingaboutit,sheemetmeonthestairesatwhichsheewasaffrighted,thetimeIrememberwell,observdastrangeframeinhercountenancesawsheendeaveredtohidesomething,butIknewnotwhat,neitherdidIatallsuspectanysuchmatter;thatoftenhepersuadedhertomakeawaywithherselfeonceshewasgoingtodrowneherselfeinthewell,for,lookingintoit,sheesawsuchsightsasalluredher,wasgottenwithinthecurbe,wasbyGod'sprovidenceprevented,manyotherlikethingssheerelated,tootedioustorecollect:butbeingpressedtodeclarewhithershehadnotconsentedtoacovenantwiththeDevill,sheewithsolemneassertionsdenyedit,yeaassertedthatsheehadneversoemuchasconsentedtodiscorsewithhim,norhadeverbutoncebeforethatnightusedtheexpession,Whatcheere,oldman?thisargumentsheeused,thattheprovidenceofGodhadordereditsoe,thatallhisapparitionshadbinfrightfulltoher;yetthissheeacknowledged,(whichseemedcontradictorye,viz:)thatwhensheecametoourhousetoschoole,beforesuchtimeassheedweltwithus,sheedelayedhergoinghomeintheevening,tillitwasdarke,(whichweeobserved)uponhispersuasiontohavehiscompanyhome,thatsheecouldnot,whenheeappeared,butgoetohim;oneevidenttestimonywherofweecansaysomthingto,viz.thenightbeforetheThanksgiving,Octob.19.sheewaswithanothermaidthatboardedinthehouse,wherebothofthemsawtheappearanceofamansheadshoulders,withagreatwhiteneckcloath,lookinginatthewindow,atwhichtheycameupaffrightedbothintothechamber,wheretherestofuswere,theydeclaringthecase,oneofuswentdownetoseewhoitmightbee,butsheeranimmediatelyoutofthedoorebeforehim,whichsheehathsinceconfessed,wastheDevillcomingtoher;sheealsoacknowledgedthereasonofherformersuddenshriekings,wasfromasuddenapparition,thatthedevillputtheseexcusesintohermouth,bithersoetosay,hurriedherintothoseviolent(butsheesaithfeignedforced)laughters:sheethenalsocomplainedagainstherselfeofmanysins,disobediencetoparents,neglectofattendanceuponordinances,attemptstomurderherselfeothers;butthisparticularofacovenantsheeutterlydisclaimed:whichrelationseemedfaire,[Page10]especiallyinthatitwasattendedwithbitterteares,selfecondemnations,goodcounsellsgiventoallabouther,especiallytheyouththenpresent,anearnestdesireofprayers:sheesenttoLancasterforMr.Rowlandson,whocameprayedwithher,gaveherseriouscounsells;butsheewasstillfollowed,allthisnotwithstanding,withthesefits:inthisstate(cominghomeonfryday)Ifoundher;butcouldgetnothingfromher,wheneverIcameinpresencesheefellintothosefits,concerningwhichfits,Ifindthisnoteworthy,sheeknewunderstoodwhatwasspokentoher,butcouldnotanswer,noruseanyotherwordsbuttheforementioned,money,c:aslongasthefitcontinued,forwhensheecameoutofit,sheecouldgivearelationofallthathadbeenspokentoher:sheewasdemandedareasonwhysheeusedthosewordsinherfits,signifyedthattheDevillpresentedherwithsuchthings,totempther,withsinmiserye,toterrifyeher;sheealsodeclaredthatsheehadseenetheDevillsintheirhellishshapes,moreDevillsthenanyonethereeversawmenintheworld.ManyofthesethingsIheardherdeclareonSaturdayatnight:
OntheSabbaththePhysitiancame,whojudgedamainepointofherdistemprtobenaturall,arisingfromthefoulnesseofherstomacke,corruptnesseofherblood,occasioningfumesinherbraine,strangefansyes;whereupon(inordertofurthertryalladministration)sheewasremovedhome,thesucceedingweekesheetookephysicke,wasnotinsuchviolencehandledinherfitsasbefore;butenjoyedanintermission,gavesomehopesofrecovery;inwhichintermissionsheewasaltogethersencelesse(astoourdiscoverye)ofherstate,heldundersecuritye,hardnesseofheart,professingsheehadnotroubleuponherspirits,sheecriedsatanhadlefther:Asolemnedaywaskeptwithher,yetithadthen,(asIapprehend,)littleefficacyuponher;sheethatdayagainexpressedhopesthattheDevillhadlefther,buttherewaslittlegroundtothinkesoe,becausesheremainedundersuchextreamesencelessenesseofherowneestate:thussheecontinued,beingexercisedwithsomemoderatefits,inwhichsheeusednoneoftheformerexpressions,butsometimesfaintedaway,sometimesusedsomestruglings,yetnotwithextremitye,tilltheWednesdayfollowing,whichdaywasspentinprayerwithher,whenherfitssomethingmoreencreased,hertonguewasformanyhourestogetherdrawneintoasemicircleuptotheroofeofhermouth,nottoberemooved,forsometryedwiththefingerstodoeit:fromthencetillthesabbathseven[Page11]nightfollowing:shecontinuedalike,onlysheeaddedtoformerconfessions,ofhertwiseconsentingtotravellwiththeDevillinhercompanybetweenGrotonLancaster,whoaccompaniedherinformeofablackedogwitheyesinhisbacke,sometimesstoppingherhorse,sometimesleapingupbehind,keepingher(whenshecamehomewithcompany)40rodatleastbehind,leadingheroutofthewayintoaswampe,c.:butstillnoconferencewouldsheeowne,buturgedthatthedevillsquarellwithherwasbecausesheewouldnotsealeacovenantwithhim,thatthiswasthegroundofherfirstbeingtaken.besidesthisnothingobservablecamefromher,onlyonemorningsheesaidGodisafather,thenextmorning,Godismyfather,whichwords(itistobefeared)werewordsofpresumption,putintohermouthbytheadversary.
