May 1692

Day-By-Day chronicle of events during the Salem Witch Trials

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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 3, 1692 Rebecca Nurse's specter visited and tormented Mary Walcott, boasting about killing several of her neighbors. Ann Putnam was visited by the specter of George Burroughs, who attempted to force the Devil's book on her. Burroughs's two dead wives also appeared, looking like corpses, which frightened Ann even more than Burroughs. The ghosts of his wives told him that while they were in heaven, he would be in hell, and they revealed to Ann that he had murdered them. After Burroughs and his wives vanished, other ghosts appeared to Ann later in the day. These included Deodat Lawson's first wife and child, as well as Goody Fuller, all accusing Burroughs of killing them.
The court began by questioning Sarah Morrell, Lydia Dustin, and Dorcas Hoar. After their examinations, all three were sent to jail to await trial. Susanna Martin was the last to be questioned. As she walked into the room, all the afflicted fell into fits, and she laughed at the spectacle. When the magistrates asked her what she was laughing at, Martin responded, "Well, I may laugh at such folly." The afflicted then testified against her. The magistrates asked if she thought they were bewitched, to which she replied, "No, I do not think they are." Mercy Lewis testified that Martin had hurt her many times, Elizabeth Hubbard accused Martin of pinching her, and John Indian cried out, "She bites, she bites." The magistrates, finding the accusations credible, said, "Pray God discover you." With a sharp tone, Martin replied, "Amen, amen. A false tongue will never make a guilty person." The court then sent Martin to jail to await trial.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 3, 1692 The jail guards enjoyed a warm breakfast at Ingersoll's before escorting Sarah Morrell, Lydia Dustin, Dorcas Hoar, and Susanna Martin to Boston Jail. Meanwhile, the specter of George Burroughs visited Elizabeth Hubbard again. This time, instead of afflicting her, he revealed that he wasn't just a wizard; he was a conjurer.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 3, 1692 Rebecca Nurse's specter visited and tormented Mary Walcott, boasting about killing several of her neighbors. Ann Putnam was visited by the specter of George Burroughs, who attempted to force the Devil's book on her. Burroughs's two dead wives also appeared, looking like corpses, which frightened Ann even more than Burroughs. The ghosts of his wives told him that while they were in heaven, he would be in hell, and they revealed to Ann that he had murdered them. After Burroughs and his wives vanished, other ghosts appeared to Ann later in the day. These included Deodat Lawson's first wife and child, as well as Goody Fuller, all accusing Burroughs of killing them.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 4, 1692 George Burroughs arrived in Salem Town and was brought to Beadles Tavern.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 6, 1692 Margaret Jacobs, who lived in her grandfather George Jacobs's house, saw the specter of Alice Parker.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 6, 1692 Hathorne and Corwin held court in Boston and issued a third arrest warrant for Philip English. Marshals searched George Hillard's home, where English was hiding. He concealed himself behind a sack of dirty laundry and managed to evade arrest.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 7, 1692 The specter of George Burroughs visited Mercy Lewis with an unfamiliar book. He assured her it was safe to touch, explaining that it had once been in his study when she worked for him in Maine. Burroughs revealed that he had recruited Abigail Hobbs and bewitched John Shepard's daughter. When Mercy asked how he could cause so much trouble while imprisoned in Salem Jail, he replied that the Devil was his servant and had taken his form. Despite his efforts, Mercy refused to sign his book.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 8, 1692 On this sacrament Sabbath day, Reverend Parris addressed his congregation with a sermon based on I Corinthians 10:21: "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils; ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table of devils." Despite it being Sabbath, Thomas Putnam and John Putnam Jr. traveled to Salem Town to speak with Magistrates Hathorne and Corwin. They reported that the girls were being tortured by Bethis Carter and her daughter Bethia Jr., as well as Ann Sears and Sarah, the daughter of Lydia Dustin. The magistrates promptly issued arrest warrants for the four new suspects. Upon their return, they found that Ann had identified a new tormentor. She reported that an old, grey-headed man with a large nose had brought her the book, claiming to be Old Father Pharaoh
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 9, 1692 Before court began for the day, Mercy Lewis was abducted by the specter of George Burroughs and taken to a high mountain. Showing her the kingdoms of the earth, he promised them to her if she signed the book. She retorted that it wasn't his to give. Infuriated, he threatened to break her neck and throw her onto a hundred pitchforks.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 9, 1692 Unsuccessful in his efforts with Mercy Lewis, Burroughs' specter turned his attention to Susanna Sheldon at Ingersoll's. As he tortured her, he boasted about killing three children in Maine and claimed to have murdered his own two children and wives by smothering and choking them.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 9, 1692 The court convened at the Village Meeting House, and William Stoughton and Samuel Sewall joined Hathorne and Corwin. The first to be questioned was Reverend George Burroughs. As he was led into the room, all the afflicted fell into fits. Susanna Sheldon testified about his dead wives, claiming they said he had killed them. The court read the testimonials of the other afflicted, who were also in fits. When asked what he though of the testimony and depositions, Burroughs responded, "An amazing and humbling providence, some of you may observe, that when they begin to name my name, they cannot name it." More testimony was given about his unusual strength, the witch meeting in Parris's field, and his recruiting of others. Burroughs was sent to jail to await trial.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 10, 1692 At Susanna Sheldon's house, apparitions manifested, including the specter of Willard, who threatened vengeance if she testified against him. Suddenly, an angel appeared, banishing Willard's specter. This angel assured Susanna protection on her Journeys to and from the court, although it could not shield her during the examination. Later, the spirits of Willard's deceased wives and other victims visited her. The angel disclosed the names of these ghosts and revealed their injuries. Among them was Josiah Southwick, visibly marked by a pitchfork impaled in his left side.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 10, 1692 Later that day, the magistrates issued an arrest warrant for John Willard. However, by the time the constable reached his residence, Willard had already fled. The magistrates also ordered the arrest of George Jacobs Sr. and his granddaughter, Margaret. Both were successfully apprehended and taken to Thomas Beadle's tavern in Salem Town.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 10, 1692 George Jacobs Sr. was brought before the courtroom to face the accusations against him. As the magistrates began to summon the witnesses, one of them, his servant Sarah Churchill, took the stand. She testified that she had been afflicted the previous night at Ingersoll's. Mary Warren, who was also present, described the perpetrator as a man wielding two staves. Subsequently, Sarah identified the man as her master, Jacobs Sr. She further recounted an incident where he had harmed her by the river and another instance when he had presented her with a book. Despite the allegations, Jacobs Sr. vehemently maintained his innocence, proclaiming, "Well, burn me or hang me! I will stand in the truth of Christ!"
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 10, 1692 After the court adjourned for the day, Sarah Churchill was approached outside by Ann Andres, the daughter of George Jacobs Sr., and Sarah Ingersoll. Distraught and in tears, Churchill confessed to them that she had lied in her testimony. She revealed that the magistrates had threatened her, saying they would imprison her alongside Burroughs and other accused individuals if she did not cooperate.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 11, 1692 The magistrates questioned George Jacobs Sr. at Beadle's Tavern. As he responded to their questions, the afflicted present fell into fits. Ann Putnam Jr. claimed he had promised to cure her if she signed his book. Elizabeth Hubbard, who had previously been unaffected by Jacobs, suddenly experienced afflictions attributed to him. Mary Walcott testified that he had come to her and beaten her with his walking stick. Despite these accusations, Jacobs maintained his innocence and denied all charges.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 11, 1692 The magistrates then questioned Margaret Jacobs. Previously afflicted but now cured, others were convinced she must have signed the Devil's book. The magistrates warned her that she should confess or face imprisonment and hanging, implying that only a confession could spare her life. Fearing for her life, Margaret confessed to save herself. She agreed with whatever the magistrates suggested and implicated her grandfather, George Jacobs, Reverend George Burroughs, John Willard, and Alice Parker.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 12, 1692 The magistrates visited Salem Prison to question Abigail Hobbs, seeking information about the killing of George Burroughs' neighbors in Maine. She claimed she did not know anything about the murder. However, she admitted to being a witch for six years and having made two covenants with the Devil. The first lasting two years and the second four years.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 12, 1692 Next, the magistrates turned their attention to Mary Warren, questioning her further about signing the book. She explained that she didn't initially know what the book was but was now certain it was the Devil's book, which her master, Proctor, had forced her to sign. She confessed to afflicting the girls using image magic, revealing that her master had brought her a doll and that Alice Parker and Ann Pudeator had also provided her with dolls. She told them Ann Pudeator had killed James Cloyse's child. The magistrates issued arrest warrants for Ann Pudeator and Alice Parker.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 12, 1692 Alice Parker was arrested and brought before the magistrates. Despite suffering from fits caused by epilepsy, she denied being a witch. John Louder testified that he had been chased across Salem Commons by her specter. Mary recounted that after her father failed to mow Parker's grass for hay, Parker visited their home and warned him to complete the task. Shortly after her visit, Mary's mother and sister fell ill; her mother died, and her sister became mute.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 12, 1692 The magistrates ordered the following be transferred to Boston Jail: George Jacobs Sr., Giles Corey, William Hobs, Edward and Sarah Bishop, Bridget Bishop, Sarah Wildes, Mary Black, Mary English, Alice Parker and Ann Pudeator.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 13, 1692 Mary Warren was so severely tormented by the specter of Abigail Soames that the magistrates ordered Soames to be arrested and brought to Beadle's Tavern. Mary was taken from prison to the tavern for the questioning, pursued the entire way by Soames' specter, which bit and pinched her. As soon as Abigail Soames was brought into the tavern, Mary collapsed and identified her as the woman who was hurting her. A search of Abigail revealed a crochet needle in her apron, and once it was confiscated, Mary's fits stopped. Mary stated that she had never seen Abigail before, only her specter, which had identified itself as Abigail Soames and claimed to have helped kill someone named Southwick. As Mary recounted this, she turned to face Abigail and fell into a severe Seizure. It was noted that Abigail had been bedridden for most of the past year. Abigail explained, "I have been distracted many a time, and my senses have gone from me, and I thought I had seen many a body hurt me, and might have accused many as well as she doth. I really thought I had seen many persons at my mother's camp at Gloucester, and they greatly afflicted me as I thought." The court then ordered a touch test. Mary's fits ceased as soon as Abigail took her hand, and this test was repeated three times during the questioning. As Mary drifted in and out of consciousness, she reported that Abigail's specter threatened to bring an awl and stab her in the heart that night. Mary would fall into fits anytime Abigail looked at her. When asked if she thought witches caused the fits or believed there were witches, Abigail replied that she knew nothing about it and blamed the enemy or some wicked person. Abigail was sent to Salem Jail to await further questioning.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 14, 1692 Ann Putnam Jr. was visited by the specter of Elizabeth Hart. Initially, Hart was not there to cause harm but to discuss the accusations with Ann. However, when she failed to persuade Ann to drop her accusation, she began to torment her. Nathaniel Ingersoll and Thomas Putnam visited the magistrates to file official complaints against Elizabeth Hart and Thomas Farrar Sr. of Lynn, Elizabeth Colsen and Bethia Carter Jr. of Reading, and George Jacobs Sr. and his wife Rebecca, and her brother Daniel Andrews, as well as Sarah Buckley and her daughter Mary Witheredge, all of Salem Village.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 15, 1692 With John Willard still on the run, Benjamin Wilkins Sr. and Thomas Fuller Jr. made their way to Salem Town to consult with magistrates Hathorne and Corwin. They reported that Willard had been afflicting Bray and Daniel Wilkins. In response, the magistrates issued a second warrant for Willard's arrest. Ann Putnam Jr. was brought to see Bray and Daniel Wilkins. Upon her arrival, she claimed to see the specter of John Willard alongside Bray, Daniel, and his older sister, Rebecca. She also heard Willard's specter declare that he intended to kill Daniel and would need to obtain the power to do so from Reverend George Burroughs.
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Salem Witch Trials On this day May 16, 1692 Family and friends gathered at Henry Wilkins' house at Will’s Hills, watching helplessly as young Daniel Wilkins struggled to breathe. Mercy Lewis and Mary Walcott claimed to see the specter of John Willard choking him, while the specter of Goody Buckley pressed down on his chest. They ominously declared that he would be dead within three hours.
The Salem Witch Trials on this day May 16, 1692 Constables finally tracked down the suspected witch, John Willard, forty miles from his Salem home. He was found hoeing a field in Lancaster on land he owned along the Nashua River.
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The Salem Witch Trials May 17, 1692 Marshal George Herrick arrived in Salem Village to find five alleged witches detained at Ingersoll's Tavern. He promptly took them into custody and incarcerated them in the local jail. Shortly thereafter, Constable John Putnam appeared with John Willard in tow. Upon seeing Willard, the afflicted began screaming and did not cease until he was securely locked away.