Isuspectingthetruthofherformerstorye,pressed,whethersheeneververballypromisedtocovenantwithhim,whichsheestoutlydenyed:onlyacknowledgedthatsheehadhadsomethoughtssoetodoe:butontheforenamedNov.26.sheewasagainwithviolenceextremityseizedbyherfits,insuchwisethat6personscouldhardlyholdher,butsheeleapedskippedaboutthehouseproforceroaring,yellingextreamly,fetchingdeadlysighs,asifherheartstringswouldhavebroken,lookingwthafrightfullaspect,totheamazementastonishmentofallthebeholders,ofwhichIwasaneyewitnesse:ThePhysitianbeingthenagenwithherconsentedthatthedistemperwasDiabolicall,refusedfurthertoadminister,advisedtoextraordinaryfasting;whereuponsomeofGodsministersweresentfor:sheemeanewhilecontinuedextreamlytormentednightday,tillTuesdayaboutnoon;havingthisaddedonMundayTuesdaymorningthatsheebarkedlikeadog,bleatedlikeacalfe,inwhichherorganswerevisiblymadeuseof:yea,(aswascarefullyobserved)onMundaynight,Tuesdaymorning,wheneveranycameneerethehouse,thoughtheywithinheardnothingatall,yetwouldsheebarketilltheywerecomeintothehouse,onTuesday,about12oftheclocke,shecameoutofthefit,whichhadheldherfromSabbathdayaboutthesametime,atleast48howers,withlittleornointermission,thenherspeechwasrestoredtoher,sheeexpressedagreatseemingsenceofherstate:manybitterteares,sighings,sobbings,complainingssheeuttered,bewailingofmanysinsforementioned,beggingprayers,inthehoureofprayerexpressingmuchaffection:IthenpressediftherewereanythingbehindinreferencetothedealingsbetweenherSatan,[Page12]whensheagenprofessedthatsheehadrelatedall:declaredthatinthosefitsthedevillhadassaultedhermanywayes,thatheecamedownethechimney,sheeessayedtoescapehim,butwassiezeduponbyhim,thatheesatuponherbreast,usedmanyargumentswithher,thatheeurgedhereatonetimewithpersuasionspromises,ofease,greatmatters,toldherthatsheehaddoneenoughinwhatsheehadalreadyconfessed,sheemighthenceforthservehimmoresecurely;anontoldhirhertimewaspast,therewasnohopesunlessesheewouldservehim;itwasobservedinthetimeofherextremity,oncewhenalittlemomentsrespitewasgrantedherofspeech,sheeadvisedustomakeourpeacewithGod,useourtimebetterthensheehaddone,thepartyadvisedheralsotobethinkeherselfeofmakingherpeace,sheereplyed,itistoolateforme:thenextdaywassolemnized,whenwehadthepresenceofMr.Bulkley,Mr.Rowlandson,Mr.Estabrooke,whithercoming,wefoundherreturnedtoasottishstupidkindofframe,muchwasprestuponher,butnoaffectionatalldiscovered;thoughsheewaslittleornothingexercisedwithanyfits,herspeechalsocontinued:thoughadayortwoaftersheewasmelancholyebeingenquiredofareason,sheecomplainedthatsheewasgrievedthatsomuchpainsweretakenwthher,didhernogood,butthisheldhernotlong:thussheeremainedtillMunday,whentosomeneighborstherepresent,sheerelatedsomethingmoreofheconversewiththedevill,viz.Thatithadbin5yeersortherabouts,sincesheefirstsawhim,declaredmethodicallythesundryapparitionsfromtimetotime,tillsheewasthusdreadfullyassaulted,inwhich,theprincipallwas,thataftermanyassaults,sheehadresolvedtosealeacovenantwithSatan,thinkingsheehadbetterdoeit,thenbethusfollowedbyhim,thatonce,whensheelivedatLancaster,hepresentedhimselfe,desiredofherblood,sheewouldhavedoneit,butwantedaknife,intheparleysheewaspreventedbytheprovidenceofGodinterposingmyfather;a2ndtimeinthehouseheemether,presentedheraknife,asshewasgoingaboutitmyfathersteptinagenprevented,thatwhensheesoughtenquiredfortheknife,itwasnottobeefound,thatafterwardsheesawitstickinginthetopofthebarne,someotherlikepassagessheeagenownedanobservablepassagewhichsheealsohadconfessedinherfirstdeclaration,butisnotthereinserted,viz.thatthedevillhadoftenprofferedherhisservice,butsheeacceptednot;onceinptic:tobringherinchipsforthefire,[Page13]sheerefused,butwhensheecameinsheesawthemlyebythefireside,wasaffraid,thisIremarke,Isittingbythefirespaketohertolaythemon,sheturnedawayinanunwontedmanner:shethenalsodeclaredagainstherselfeherunprofitablelifeshehadled,howjustlyGodhadthuspermittedSatantohandleher,tellingthem,theylittleknewwhatasadcasesheewasin.Iafteraskedherconcerningthesepassages,sheeownedthetruthofthem,declaredthatnowsheehopedthedevillhadlefther,butbeingprestwhethertherewerenotacovenant,sheearnestlyprofessed,thatbyGodsgoodnessesheehadbinpreventedfromdoingthat,whichsheeofherselfehadbeenreadyenoughtoassentto;sheethankedGodtherewasnosuchthing:
Thesamedaysheewasagentakenwithanewkindofunwontedfittinwhichaftersheehadbinawhileexercisedwithviolence,sheegotherasticke,wentupanddowne,thrusting,pushing,herethere,anonlookingoutatawindow,cryedoutofawitchappearinginastrangemannerinformeofadogdownward,withawomanshead,declaredtheperson,otherwhilesthatsheeappeardinherwholelikenesse,describedhershapeandhabit:signifyedthatsheewentupthechimneywentherway:whatimpressionweereadeintheclayofthechimney,insimilitudeofadogspaw,bytheoperationofSatan,intheformofadogsgoinginthesameplaceshetouldof,Ishallnotconclude,thoughsomethingtherewas,asImyselfesawinthechimneyinthesameplacewheresheedeclaredthefootwassettogoeup:
Inthismannerwasshehandledthatnight,the2nextdayes,usingstrangegestures,complainingbysignes,whensheecouldnotspeakeexplainingthatsheewassometimesinthechamber,somet.inthechimney,anonassaultsher,sometimesscratchingherbreast,beatinghersides,stranglingherthroat,shedidoftentimesseemetoourapprehensionasifsheewouldforthwithbeestrangled:Shedeclaredthatifthepartywereapprehendedsheeshouldforthwithbeewell,butnevertillthen;whereuponherfatherwent,percuredthecomingofthewomanimpeachedbyher,whocamedownetoheronThurdsdaynight,where(beingdesiredtobepresent)Iobservedthatshewasviolentlyhandled,lamentablytormentedbytheadversarye,utteredunusualshriekesattheinstantofthepersonscomingin,thoughhereyeswerefastclosed:buthavingexperienceofsuchformeractings,weemadenothingofit,butwaitedtheissue:Godthereforewassoughtto,tosignifyesomething.wherebytheinnocentmightbeeacquitted,ortheguiltydiscovered,[Page14]'heeAnsweredourprayers,forby2evidentcleeremistakesshewascleered,thenallprejudicesceased,shenevermoretothisdayhathimpeachedherofanyapparition:intheforementionedallegationoftheperson,sheealsosignifyedthatsomet.thedevilalsoeinthelikenesseofalittleboyappearedtogetherwiththeperson:Frydaywasasaddaywithher,forsheewassorelyhandledwithfits,whichsomeperceivingpressedthattherewassomethingyetbehindnotdiscoveredbyher;sheeafteraviolentfit,holdingherbetweenetwo3houresdidfirsttoone,afterwardstomanyacknowledgethatsheehadgivenofherbloodtotheDevill,madeacovenantwithhim,whereuponIwassentfortoher;understandinghowthingshadpassed,Ifoundthattherewasnoroomeforprivacye,inanotheralredymadebyhersoepublicke,Ithereforeexaminedherconcerningthematter;foundhernotsoeforwardtoconfesse,assheehadbintoothers,yetthusmuchIgatheredfromherconfession:
Thataftersheecametodwellwithus,onedayassheewasaloneinalowerroome,alltherestofusbeinginthechamber,shelookedoutatthewindow,sawthedevillinthehabitofanoldman,comingoveragreatmeadowlyingneerethehouse;suspectinghisdesigne,sheehadthoughtstohavegonaway;yetatlengthresolvedtotarryitout,hearewhatheehadtosaytoher;whenheecameheedemandedofhersomeofherblood,whichsheeforthwithconsentedto,withaknifecutherfinger,heecaughtthebloodinhishand,thentoldhershemustwritehernameinhisbooke,sheeanswered,sheecouldnotWrite,butheetoldherhewoulddirectherhand,thentookalittlesharpenedsticke,diptintheblood,putitintoherhand,guidedit,sheewrotehernamewithhishelpe:whatwasthemattersheesetherhandto,Icouldnotlearnefromher;butthusmuchsheeconfessed,thatthetermeoftimeagreeduponwithhimwasfor7yeers;oneyeeresheewastobefaithfullinhisservice,thentheothersixheewouldserveher,makeherawitch:sheealsorelated,thatthegroundofcontestbetweenherthedevillwhichwastheoccasionofthissadprovidence,wasthis,thatafterhercovenantmadethedevillshowedherhellthedamned,toldherifsheewerenotfaithfulltohim,sheeshouldgoethither,beetormentedthere;sheedesiredofhimtoshowherheaven,butheetoldherthatheavenwasanouglyplace,thatnonewentthitherbutacompanyofbaseroagueswhomhehated;butifsheewouldobeyhim,itshouldbewellwithher:[Page15]butafterwardsheeconsideredwithherselfe,thatthetermeofhercovenant,wasbutshort,wouldsoonebeeatanend,sheedoubted(forallthedevillspromises)sheemustatlastcometotheplaceheehadshowneher,withall,feared,ifsheewereawitch,sheeshouldbeediscovered,broughttoashamefullend:whichwasmanytimesatroubleonherspirits;thistheDevillperceiving,urgeduponhertogivehimmoreofherblood,setherhandagentohisbooke,whichsheerefusedtodoe,butpartlythroughpromises,partlybythreatnings,heebroughtheratlasttoapromisethatsheewouldsometimedoeit:afterwhichheeleftnotincessantlytourgehertotheperformanceofit,onceheemetheronthestaires.oftenelsewherepressingherwithvehemencye,butsheestillputitoff;tillthefirstnightsheewastakenwhenthedevillcametoher,toldherhewouldnottarryanylonger:sheetoldhimsheewouldnotdoeitheeAnsweredsheehaddoneitalready,whatfurtherdamagewoulditbeetodoeitagen,forsheewashissureenough:sherejoynedsheehaddoneitalready,ifsheewerehissureenough,whatneedheetodesireanymoreofher:whereuponhestruckeherthefirstnight,agenmoreviolentlythe2ndasisaboveexprest:
ThisisthesumoftheRelationIthenhadfromher:whichatthattimeseemedtobeemethodicall:Thesethingssheutteredwithgreataffection,overflowingofteares,seemingbitternesse:IaskedoftheReasonofherweepingbitternesse,sheecomplainedofhersinns,someinparticular,profanationofthesabbathc:butnothingofthissinofrenouncingthegovermentofGod.givingherselfeuptothedevill:Itherfore,(asGodhelped)appliedittoheraskedherwhethersheedesirednotprayerswithforher,sheeassentedwithearnestnesse,inprayerseemedtobewailethesinasGodhelped,thenintheaggravationofit,afterwarddeclaredadesiretorelyonthepowermercyofGodinChrist:sheethenalsodeclared,thattheDevillhaddeceivedherconcerningthosepersonsimpeachedbyher,thatheehadintheirlikenesseorresemblancetormentedher,persuadingherthatitwasthey,thattheybareheraspleen,buthelovedher,wouldfreeherfromthem,pressedonhertoendeavortobringthemforthtothecensureofthelaw.