Salem Witch Trials on this day may 17, 1692 Ezekiel Cheever delivered a letter from Benjamin Wilkins to Marshal Herrick, urgently requesting a jury of inquest to examine the body of Daniel Wilkins, whose recent death had raised grave concerns. The letter emphasized the need to prevent any further harm to those "afflicted creatures who continue in a lamentable condition." Based on their observations and the circumstances surrounding the death, the men concluded that Daniel had suffered an "unnatural death by some cruel hands of witchcraft or diabolical act."
The Salem witch trials on this day May 17, 1692 While John Willard was confined in jail, his specter allegedly attempted to strangle Sarah Bibber, Mary Walcott, and Mercy Lewis at Ingersoll's Tavern. Simultaneously, Bary Wilkins had been suffering from painful urinary issues for several weeks. Marshal Berrick ordered that Willard's body be shackled. Remarkably, as soon as Willard was restrained, the afflicted girls, along with Bary Wilkins, found relief from their torment and began to recover.
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 18, 1692 John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin brought seven accused witches before the court to face their accusers. Elizabeth Hart of Lynn was accused by Ann Putnam Jr. and Mary Warren. Although she firmly maintained her innocence, she was ordered held for trial on charges of tormenting Mary Warren. Thomas Farrar Sr. was also examined. Despite proclaiming his innocence, he too was sent to jail to await trial. When Sarah Buckley entered the room, nearly all of the afflicted were struck speechless except Abigail Williams, who cried out, "This is the woman that hath bit me with her scragged teeth a great many times!" Buckley denied the accusation, but the Court committed her to jail to await trial.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 18, 1692 Mary Witheredge, Sarah Buckley's daughter, was then examined and accused of afflicting Elizabeth Hubbard. She was likewise held for trial. When Rebecca Jacobs was brought in, the afflicted at first did not recognize her. Then one cried out, "Don't you know Jacobs, the old witch?" Under pressure, Rebecca eventually broke down and confessed. During the examinations, the magistrates also issued an arrest warrant for Roger Toothaker. He was quickly apprehended and brought in for questioning before the court adjourned. A well-known folk healer. Toothaker admitted to practicing countermagick but denied any malicious witchcraft. Never the less, he was sent to Boston Jail to await trial.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 18, 1692 The last of the seven to be examined was John Willard. As he was led into the courtroom, all of the afflicted immediately fell into violent fits. The magistrates read aloud the return of his warrant, noting that Willard had fled from authorities, a fact they claimed was an admission of guilt, and urged him to confess. Willard responded, "I shall, as I hope I shall be assisted by the Lord of Heaven. And for my going away, I was afrighted, and I thought by my withdrawing, it might be better. I fear not, but in his due time will make me as white as snow." He denied afflicting anyone, wither in person or by specter. Despite his defense, Numerous witnesses came forward with accusations. Finding their testimony credible, the court ordered Willard held in jail to await trial.
Salem Witch Trials on this day May 18, 1692
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 19, 1692 Mercy Lewis had recently moved into the home of John and Ann Putnam. A month earlier, the Putnams had lost their infant daughter, a tragedy they suspected was caused by witchcraft. Mercy was brought in to help Ann Sr. care for the household and her remaining children. Following John Willard's arrest, Ann Sr.'s fits had returned, and Mercy soon reported that ever since Mary Esty's release, Esty's specter had begun tormenting her as well.
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 20, 1692 Early in the morning, Mercy Lewis was found bound to her bed, unable to speak. Alarmed, Hannah Putnam sent Samuel Abbey to fetch her niece, Ann Putnam Jr., hoping she might identify the specter tormenting Mercy. As Ann Jr., Sarah Trask, and Abigail Williams made their way to Constable Putnam's house, they claimed to be followed by the specter of Mary Esty. The apparition, they said, declared she was seeking revenge on Mercy for continuing to accuse her. Upon arriving at the house, they found Mercy in bed, struggling as the specters of Mary Esty, John Willard, and Mary Witheredge choked her. As the girls entered the room, the specters turned their fury on Ann and Abigail, launching new attacks. The afflictions continued for hours. At one point, gasping for air, Mercy cried out, "Lord, let them not kill me quite." In a moment of clarity, she told those gathered that Esty had sworn to kill her before midnight. "Pray for the salvation of my soul," she pleaded as she began to convulse again, "for they will kill me!"
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 20, 1692 Word reached Constable John Putnam that Mercy Lewis was suffering a severe affliction. He rushed home, accompanied by Marshal George Herrick and Benjamin Hutchinson, only to find Mercy on the brink of death. The men decided her only hope of survival was the immediate arrest of Mary Esty. Putnam and Hutchinson set off for Salem Town, where they located Magistrate John Hathorne. Upon hearing the situation, Hathorne quickly issued a new arrest warrant for Mary Esty. Putnam and Hutchinson returned with the warrant and handed it to Marshal Herrick, who then departed for Topsfield to apprehend Mary Esty.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 20, 1692 Marshal George Herrick returned to Constable Putnam's house at midnight and found Mercy Lewis in the grip of a violent seizure. He informed those present that Mary Esty had been arrested. However it appeared, Esty's specter was still in the room, attempting to drape Mercy with a corpse's burial shroud. With what strength she had left, Mercy cried out, "I had rather go into the winding sheet than set my hand to the book." Her convulsions continued through the night, her body weakening with each passing hour. At last, just after daybreak, the torment ceased, and Mercy was finally released from her affliction.
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 21, 1692 Chains were placed on Mary Esty in an effort to bind her specter and prevent it from tormenting Mercy Lewis. After two days and one night of relentless suffering, Mercy finally began to recover once the restraints were secured. Meanwhile, Susanna Sheldon was being tormented by the specter of Sarah Proctor, who appeared to her with the Devil's Book. Sarah, along with Daniel Andrews and George Jacobs Jr., had struck Susanna deaf, mute, and blind. In response to the ongoing afflictions, Thomas and John Putnam visited the Magistrates to file formal complaints against Susanna Roots, Sarah Proctor, and Sarah Bassett, accusing them of tormenting Mary Walcott, Abigail Williams, Mercy Lewis, Susanna Sheldon, and Ann Putnam Jr.
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 22, 1692 Susanna Sheldon eventually recovered from the affliction that had robbed her of sight, speech, and hearing. As her senses returned, she awoke to see the specter of Phillip English standing beside her bed, threatening to cut her throat if she refused to sign the Devil's book. Before she could respond, the ghost of Joseph Rabson appeared, urging her to inform the court that English had drowned him when his boat capsized. As the vision faded. English's specter departed with a chilling vow to kill the governor and others in Boston.
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 23, 1692 With the court back in session in Salem Village, the Magistrates examined Sarah Bassett, Sarah Proctor, and Susanna Roots. All three were ordered to jail to await trial. Mary Esty was also brought in for further questioning. The primary evidence against her came from Mercy Lewis, who recounted her near-fatal ordeal at the hands of Esty's specter.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 23, 1692 As the day progressed, the afflicted continued to report attacks by specters, prompting Nathaniel Ingersoll and Thomas Rayment to file new complaints. This time, the accusations targeted Benjamin Proctor, his aunt Mary DeRich, and Sarah Pease. Arrest warrants were swiftly issued, and Constable John Putnam apprehended Proctor and DeRich, while Constable Peter Osgood located and arrested Sarah Pease. By day's end, all three had been examined by the Magistrates and committed to jail to await trial.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 23, 1692 Captain Cary and his wife arrived at Ingersoll's Tavern for a meeting with Abigail Williams. As they sat down, John Indian brought them vider, Cary inquired about the nature of his afflictions. John rolled up his sleeves and recealed scars on his arms, claiming they had been inflicted by witches. Cary, skeptical, noted that the wounds appeared too old to support such a claim. Sonn after, Abigail Williams and the other afflicted girls entered the room, immediately falling into violent convulsions and writhing on the floor. "Cary!" they screamed in unison. The commotion drew the attention of the magistrates in a nearby room, who ordered Mrs. Cary to be brought before them. The afflicted erupted into cries and spasms, accusing Mrs. Cary of causing their torment. When Captain Cary tried to speak in his wife's defense, he was sternly warned to remain silent or be removed from the room. The magistrates then demanded that Mrs. Cary perform the touch test. As she laid hands on the afflicted, they each claimed to recover instantly. Outraged by the proceedings, Captain Cary denounced the court, declaring that he prayed God would take vengeance upon such unmerciful men and deliver him and his wife from their cruelty. Unmoved, the Magistrates ordered that Mrs. Cary be held in jail to await trial.
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 26, 1692 While attending Lecture Day, the afflicted were suddenly seized by violent fits, claiming they were under attack by specters. They named their tormentors as Mrs. Bradbury, Goody Rice, Goody Read, and Goody Fosdick.
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 28, 1692 Magistrates Hathorne and Corwin heard two sets of complaints today. The first came from Thomas Putnam and Benjamin Hutchinson, who filed formal charges against Elizabeth Cary already jailed seven days earlier. The second, more extensive set of accusations was brought by John Holten and Jonathan Walcott. They named a wide range of individuals from across the colony: Martha Carrier of Andover, Elizabeth Fosdick of Malden, Wilmot Read of Marblehead, Sarah Rice of Reading, Elizabeth How and arthur Abbott of Ipswich, Captain John Alden of Boston, William Proctor of Salem, Captain John Flood of Lynn, and Mary Toothaker of Billerica. The magistrates issued arrest warrants for all eleven individuals, ordering them to be brought to Ingersoll's for examination by 10 a.m. the following Tuesday.
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 29, 1692 Despite it being the Sabbath, the constable of Marblehead took Wilmot Read into custody. At the same time, Constables in Reading arrested Sarah Rice, while Constable Ephraim Wildes of Topsfield located and apprehended Elizabeth How in Ipswich.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 29, 1692 While the rest of Salem Village gathered for Sabbath at the meeting house, Elizabeth Hubbard and Mary Walcott made their way to the home of James Holten, who was bedridden with severe stomach pains. The girls had accused John and Elizabeth Proctor of tormenting Holten through witchcraft, claiming their specters had pressed upon him, and that their children, William and Sarah, had taken part as well. As the girls entered the home, they began to convulse, crying out that the specters were attacking them. Strangely, as Holten watched their fits unfold, he realized that his pain had suddenly ceased.
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 30, 1692 After evading arrest for nearly a month, Philip English was finally discovered hiding at the Boston home of his friend, George Hollard. Deputy Marshal Jacob Manning reported to the court that English was now in custody.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 30, 1692 Nathaniel Putnam and Joseph Whipple traveled to Salem Town to file additional complaints against Elizabeth Fosdick and new accusations against Elizabeth Paine, alleging they had bewitched Mercy Lewis and Mary Warren. However, the magistrates, preoccupied with taking depositions against Bridget Bishop, declined to issue any new warrants at that time.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 30, 1692 Captain John How, brother-in-law to Elizabeth How, was speaking with his neighbor outside his home in Ipswich when he heard a sudden, ear-piercing squeal. Turning toward the noise, he saw his sow leap into the air and collapse, dead. Convinced that witchcraft was to blame, Captain How voiced his suspicion, though his neighbor scoffed at the idea. Half in jest, the neighbor suggested cutting off the animal’s ear as a form of countermagic. But as Captain How followed through with the act, his hand suddenly went numb. Certain that Elizabeth was behind both the death of the sow and his affliction, his belief only deepened as the pain persisted and left him unable to work for several days.
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169The Salem Witch Trials On This Day, May 31, 1692 Court resumed in Salem Village with Attorney General Thomas Newton and Reverend Henry Gibbs in attendance. Newton would later reflect on the day’s events, writing, “I have beheld most strange things—scarce credible but to the spectators.” Reverend Gibbs also recorded his impressions, describing the proceedings as “remarkable and prodigious passages,” and confessing, “I wondered at what I saw, but how to judge and conclude, I am at a loss.”
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 31, 1692 The list of accused witches to be examined that day was long, and the afflicted girls appeared agitated from the very start. Captain John Alden, observing the spectacle, dismissed the girls as “wenches, who played their juggling tricks—falling down, crying out, and staring in people’s faces.” During the proceedings, when the magistrates asked who in the room had harmed them, one of the afflicted initially pointed to Captain John Hill. However, she was being supported by an officer who whispered something in her ear, after which she abruptly changed her accusation, claiming it was Captain Alden who had afflicted her. She admitted she had never seen Alden before that day and that it was the officer who told her to name him.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day, May 31, 1692 Elizabeth How was the next to be questioned. The moment she entered the room, the afflicted fell into fits, crying out that she was their tormentor. How firmly denied the accusations, declaring, “If it were the last moment I were to live, God knows I am innocent of anything of this nature.” The afflicted described in detail the torments they claimed she had inflicted, and the court was shown fresh bruises and scratches on their arms, as well as a pin lodged in Ann Putnam Jr.’s hand. Maintaining her innocence, How insisted, “You would not have me confess that which I know not.”