InthiscaseIlefther;but(notbeingsatisfiedinsomethings)IpromisedtovisitheragenthenextdaywhichaccordinglyIdid,butcomingtoher,Ifoundher(thoughherspeechstillremained)inacasesadenough,hertearesdryedup,sencesstupifyed,(aswasobserved)whenI[Page16]couldgetnothingfromher,therforeapplyedmyselfeincounselltoher,sheeregardeditnot,butfixedhereyesteadfastlyuponaplace,assheewaswontwhentheDevillpresentedhimselfetoher,whichwasagriefetoherparents,broughtmeetoastand;intheconditionIlefther:
Thenextday,beingtheSabbath,whitheruponanyhintgivenher,oranyadvantageSatantookebyituponher,sheesentformeeinhastatnoone,comingtoher,sheeimmediatelywithtearestoldmethatsheehadbeliedtheDevill,insayingsheehadgivenhimofherblood:c:professedthatthemostoftheapparitionssheehadspokenofwerebutfansyes,asimagesrepresentedinadreame;earnestlyentreatedmetobeleeveher,calledGodtowitnessetoherassertion,ItoldherIwouldwillinglyhopethebest,beleevewhatIhadanygoodgroundstoapprehend;ifthereforesheewouldtellamoremethodicallrelationthantheformer,itwouldbewell,butifotherwise,shemustbeecontentthateveryoneshouldcensureaccordingtotheirapprehension,sheepromisedsoetodoe,expressedadesirethatallthatwouldmightheareher;thatastheyhadheardsoemanylyesuntruths,theymightnowhearethetruth,engagedthatintheeveningsheewoulddoeit;Ithenrepairedtoher,diversmorethenwent;sheethendeclaredthusmuch,thattheDevillhadsometimesappearedtoher;thattheoccasionofitwasherdiscontent,thatherconditiondispleasedher,herlaborwasburdensometoher,sheewasneithercontenttobeeathomenorabroad;hadoftentimestrongpersuasionstopracticeinwitchcraft,hadoftenwishedtheDevillwouldcometoheratsuchsuchtimes,resolvedthatifheewould,sheewouldgiveherselfeuptohimsoulebody:but(thoughheehadofttimesappearedtoher,yet)atsuchtimesheehadnotdiscoveredhimselfe,andtherforesheehadbinpreservedfromsuchathing:Ideclaredasuspicionofthetruthoftherelation,gavehersomeReasons;butbyReasonofthecompanydidnotsaymuch,neithercouldanythingfurtherbegottenfromher:butthenextdayIwenttoher,openedmymindtoheralone,leftitwithher,declared(amongotherthings)thatsheehadusedpreposterouscourses,therforeitwasnomarvellthatsheehadbinledintosuchcontradictions,tenderedherallthehelpeIcould,ifsheewouldmakeuseofme,moreprivatelyrelateanyweightyseriouscaseofConsciencetome,sheepromisedmesheewouldifsheeknewanything,butsaidthatthensheeknewnothingatall;butstoodtothestorysheehadtoldtheforegoingevening:indeedwhattomake[Page17]ofthesethingsIatpresentknownot,butamwaitingtillGod(ifheeseemeet)windupthestory,makeamorecleerediscoverye.
Itwasnotmanydayeseresheewashurriedagenintoviolentfitsafteradifferentmanner,beingtakenagenspeechlesse,usingallendeavorestomakeawaywithherselfe,doemischiefeuntoothers;strikingthosethatheldher;spittingintheirfaces;ifatanytimesheehaddoneanyharmeorfrightenedthemsheewouldlaughimmediately;whichfitsheldhersometimeslonger,sometimesshorter,fewoccasionssheehadofspeech,butwhensheecouldspeake,sheecomplainedofahardheart,counselledsometobewareofsin,forthathadbroughthertothis,bewailedthatsoemanyprayershadbinputupforher,sheestillsohardhearted,nomoregoodwroughtuponher;butbeingaskedwhithersheewerewillingtorepent,shakedherhead,saidnothing.Thussheecontinuedtillthenextsabbathintheafternoone;onwhichdayinthemorning,beingsomthingbetterthenatothertimes,sheehadbutlittlecompanytarryedwithherintheafternoon;whentheDevillbegantomakemorefulldiscoveryeofhimselfe:
Ithadbinaquestionbefore,whithersheemightproperlybeecalledaDemoniacke,orpersonpossessedoftheDevill,butitwasthenputoutofQuestion:heebegan(asthepersonswithhertestifye)bydrawinghertongueoutofhermouthmostfrightfullytoanextraordinarylengthgreatnesse,manyamazingposturesofherbodye;thenbyspeaking,vocallyinher,whereuponherfather,anotherneighborwerecalledfromthemeeting,onwhom,(assoonastheycamein,)herailed,callingthemroagues,chargingthemforfollyingoingtoheareablackeroague,whotoldthemnothingbutaparcelloflyes,deceivedthem,manylikeexpressions.afterexerciseIwascalled,butunderstoodnottheoccasion,tillIcame,heardthesamevoice,agrum,low,yetaudiblevoiceitwas,thefirstsalutationIhadwas,oh!youareagreatroague,Iwasatthefirstsomthingdauntedamazed,manyreluctancesIhaduponmyspirits,whichbroughtmeetoasilenceandamazementinmyspirits,tillatlastGodheardmygroanesgavemebothrefreshmentinChrist,courage:Ithencalledforalight,toseewhitheritmightnotappeareacounterfiet,andobservednotanyofherorganstomoove,thevoicewashollow,asifitissuedoutofherthroat;heethenagencalledmegreatblackeroague,Ichallengedhimtomakeitappear;butalltheAnswerwas,youtellthepeopleacompanyoflyes:Ireflectedonmyselfe,couldnotbut[Page18]magnifyethegoodnesseofGodnottosufferSatantobespatterthenamesofhispeople,withthosesinswhichheehimselfehathpardonedinthebloodofChrist.