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 31, 1692 As Martha Carrier was led into the room, the afflicted immediately convulsed and cried out, identifying her as their tormentor. Susanna Sheldon shouted, “She bites me, pinches me, and tells me she would cut my throat if I did not sign her book!” The magistrates instructed Carrier to look directly at the afflicted to see if they would fall down. She scoffed at the notion, replying, “They will dissemble if I look upon them,” even as several collapsed the moment she turned her gaze. Sheldon went on to accuse her of murdering twelve people in Andover, and suddenly all the afflicted screamed, claiming to see thirteen ghosts. Carrier responded defiantly, “It is a shameful thing that you should mind these folks that are out of their wits.”
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day, May 31, 1692 As Martha Carrier was led out, Wilmot Read was brought into the room, prompting the afflicted to fall into fits once again. Several claimed that Read had offered them the Devil’s book and frequently tormented them. Ann Putnam Jr. testified that she had seen Read afflict others, though she herself had never been harmed by her. When the magistrates questioned Read about the cause of the girls' suffering and whether she believed they were bewitched, she simply replied, “I cannot tell,” and added, “My opinion is they are in a sad condition.”
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day, May 31, 1692 William Proctor was the last to be examined, accused of tormenting Elizabeth Hubbard and Mary Warren. He firmly insisted on his innocence, but the court ordered that he be bound neck and heel and kept that way for 24 hours. However, when he began bleeding from the nose, someone removed his restraints. Everyone who was examined on this day were sent to jails and held for trial.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 3, 1692 Rebecca Nurse's specter visited and tormented Mary Walcott, boasting about killing several of her neighbors. Ann Putnam was visited by the specter of George Burroughs, who attempted to force the Devil's book on her. Burroughs's two dead wives also appeared, looking like corpses, which frightened Ann even more than Burroughs. The ghosts of his wives told him that while they were in heaven, he would be in hell, and they revealed to Ann that he had murdered them. After Burroughs and his wives vanished, other ghosts appeared to Ann later in the day. These included Deodat Lawson's first wife and child, as well as Goody Fuller, all accusing Burroughs of killing them.
The court began by questioning Sarah Morrell, Lydia Dustin, and Dorcas Hoar. After their examinations, all three were sent to jail to await trial. Susanna Martin was the last to be questioned. As she walked into the room, all the afflicted fell into fits, and she laughed at the spectacle. When the magistrates asked her what she was laughing at, Martin responded, "Well, I may laugh at such folly." The afflicted then testified against her. The magistrates asked if she thought they were bewitched, to which she replied, "No, I do not think they are." Mercy Lewis testified that Martin had hurt her many times, Elizabeth Hubbard accused Martin of pinching her, and John Indian cried out, "She bites, she bites." The magistrates, finding the accusations credible, said, "Pray God discover you." With a sharp tone, Martin replied, "Amen, amen. A false tongue will never make a guilty person." The court then sent Martin to jail to await trial.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 3, 1692 The jail guards enjoyed a warm breakfast at Ingersoll's before escorting Sarah Morrell, Lydia Dustin, Dorcas Hoar, and Susanna Martin to Boston Jail. Meanwhile, the specter of George Burroughs visited Elizabeth Hubbard again. This time, instead of afflicting her, he revealed that he wasn't just a wizard; he was a conjurer.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 3, 1692 Rebecca Nurse's specter visited and tormented Mary Walcott, boasting about killing several of her neighbors. Ann Putnam was visited by the specter of George Burroughs, who attempted to force the Devil's book on her. Burroughs's two dead wives also appeared, looking like corpses, which frightened Ann even more than Burroughs. The ghosts of his wives told him that while they were in heaven, he would be in hell, and they revealed to Ann that he had murdered them. After Burroughs and his wives vanished, other ghosts appeared to Ann later in the day. These included Deodat Lawson's first wife and child, as well as Goody Fuller, all accusing Burroughs of killing them.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 4, 1692 George Burroughs arrived in Salem Town and was brought to Beadles Tavern.
6th
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 6, 1692 Margaret Jacobs, who lived in her grandfather George Jacobs's house, saw the specter of Alice Parker.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 6, 1692 Hathorne and Corwin held court in Boston and issued a third arrest warrant for Philip English. Marshals searched George Hillard's home, where English was hiding. He concealed himself behind a sack of dirty laundry and managed to evade arrest.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 7, 1692 The specter of George Burroughs visited Mercy Lewis with an unfamiliar book. He assured her it was safe to touch, explaining that it had once been in his study when she worked for him in Maine. Burroughs revealed that he had recruited Abigail Hobbs and bewitched John Shepard's daughter. When Mercy asked how he could cause so much trouble while imprisoned in Salem Jail, he replied that the Devil was his servant and had taken his form. Despite his efforts, Mercy refused to sign his book.
8th
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 8, 1692 On this sacrament Sabbath day, Reverend Parris addressed his congregation with a sermon based on I Corinthians 10:21: "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils; ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table of devils." Despite it being Sabbath, Thomas Putnam and John Putnam Jr. traveled to Salem Town to speak with Magistrates Hathorne and Corwin. They reported that the girls were being tortured by Bethis Carter and her daughter Bethia Jr., as well as Ann Sears and Sarah, the daughter of Lydia Dustin. The magistrates promptly issued arrest warrants for the four new suspects. Upon their return, they found that Ann had identified a new tormentor. She reported that an old, grey-headed man with a large nose had brought her the book, claiming to be Old Father Pharaoh
9th
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 9, 1692 Before court began for the day, Mercy Lewis was abducted by the specter of George Burroughs and taken to a high mountain. Showing her the kingdoms of the earth, he promised them to her if she signed the book. She retorted that it wasn't his to give. Infuriated, he threatened to break her neck and throw her onto a hundred pitchforks.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 9, 1692 Unsuccessful in his efforts with Mercy Lewis, Burroughs' specter turned his attention to Susanna Sheldon at Ingersoll's. As he tortured her, he boasted about killing three children in Maine and claimed to have murdered his own two children and wives by smothering and choking them.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 9, 1692 The court convened at the Village Meeting House, and William Stoughton and Samuel Sewall joined Hathorne and Corwin. The first to be questioned was Reverend George Burroughs. As he was led into the room, all the afflicted fell into fits. Susanna Sheldon testified about his dead wives, claiming they said he had killed them. The court read the testimonials of the other afflicted, who were also in fits. When asked what he though of the testimony and depositions, Burroughs responded, "An amazing and humbling providence, some of you may observe, that when they begin to name my name, they cannot name it." More testimony was given about his unusual strength, the witch meeting in Parris's field, and his recruiting of others. Burroughs was sent to jail to await trial.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 10, 1692 At Susanna Sheldon's house, apparitions manifested, including the specter of Willard, who threatened vengeance if she testified against him. Suddenly, an angel appeared, banishing Willard's specter. This angel assured Susanna protection on her Journeys to and from the court, although it could not shield her during the examination. Later, the spirits of Willard's deceased wives and other victims visited her. The angel disclosed the names of these ghosts and revealed their injuries. Among them was Josiah Southwick, visibly marked by a pitchfork impaled in his left side.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 10, 1692 Later that day, the magistrates issued an arrest warrant for John Willard. However, by the time the constable reached his residence, Willard had already fled. The magistrates also ordered the arrest of George Jacobs Sr. and his granddaughter, Margaret. Both were successfully apprehended and taken to Thomas Beadle's tavern in Salem Town.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 10, 1692 George Jacobs Sr. was brought before the courtroom to face the accusations against him. As the magistrates began to summon the witnesses, one of them, his servant Sarah Churchill, took the stand. She testified that she had been afflicted the previous night at Ingersoll's. Mary Warren, who was also present, described the perpetrator as a man wielding two staves. Subsequently, Sarah identified the man as her master, Jacobs Sr. She further recounted an incident where he had harmed her by the river and another instance when he had presented her with a book. Despite the allegations, Jacobs Sr. vehemently maintained his innocence, proclaiming, "Well, burn me or hang me! I will stand in the truth of Christ!"
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 10, 1692 After the court adjourned for the day, Sarah Churchill was approached outside by Ann Andres, the daughter of George Jacobs Sr., and Sarah Ingersoll. Distraught and in tears, Churchill confessed to them that she had lied in her testimony. She revealed that the magistrates had threatened her, saying they would imprison her alongside Burroughs and other accused individuals if she did not cooperate.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 11, 1692 The magistrates questioned George Jacobs Sr. at Beadle's Tavern. As he responded to their questions, the afflicted present fell into fits. Ann Putnam Jr. claimed he had promised to cure her if she signed his book. Elizabeth Hubbard, who had previously been unaffected by Jacobs, suddenly experienced afflictions attributed to him. Mary Walcott testified that he had come to her and beaten her with his walking stick. Despite these accusations, Jacobs maintained his innocence and denied all charges.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 11, 1692 The magistrates then questioned Margaret Jacobs. Previously afflicted but now cured, others were convinced she must have signed the Devil's book. The magistrates warned her that she should confess or face imprisonment and hanging, implying that only a confession could spare her life. Fearing for her life, Margaret confessed to save herself. She agreed with whatever the magistrates suggested and implicated her grandfather, George Jacobs, Reverend George Burroughs, John Willard, and Alice Parker.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 12, 1692 The magistrates visited Salem Prison to question Abigail Hobbs, seeking information about the killing of George Burroughs' neighbors in Maine. She claimed she did not know anything about the murder. However, she admitted to being a witch for six years and having made two covenants with the Devil. The first lasting two years and the second four years.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 12, 1692 Next, the magistrates turned their attention to Mary Warren, questioning her further about signing the book. She explained that she didn't initially know what the book was but was now certain it was the Devil's book, which her master, Proctor, had forced her to sign. She confessed to afflicting the girls using image magic, revealing that her master had brought her a doll and that Alice Parker and Ann Pudeator had also provided her with dolls. She told them Ann Pudeator had killed James Cloyse's child. The magistrates issued arrest warrants for Ann Pudeator and Alice Parker.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 12, 1692 Alice Parker was arrested and brought before the magistrates. Despite suffering from fits caused by epilepsy, she denied being a witch. John Louder testified that he had been chased across Salem Commons by her specter. Mary recounted that after her father failed to mow Parker's grass for hay, Parker visited their home and warned him to complete the task. Shortly after her visit, Mary's mother and sister fell ill; her mother died, and her sister became mute.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 12, 1692 The magistrates ordered the following be transferred to Boston Jail: George Jacobs Sr., Giles Corey, William Hobs, Edward and Sarah Bishop, Bridget Bishop, Sarah Wildes, Mary Black, Mary English, Alice Parker and Ann Pudeator.
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The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 13, 1692 Mary Warren was so severely tormented by the specter of Abigail Soames that the magistrates ordered Soames to be arrested and brought to Beadle's Tavern. Mary was taken from prison to the tavern for the questioning, pursued the entire way by Soames' specter, which bit and pinched her. As soon as Abigail Soames was brought into the tavern, Mary collapsed and identified her as the woman who was hurting her. A search of Abigail revealed a crochet needle in her apron, and once it was confiscated, Mary's fits stopped. Mary stated that she had never seen Abigail before, only her specter, which had identified itself as Abigail Soames and claimed to have helped kill someone named Southwick. As Mary recounted this, she turned to face Abigail and fell into a severe Seizure. It was noted that Abigail had been bedridden for most of the past year. Abigail explained, "I have been distracted many a time, and my senses have gone from me, and I thought I had seen many a body hurt me, and might have accused many as well as she doth. I really thought I had seen many persons at my mother's camp at Gloucester, and they greatly afflicted me as I thought." The court then ordered a touch test. Mary's fits ceased as soon as Abigail took her hand, and this test was repeated three times during the questioning. As Mary drifted in and out of consciousness, she reported that Abigail's specter threatened to bring an awl and stab her in the heart that night. Mary would fall into fits anytime Abigail looked at her. When asked if she thought witches caused the fits or believed there were witches, Abigail replied that she knew nothing about it and blamed the enemy or some wicked person. Abigail was sent to Salem Jail to await further questioning.