IAnswered,Satan,thouartalyar,andadeceiver,Godwillvindicatehisownetruthoneday:heeAnswerednothingdirectly,butsaid,IamnotSatan,Iamaprettyblackeboy;thisismyprettygirle;Ihavebinhereagreatwhile,Isatstill,andAnswerednothingtotheseexpressions;butwhenheedirectedhimselfetomeeagen,oh!youblackeroague,Idoenotloveyou:IreplyedthroughGod'sgrace,Ihatethee;heerejoyned,butyouhadbetterlovemee;thesemannerofexpressionsfilledsomeofthecompanytherepresentwithgreatconsternation,othersputonboldnessetospeaketohim,atwhichIwasdispleased,advisedthemtoseetheircallcleere,fearingleastbyhispolicye,manyapishexpressionsheeused,heemightinsinuatehimselfe,raiseinthemafearlessenesseofspiritofhim:Inosoonerturnedmybacketogoetothefire,buthecalledoutagen,whereisthatblackeroaguegon:Iseeinglittlegoodtobeedonebydiscorse,questioningmanythingsinmymindconcerningit,IdesiredthecompanytojoyneinprayeruntoGod;whenweewentaboutthatdutywerekneeleddowne,withavoicelouderthenbeforesomething,heecryedout,holdyourtongue,holdyourtongue,getyougonyoublackeroague,whatareyougoingtodoe,youhavenothingtodoewithme,c:butthroughGodsgoodnessewassilenced,,sheelayquietduringthetimeofprayer,butassooneasitwasended,beganafresh,usingtheformerexpressions,atwhichsomeventuredtospeaketohim:ThoughIthinkeimprudentlye:onetoldhim,Godhadhiminchaines,heereplyed,forallmychaine,IcanknocketheeontheheadwhenIplease:heesaidheewouldcarryherawaythatnight.AnotherAnswered,butGodisstrongerthanthou,Hepresentlyrejoyned,that'saly,IamstrongerthanGod:atwhichblasphemyIagenadvisedthemtobeewaryofspeaking,counselledthemtogetseriousparsonstowatchwithher,lefther,commendinghertoGod:
OnTuesdayfollowingsheeconfessedthattheDevillentredintoherthe2ndnightafterherfirsttaking,thatwhensheewasgoingtobed,heeentredin(assheeconceived)athermouth,hadbininhereversince,professed,thatiftherewereeveraDevillintheworld,therewasoneinher,butinwhatmannerhespakeinhershecouldnottell:OnWednesdaynight,sheemustforthwithbecarrieddownetothebayinallhast,sheeshouldneverbewell,tillanassemblyof[Page19]ministerswasmettogethertopraywithforher,inparticularMr.Cobbet:herfriendsadvisedwithmeaboutit;Isignifyedtothem,thatIapprehended,Satannevermadeanygoodmotion,butitwasoutofseason,thatitwasnotathingnowfiezable,theseasonbeingthenextreamecold;thesnowdeepe,thatifsheehadbintakeninthewoodswithherfitssheemustneedsperish:Onfridayintheeveningsheewastakenagenviolently,thentheformervoice(forthesound)washeardinheragen,notspeaking,butimitatingthecrowingofacocke,accompaniedwithmanyothergestures,someviolent,someridiculous,whichoccasionedmygoingtoher,wherebysignesshesignifyedthattheDevillthreatenedtocarryherawaythatnight,Godwasagenthensoughtforher.wheninprayer,thatstatementwasused,theGodhadproovedSatanaliar,inpreservingheroncewhenheehadthreatnedtocarryherawaythatnight,wasentreatedsoetodoeagen,thesamevoice,whichhadceased2dayesbefore,wasagenheardbytheby-standers5timesdistinctlytocryout,ohyouarearoague,andthenceased:butthewholetimeofprayer,sometimesbyviolenceoffitssometimesbynoisessheemade,sheedrounedherownehearingfromreceivingourpetition,assheafterwardsconfessed:
Sincethattimesheehathcontinuedforthemostpartspeechlesse,herfitscominguponhersometimesoften,sometimeswithgreaterintermission,withgreatvarietyesinthemannerofthem,sometimesbyviolence,sometimesbymakinghersicke,but(throughGodsgoodnesse)soeabatedinviolence,thatnowonepersoncanaswellruleher,asformerly4or5:Sheisobservedalwayestofallintoherfitswhenanystrangersgoetovisither,themoregoethemoreviolentareherfits:astotheframeofherspiritsheehathbinmoreaverselatelytogoodcounsellthanheretofore,yetsometimesheesignifyesadesireofthecompanyeofministers.
OnThursdaylast,intheevening,sheecameaseasontoherspeech,(asIreceivedfromthemwithher)agendisounedaCovenantwiththeDevill,disounedthatrelationabouttheknifeforementioned,declaredtheoccasionofherfitstobeediscontent,ownedthetemptationstomurder;declaredthatthoughthedevillhadpowerofherbody,sheehopedheeshouldnotofhersoule,thatshehadrathercontinuesoespeechlesse,thenhaveherspeech,makenobetteruseofitthenformerlysheehad,expressedthatsheewassometimesdisposedtodoemischiefe,wasasifsomehadlaidholdofhertoenforcehertoit,haddoublestrengthtoherowne,thatsheeknewnotwhitherthedevill[Page20]wereinherornoifheeweresheeknewnotwhenorhowheentered;thatwhensheewastakenspeechlesse,shefaredasifastringwastyedabouttherootsofhertongue,reacheddouneintohervitallspulledhertonguedowne,thenmostwhensheestrovetospeake:
OnFryday,intheeveningsheewastakenwthapassionofweeping,sighing,whichheldhertilllateinthenight,atlengthshesentforme;butthenunseasonablenesseoftheweather,myownebodilyindisposednesseprevented:Iwentthenextmorning,whensheestrovetospeakesomthingbutcouldnot,butwastakenwithherfits,whichheldheraslongasItarried,whichwasmorethenanhoure,Ileftherinthem:thusshecontinuesspeechlessetothisinstant,Jan.15.followedwithfits:concerningwhichstateofhersIshallsuspendmyowneJudgment,willinglyleaveittothecensureofthosethataremorelearned,aged,Judicious:onlyIshallleavemythoughtsinresp.of2or3questionswhichhaverisenabouther:viz.
1.Whitherherdistemperberealeorcounterfiet:Ishallsaynomoretothatbutthis,thegreatstrengthappearinginthem,greatweaknesseafterthem,willdisclaimethecontraryopinion:forthoapersonmaycounterfietmuchyetsuchastrengthisbeyondtheforceofdissimulation:
2.WhitherherdistemperbeenaturallorDiabolicall,Isupposethepremiseswillstronglyenoughconcludethelatter,yetIwilladdethese2furtherarguments:
1.theactingsofconvulsion,whichthesecomenearestto,are(asparsonsacquaintedwiththemobserve)inmany,yeathemostessentiallpartsofthemquitecontrarytotheseactings:
2.Sheehathnowayeswastedinbody,orstrengthbyallthesefits,thoughsoedreadfulle,butgatheredfleshexceedinglye,hathhernaturallstrengthwhenherfitsareoff,forthemostpart:
3.WhithertheDevilldidreallyspeakeinher:tothatpointwhichsomehavemuchdoubtedof,thusmuchIwillsaytocountermandthisapprehension:
1.ThemannerofstatementIdiligentlyobserved,couldnotperceiveanyorgan,anyinstrumentofspeech(whichthephilosophermakesmentionof)tohaveanymotionatall,yeahermouthwassometimesshutwithoutopeningsometimesopenwithoutshuttingormoving,thenbothIotherssawhertongue(asitusedtobeewhensheewasinsomefits,whenspeechlesse)turnedupcircularlytotheroofeofhermouth.
2.thelabialletters,diversofwhichwereusedbyher,viz.B.M.P.whichcannotbeenaturallyexpressedwithoutmotionofthelips,whichmustneedscomewithinourken,ifobserved,wereutteredwithoutanysuchmotion,[Page21]sheehadusedonlyLingualls,Gutturallsc:themattermighthavebinmoresuspicious:
3.therevilingtermesthenused,weresuchassheeneverusedbeforenorsince,inallthistimeofherbeingthustaken:yea,hathbinalwayesobservedtospeakerespectivelyconcerningmee;
4.Theywereexpressionswhichthedevill(byherconfession)aspersedmee,otherswithall,inthehoureoftemptation,particularlysheehadfreelyacknowledgedthattheDevillwaswonttoappeartoherinthehouseofGoddiverthermind,chargehersheeshouldnotgiveearetowhattheBlackecoatedroagespake:
5.weeobservedwhenthevoicespake,herthroatwasswelledformidablyasbigatleastasonesfist:TheseargumentsIshallleavetothecensureoftheJudicious:
4.whithersheehavecovenantedwiththeDevillornoe:Ithinkethisisacaseunanswerable,herdeclarationshavebeensoecontradictorye,onetoanother,thatweeknownotwhattomakeofthemherconditionissuchasadministersmanydoubts;charitywouldhopethebest,lovewouldalsoefearetheworst,butthusmuchiscleare,sheeisanobjectofpitye,Idesirethatallthatheareofherwouldcompassionateherforlornestate,Sheeis(Iquestionnot)asubjectofhope,thererforeallmeanesoughttobeeusedforherrecoverye,Sheeisamonumentofdivineseveritye,theLordgrantthatallthatseeorheare,mayfearetremble:Amen.
S.W.
Green'sNote:DuringthewitchcraftexcitementatSalem,intheyear1692,nomanofthatdaydidmoretoexposethewickedcharacteroftheexaminationsandconvictionsthanThomasBrattle,ofBoston.Hisgoodsense,andregardfortruthandjustice,areshowninaletterwrittenatthattime,thoughnotpublishedformorethanacenturylater.ItisfoundinthefifthvolumeoftheCollectionsoftheMassachusettsHistoricalSociety,andthewriterthusmentionsElizabethKnapp’scase:-
Icannotbutadmire[wonder]thattheseafflictedpersonsshouldbesomuchcountenancedandencouragedintheiraccusationsastheyare:IoftenthinkoftheGrotonwoman,thatwasafflicted,anaccountofwhichwehaveinprint[inMr.Willard'ssermon],andisa[Page22]mostcertaintruth,nottobedoubtedof.Ishallonlysay,thattherewasasmuchground,inthehourofit,tocountenancethesaidGrotonwoman,andtoapprehendandimprison,onheraccusations,asthereisnowtocountenancetheseafflictedpersons,andtoapprehendandimprisonontheiraccusations.Butfurthermore,itisworthyofourdeepestconsideration,thatintheconclusion,(aftermultitudeshavebeenimprisoned,andmanyhavebeenputtodeath),theseafflictedpersonsshouldownthatallwasamerefancyanddelusionofthedevil's,astheGrotonwomandidownandacknowledgewithrespecttoherself;if,Isay,inaftertimes,thisbeacknowledgedbythem,howcanthejustices,judges,oranyelseconcernedinthesematters,lookbackuponthesethingswithoutthegreatestofsorrowandgriefimaginable?Iconfesstoyou,itmakesmetremblewhenIseriouslyconsiderofthisthing.IhaveheardthatthechiefjudgehasexpressedhimselfveryhardlyoftheaccusedwomanatGroton,asthoughhebelievedhertobeawitchtothisday:butbysuchasknewthesaidwoman,thisisjudgedaveryuncharitableopinionofthesaidjudge,andIdonotunderstandthatanyareproselytedthereto.(Pages73,74.)
ThomasHutchinson,inthe"HistoryoftheProvinceofMassachusettsBay"(Boston,1767),referstothiscaseandsays:-
In1671,ElizabethKnapp,anotherventriloqua,alarmedthepeopleofGrotoninmuchthesamemannerasAnnColehaddonethoseofHartford;butherdaemonwasnotsocunning,forinsteadofconfininghimselftooldwomen,herail'datthegoodministerofthetownandotherpersonsofgoodcharacter,andthepeoplecouldnotthenbeprevailedontobelievehim,butbelievedthegirl,whensheconfessedshehadbeendeluded,andthatthedevilhadtormentedherintheshapeofgoodpersons;andsosheescapedthepunishmentduetoherfraudandimposture.(ii.17.)
SamuelG.Drake,inhis"AnnalsofWitchcraftinNewEngland"(Boston,1869),alsomentionsthecaseofElizabethKnapp,andsays:-
[Page23]ThisStoryhasbeengiventoshowhow,inthoseTimes,atolerablysevereCaseofHystericscouldbemagnifiedbythosewhohadanexceedinglylargeMaggotofCredulityintheirBrains.Grotonisonlythirty-threeMilesfromBoston,buttheStory,intravellingeventhatshortDistance,hadnoDoubtswollenintosuchProportions,astohavebutafaintLikenesstotheOriginal.
TheConditionofElizabethKnapwasprobablyverysimilartothatofElizabethBarton(theHolyMaidofKent),who,forherPretensionstoInspiration,"ConvulsionsandstrangeMotionsofBody,"wasputtoDeathintheTimeofHenrytheEighth,1584.(Pages132,133.)
JohnWillard,whowashungasawitchatSalemonAugust19,1692,hadpreviouslylivedinGroton.ThepapersrelatingtohisarrestandtrialarestillonfileintheofficeoftheclerkofthecourtsforEssexCountyatSalem,andgivemanyparticularsoftheunfortunateaffair.Theyarefoundinthefirstvolumeof"WitchcraftPapers,"andnumberedfrom91to107inclusive.ThetrialwasheldbeforeaspecialtermoftheCourtofOyerandTerminer,ofwhichtherecordsarenowlost.
AwarrantforWillard'sarrestwasissuedonMay10,1692,addressed"TotheConstableofSalem"andputinthehandsofJohnPutnam,Jr.,whomadeareturndatedMay12,thathe"wenttothehouseoftheVsuallabodeofJohnWillardsandmadesearchforhim,andinseuerallotherhousesandplacesbuttcouldnotfindhim;andhisrelationeandfriendsthengauemeeaccomptthattotheirebestknowledgehewasffleed."