14th
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 14, 1692 Ann Putnam Jr. was visited by the specter of Elizabeth Hart. Initially, Hart was not there to cause harm but to discuss the accusations with Ann. However, when she failed to persuade Ann to drop her accusation, she began to torment her. Nathaniel Ingersoll and Thomas Putnam visited the magistrates to file official complaints against Elizabeth Hart and Thomas Farrar Sr. of Lynn, Elizabeth Colsen and Bethia Carter Jr. of Reading, and George Jacobs Sr. and his wife Rebecca, and her brother Daniel Andrews, as well as Sarah Buckley and her daughter Mary Witheredge, all of Salem Village.
15th
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 15, 1692 With John Willard still on the run, Benjamin Wilkins Sr. and Thomas Fuller Jr. made their way to Salem Town to consult with magistrates Hathorne and Corwin. They reported that Willard had been afflicting Bray and Daniel Wilkins. In response, the magistrates issued a second warrant for Willard's arrest. Ann Putnam Jr. was brought to see Bray and Daniel Wilkins. Upon her arrival, she claimed to see the specter of John Willard alongside Bray, Daniel, and his older sister, Rebecca. She also heard Willard's specter declare that he intended to kill Daniel and would need to obtain the power to do so from Reverend George Burroughs.
16th
Salem Witch Trials On this day May 16, 1692 Family and friends gathered at Henry Wilkins' house at Will’s Hills, watching helplessly as young Daniel Wilkins struggled to breathe. Mercy Lewis and Mary Walcott claimed to see the specter of John Willard choking him, while the specter of Goody Buckley pressed down on his chest. They ominously declared that he would be dead within three hours.
The Salem Witch Trials on this day May 16, 1692 Constables finally tracked down the suspected witch, John Willard, forty miles from his Salem home. He was found hoeing a field in Lancaster on land he owned along the Nashua River.
17th
The Salem Witch Trials May 17, 1692 Marshal George Herrick arrived in Salem Village to find five alleged witches detained at Ingersoll's Tavern. He promptly took them into custody and incarcerated them in the local jail. Shortly thereafter, Constable John Putnam appeared with John Willard in tow. Upon seeing Willard, the afflicted began screaming and did not cease until he was securely locked away.
Salem Witch Trials on this day may 17, 1692 Ezekiel Cheever delivered a letter from Benjamin Wilkins to Marshal Herrick, urgently requesting a jury of inquest to examine the body of Daniel Wilkins, whose recent death had raised grave concerns. The letter emphasized the need to prevent any further harm to those "afflicted creatures who continue in a lamentable condition." Based on their observations and the circumstances surrounding the death, the men concluded that Daniel had suffered an "unnatural death by some cruel hands of witchcraft or diabolical act."
The Salem witch trials on this day May 17, 1692 While John Willard was confined in jail, his specter allegedly attempted to strangle Sarah Bibber, Mary Walcott, and Mercy Lewis at Ingersoll's Tavern. Simultaneously, Bary Wilkins had been suffering from painful urinary issues for several weeks. Marshal Berrick ordered that Willard's body be shackled. Remarkably, as soon as Willard was restrained, the afflicted girls, along with Bary Wilkins, found relief from their torment and began to recover.
18th
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 18, 1692 John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin brought seven accused witches before the court to face their accusers. Elizabeth Hart of Lynn was accused by Ann Putnam Jr. and Mary Warren. Although she firmly maintained her innocence, she was ordered held for trial on charges of tormenting Mary Warren. Thomas Farrar Sr. was also examined. Despite proclaiming his innocence, he too was sent to jail to await trial. When Sarah Buckley entered the room, nearly all of the afflicted were struck speechless except Abigail Williams, who cried out, "This is the woman that hath bit me with her scragged teeth a great many times!" Buckley denied the accusation, but the Court committed her to jail to await trial.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 18, 1692 Mary Witheredge, Sarah Buckley's daughter, was then examined and accused of afflicting Elizabeth Hubbard. She was likewise held for trial. When Rebecca Jacobs was brought in, the afflicted at first did not recognize her. Then one cried out, "Don't you know Jacobs, the old witch?" Under pressure, Rebecca eventually broke down and confessed. During the examinations, the magistrates also issued an arrest warrant for Roger Toothaker. He was quickly apprehended and brought in for questioning before the court adjourned. A well-known folk healer. Toothaker admitted to practicing countermagick but denied any malicious witchcraft. Never the less, he was sent to Boston Jail to await trial.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 18, 1692 The last of the seven to be examined was John Willard. As he was led into the courtroom, all of the afflicted immediately fell into violent fits. The magistrates read aloud the return of his warrant, noting that Willard had fled from authorities, a fact they claimed was an admission of guilt, and urged him to confess. Willard responded, "I shall, as I hope I shall be assisted by the Lord of Heaven. And for my going away, I was afrighted, and I thought by my withdrawing, it might be better. I fear not, but in his due time will make me as white as snow." He denied afflicting anyone, wither in person or by specter. Despite his defense, Numerous witnesses came forward with accusations. Finding their testimony credible, the court ordered Willard held in jail to await trial.
Salem Witch Trials on this day May 18, 1692
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The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 19, 1692 Mercy Lewis had recently moved into the home of John and Ann Putnam. A month earlier, the Putnams had lost their infant daughter, a tragedy they suspected was caused by witchcraft. Mercy was brought in to help Ann Sr. care for the household and her remaining children. Following John Willard's arrest, Ann Sr.'s fits had returned, and Mercy soon reported that ever since Mary Esty's release, Esty's specter had begun tormenting her as well.
20th
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 20, 1692 Early in the morning, Mercy Lewis was found bound to her bed, unable to speak. Alarmed, Hannah Putnam sent Samuel Abbey to fetch her niece, Ann Putnam Jr., hoping she might identify the specter tormenting Mercy. As Ann Jr., Sarah Trask, and Abigail Williams made their way to Constable Putnam's house, they claimed to be followed by the specter of Mary Esty. The apparition, they said, declared she was seeking revenge on Mercy for continuing to accuse her. Upon arriving at the house, they found Mercy in bed, struggling as the specters of Mary Esty, John Willard, and Mary Witheredge choked her. As the girls entered the room, the specters turned their fury on Ann and Abigail, launching new attacks. The afflictions continued for hours. At one point, gasping for air, Mercy cried out, "Lord, let them not kill me quite." In a moment of clarity, she told those gathered that Esty had sworn to kill her before midnight. "Pray for the salvation of my soul," she pleaded as she began to convulse again, "for they will kill me!"