Sevenindictmentswerefoundagainsthim,andtheoriginalcopiesoffourofthemarestillinexistence.Theseallchargehimwithpractisinghissorceriesonvariousspinsters.
AccordingtoRobertCalef,inhis"MoreWondersoftheInvisibleWorld"(London,1700):-
JohnWillard,hadbeenimployedtofetchinseveralthatwereaccused;buttakingdissatisfactionfromhisbeingsent,tofetchup[Page24]somethathehadbetterthoughtsof,hedeclinedtheService,andpresentlyafterhehimselfwasaccusedofthesameCrime,andthatwithsuchvehemency,thattheysentafterhimtoapprehendhim;hehadmadehisEscapeasfarasNashawag,about40MilesfromSalem;yet'tissaidthoseAccusersdidthenpresentlytelltheexacttime,saying,nowWillardistaken.(Page104.)
ItwillbenoticedthatCalefleavesittobeinferredthatWillardwasarrestedatNashawag,whichisanotherformofNashua,andanoldnameofLancaster.TheNashuaRiverissometimescalledtheNashawag,intheearlyrecordsofGroton.Mr.Upham,inhis"SalemWitchcraft"(Boston,1867),saysdefinitelythatWillard"wasseizedinGroton"(ii.173);butIdonotfindhisauthorityforthestatement.Lancastermayhavebeentheplaceofhisarrest.WillardhadpreviouslylivedatGroton,whichwasthenafrontiertown;andafterhisflightfromSalemhewouldnaturallyhavegonethither.
Thefollowingarecopiesofsomeoftheoriginalpapers:-
AnnoRegniRegisetReginaeetMariaenuncAngliae,c.Quarto.
Essexss
TheJurorsforourSovereigneLordandLadytheKingQueenpresentsthatJohnWillardofSalemVillageintheCountyofEssexhusbandtheEighteenthdayofMayintheffourthyearoftheReigneofourSovereigneLordandLadyWilliamMarybytheGraceofGodofEnglandScottlandffranceIrelandKingQueenDefendersoftheffaithc:DiversotherDayestimesaswellbeforeasafter,certainedetestableartscalledWitchcraftsSorcerieswickedlyfeloniouslyhathvsed,PractisedExercisedatwithintheTowneofSalemintheCountyofEssexaforesaidin.vpon.andagtoneMercyLewisofSalemVillageaforesaidintheCountyaforesaidsinglewomanbywhichsaidwickedartsthesaidMercyLewisthesaidEighteenthDayofMayintheffourthyearabovesaidanddiversotherDayestimesaswellbeforeasafterwasishurt,torturedafflictedconsumedPinedwastedtormented,againstthePeaceofourSovereigneLord[Page25]LadytheKingQueen.andagainsttheformeoftheStatuteinthatcasemadeProvided
Witnesses
MercyLewis
AbigailWilliams
MaryWalcott
SusannaSheldon
AnnPuttnamSenior
AnnPuttnamJunior
ElizabethHubbard
AnotherwarrantwasissuedonMay15,1692:"ToTheMarshalloftheCountyofEssexortotheConstablesinSalemoranyotherMarshalorMarshallsConstableorConstableswithinthistheirMajesColonyorTerretoryoftheMassachusettsinNewEngland."
Thiswarrantwas"TobeprosecutedaccordingtothedirectionofConstableJohnputnamofSalemVillagewhogoeswiththesame."
Thefollowingendorsementismadeonthepaper:-
IhaueapprehendedJohnWilardofSalamVelegacordentothetenerofthiswarantandbroughthimbeforeyourworshepsDate18May1692
byme.JohnPutnamConstobleofSalam
TheDepositionofSamuelParrisagedabout39years,NathanellIngersollagedaboutfiftyeightyearesalsoThomasPutmanagedaboutfourtyyearesallofSalem-
testifyethsaiththatEliz:Hubbard,MaryWarrenAnnPutmanJohnIndianwereexceedinglytorturedattheexaminationofJohnWillardofSalemHusbandman,beforethehonouredMagistratesthe18May1692alsothatuponhislookinguponEliz:Hubbardshewasknocktdown,alsothatsomeoftheafflictedparticularlySusannahSheldonthentheretestifyedthattheysawablackmanwhisperinghimintheear,thatsaidSheldoncouldnotcomeneartosaidWillardbutwasknocktdown,andalsothatMary[Page26]WarreninafitbeingcarriedtohimthesaidWillardshesaidWarrenwaspresentlywelluponhisgraspingherarm,fartherthatseveralloftheafflictedalsothentestified,thatdiversofthosehehadmurtheredthenroseupagainsthim,fartherthathecouldbynomeansrightlyrepeattheLordsPrayerthoughhemademanifoldassayes.
Mr.SamuelParrisandNathanaelIngersolland:thomasputnamdiduppontheoathwhichtheyhadtakendidbeforeustheJurisofinquestownethisthartestimony:this3dayofJune:92:
SworninCourtbyMrParrisTho:Putman
junethe31692:
SarahVibberaged36yearesorthearaboutstestifieandsaiththebeforJno:WelardwasexammendattheuillegIbeinginLeftEngorsolsChamborIsawtheaporitionofjohnwillardcomtomarywolcotmarcyluishurtthemgriuoslyalmostchokedThemThenItouldofitemediatlythesaidwiliardfeluponmetormentedmegreueslypinchedme.threwmedown
Sarahuibber:ownidthishartestimonybeforeustheJurriarsforInqwest:this3ofJune:1692
JuratinCuria
ThedepositionofLydiaNecolsaged46yearesandofMargaretKnightaged20yeareswhotestefyandsay.
ThatthewifeofJohnWillardbeingatherfathershousewhenthesaidWillardliuedatGrotenshemadealamentablecomplaynthowcrueltyherhusbandhadbeatenher.shethoughtherselfethatsheshouldneuerrecoueroftheblowshehadgiuenher:thenextmorningehewasgotintoalitleholevnderthestayresandthenshethoughtsomethingeextraordinaryhadbefallenhimthenheranoutatthedoore:andranup.asteephillalmostimpossibleforanymantorunvp:asshesayd:thenshetookehermareandridaway.fearingsomeeuilhadbenintendedagaynsther.andwhenshecametothehouseofHeneryorBeniaminWillardshetoldhowitwaswithherandthesaydHeneryWillardorbothwenttolookeafterhimandmethimcomeingeinastrangedistractedframe
ThedepositionofThomasBalyaged36yeareswhotestefiethandsayth.
[Page27]ThatIbeingatGroatonsomeshorttymeafterJohnWillard.asthereportwent,hadbeatenhiswifeIwenttocalhimhomeandcomeingehomewithhiminthenightIheardsuchahideousnoyseofstrangcreaturesIwasmuchaffrightedforIneverhadheardthelikenoyseIfearingetheymightbesomeeuilspiritsIenquiredofthesaidWillardwhatmightitbethatmadesuchahideousnoysethesaydWillardsaydtheywareLocust:thenextdayasIsupposethesaydWillardswifewithayoungechildandhermotherbeingvponmymare.ridingebetweenGroatonMilandChensford.theybeingwillingtogoeonfootealitledesiredmetoride:thenItakingmymarebeingwillingtoletherfeedalitle:thereasIrememberIaprehendIheardthesamenoyseagaynewhereatmymarestartedandgotfromme
JuratinCuria
ThetestomonyofRebeckahWilkinsagedninteenyearsDoetestifiethat29thJulyatnightsheeseJohnWilardsetingintheConnerandheesaidthatheewoldafflickmethatnightandforthwithheededafflickme:andthenaxdayIdedsehimafflickmesoerbyChoakingPollingoneearintoPeasesthenexdaybeingtheLordsdayIbeingGoingtometingIseJohnWilardandheeafflicktedmeuerysoer
JuratinCuria
ThedepositionofHeneryWilknessenaged41yeareswhotestifiethandsayththatvponthethirdofMaylastJohnWillardcametomyhouse:andueryearnestlyentreatedmetogowithhimtoBostonwhichIatlenghtconsentedtogowithhim,mySonDanielcomeingeandvnderstandingeIwasgoingewithhimtoBostonandseemedtobemuchtroubledthatIwouldgowiththesaydWillard:andhesaydhethoughtitwerewel.IfthesaydWillardwerehanged:whichmademeadmireforIneuerheardsuchanstatementcomefromhimtoanyonebeingesincehecametoyearesofdiscretion,butafterIwasgoneinafewdayshewastakensicke:andgreweuerydayworseworsewherevponwemadeaplicationtoaphysitianwhoaffirmedhissickneswasbysomepreternaturalcausewouldmakenoaplicationofanyphisicke.SometymesafterthisourneighbourscomeingtovisitmysonMercyLewiscamewiththemand[Page28]affirmedthatshesawtheapperitionofJohnWillardaflictinghim:quicklyaftercameAnPutnam.andshesawthesameapperitionandthenmyeldestdaughterwastakeninasadmannerthesaydAn:sawthesaydWillardaflictingher.atAnothertymemercylewesandmaryWalcottcametovisithim,andtheysawthesameapparitionofWillardaflictinghim,andthisnotbutalittletymebeforehisdeath.
SworneinCourt
JohnWillardwastriedonthe5thofAugustandhungonthe19th.Threeothermenandonewomanwereexecutedatthesametimeforwitchcraft;oneofwhomwastheReverendGeorgeBurroughs.TheyallwereconvictedonthesamekindofabsurdandflimsytestimonyasthatgiveninthedepositionsagainstWillard.Theywereallowednocounselfordefence,andtheirexecutionwasnothingshortofjudicialmurder.UnderthegallowsMr.Burroughsmadeaspeech,declaringhisinnocence,andalsoaprayerwhichheendedbyrepeatingcorrectlytheLord'sPrayer.Thisproducedagreateffectonthemultitude,asitwasthenthecommonbeliefthatawitchorwizardcouldnotsayitwithoutblundering.Thesympathyofthecrowdwassomuchexcitedthattheleadersofthewickedmovementbegantofearlesttheexecutionswouldbeprevented;andCottonMather,mountedonhorseback,addressedtheassemblageandtoldthemthatthepunishmentwasarighteousone.
Mr.Upham,inhis"SalemWitchcraft,"says:-
JohnWillardappearstohavebeenanhonestandamiableperson,anindustriousfarmer,havingacomfortableestate,withawifeandthreeyoungchildren.HewasagrandsonofOldBrayWilkins;whetherbybloodormarriage,Ihavenotbeenabletoascertain.TheindicationsarethathemarriedadaughterofThomasorHenryWilkins,mostprobablytheformer,withbothofwhomhewasajointpossessoroflands.HecamefromGroton;anditisforlocalantiquariestodiscoverwhetherhewasarelativeoftheRev.SamuelWillardofBoston.Ifso,thefactwouldshedmuchlightuponourstory.(ii.321.)
[Page29]AfteracarefulinvestigationIcannotdiscoveranykinshipbetweentheReverendSamuelWillardandJohn,thoughtheremayhavebeenaremoteone.LydiaNicholsandMargaretKnight,accordingtotheirdepositions,wereacquaintedwithHenryandBenjaminWillard,ofGroton,bothsonsoftheminister,andthesemenknewJohnWillard.TheReverendMr.Willard,whohadcarefullystudiedElizabethKnapp'scasetwentyyearsbeforetheSalemtragedy,evidentlybelievedinthedemoniacaloriginofwitchcraft,thoughheheldmoderateviewsonthesubject.Inapamphletwrittenbyhim,entitled"SomeMiscellanyObservationsonourpresentDebatesrespectingWitchcrafts,"andprintedintheyear1692,hetakesthegroundthattherearewitchesinNewEngland,andtheyoughttobepunished.
Inpassingjudgmentontheauthorsofthismonstrousdelusion,letusnotforgetthefactthatwitchcraftwasrecognizedasacrimeinthecolonialandprovinciallawsofMassachusetts,followingthoseofEngland;andletusremember,too,thatmanyofthewisestandbestmenatthatperiodlookeduponitasasinagainstGod,whichshouldbepunishedinaccordancewiththeMosaiclaw.
SirWilliamBlackstone,inhis"CommentariesontheLawsofEngland"(Boston,1818),says:-
Todenythepossibility,nay,actualexistenceofwitchcraftandsorcery,isatonceflatlytocontradicttherevealedwordofGod,invariouspassagesbothoftheoldandnewtestament:andthethingitselfisatruthtowhicheverynationintheworldhathinitsturnbornetestimony,eitherbyexamplesseeminglywellattested,orbyprohibitorylaws;whichatleastsupposethepossibilityofacommercewithevilspirits.(iv.60.)