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 20, 1692 Word reached Constable John Putnam that Mercy Lewis was suffering a severe affliction. He rushed home, accompanied by Marshal George Herrick and Benjamin Hutchinson, only to find Mercy on the brink of death. The men decided her only hope of survival was the immediate arrest of Mary Esty. Putnam and Hutchinson set off for Salem Town, where they located Magistrate John Hathorne. Upon hearing the situation, Hathorne quickly issued a new arrest warrant for Mary Esty. Putnam and Hutchinson returned with the warrant and handed it to Marshal Herrick, who then departed for Topsfield to apprehend Mary Esty.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 20, 1692 Marshal George Herrick returned to Constable Putnam's house at midnight and found Mercy Lewis in the grip of a violent seizure. He informed those present that Mary Esty had been arrested. However it appeared, Esty's specter was still in the room, attempting to drape Mercy with a corpse's burial shroud. With what strength she had left, Mercy cried out, "I had rather go into the winding sheet than set my hand to the book." Her convulsions continued through the night, her body weakening with each passing hour. At last, just after daybreak, the torment ceased, and Mercy was finally released from her affliction.
21st
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 21, 1692 Chains were placed on Mary Esty in an effort to bind her specter and prevent it from tormenting Mercy Lewis. After two days and one night of relentless suffering, Mercy finally began to recover once the restraints were secured. Meanwhile, Susanna Sheldon was being tormented by the specter of Sarah Proctor, who appeared to her with the Devil's Book. Sarah, along with Daniel Andrews and George Jacobs Jr., had struck Susanna deaf, mute, and blind. In response to the ongoing afflictions, Thomas and John Putnam visited the Magistrates to file formal complaints against Susanna Roots, Sarah Proctor, and Sarah Bassett, accusing them of tormenting Mary Walcott, Abigail Williams, Mercy Lewis, Susanna Sheldon, and Ann Putnam Jr.
22nd
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 22, 1692 Susanna Sheldon eventually recovered from the affliction that had robbed her of sight, speech, and hearing. As her senses returned, she awoke to see the specter of Phillip English standing beside her bed, threatening to cut her throat if she refused to sign the Devil's book. Before she could respond, the ghost of Joseph Rabson appeared, urging her to inform the court that English had drowned him when his boat capsized. As the vision faded. English's specter departed with a chilling vow to kill the governor and others in Boston.
23rd
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 23, 1692 With the court back in session in Salem Village, the Magistrates examined Sarah Bassett, Sarah Proctor, and Susanna Roots. All three were ordered to jail to await trial. Mary Esty was also brought in for further questioning. The primary evidence against her came from Mercy Lewis, who recounted her near-fatal ordeal at the hands of Esty's specter.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 23, 1692 As the day progressed, the afflicted continued to report attacks by specters, prompting Nathaniel Ingersoll and Thomas Rayment to file new complaints. This time, the accusations targeted Benjamin Proctor, his aunt Mary DeRich, and Sarah Pease. Arrest warrants were swiftly issued, and Constable John Putnam apprehended Proctor and DeRich, while Constable Peter Osgood located and arrested Sarah Pease. By day's end, all three had been examined by the Magistrates and committed to jail to await trial.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 23, 1692 Captain Cary and his wife arrived at Ingersoll's Tavern for a meeting with Abigail Williams. As they sat down, John Indian brought them vider, Cary inquired about the nature of his afflictions. John rolled up his sleeves and recealed scars on his arms, claiming they had been inflicted by witches. Cary, skeptical, noted that the wounds appeared too old to support such a claim. Sonn after, Abigail Williams and the other afflicted girls entered the room, immediately falling into violent convulsions and writhing on the floor. "Cary!" they screamed in unison. The commotion drew the attention of the magistrates in a nearby room, who ordered Mrs. Cary to be brought before them. The afflicted erupted into cries and spasms, accusing Mrs. Cary of causing their torment. When Captain Cary tried to speak in his wife's defense, he was sternly warned to remain silent or be removed from the room. The magistrates then demanded that Mrs. Cary perform the touch test. As she laid hands on the afflicted, they each claimed to recover instantly. Outraged by the proceedings, Captain Cary denounced the court, declaring that he prayed God would take vengeance upon such unmerciful men and deliver him and his wife from their cruelty. Unmoved, the Magistrates ordered that Mrs. Cary be held in jail to await trial.
26th
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 26, 1692 While attending Lecture Day, the afflicted were suddenly seized by violent fits, claiming they were under attack by specters. They named their tormentors as Mrs. Bradbury, Goody Rice, Goody Read, and Goody Fosdick.
28th
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 28, 1692 Magistrates Hathorne and Corwin heard two sets of complaints today. The first came from Thomas Putnam and Benjamin Hutchinson, who filed formal charges against Elizabeth Cary already jailed seven days earlier. The second, more extensive set of accusations was brought by John Holten and Jonathan Walcott. They named a wide range of individuals from across the colony: Martha Carrier of Andover, Elizabeth Fosdick of Malden, Wilmot Read of Marblehead, Sarah Rice of Reading, Elizabeth How and arthur Abbott of Ipswich, Captain John Alden of Boston, William Proctor of Salem, Captain John Flood of Lynn, and Mary Toothaker of Billerica. The magistrates issued arrest warrants for all eleven individuals, ordering them to be brought to Ingersoll's for examination by 10 a.m. the following Tuesday.
29th
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 29, 1692 Despite it being the Sabbath, the constable of Marblehead took Wilmot Read into custody. At the same time, Constables in Reading arrested Sarah Rice, while Constable Ephraim Wildes of Topsfield located and apprehended Elizabeth How in Ipswich.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 29, 1692 While the rest of Salem Village gathered for Sabbath at the meeting house, Elizabeth Hubbard and Mary Walcott made their way to the home of James Holten, who was bedridden with severe stomach pains. The girls had accused John and Elizabeth Proctor of tormenting Holten through witchcraft, claiming their specters had pressed upon him, and that their children, William and Sarah, had taken part as well. As the girls entered the home, they began to convulse, crying out that the specters were attacking them. Strangely, as Holten watched their fits unfold, he realized that his pain had suddenly ceased.
30th
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 30, 1692 After evading arrest for nearly a month, Philip English was finally discovered hiding at the Boston home of his friend, George Hollard. Deputy Marshal Jacob Manning reported to the court that English was now in custody.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 30, 1692 Nathaniel Putnam and Joseph Whipple traveled to Salem Town to file additional complaints against Elizabeth Fosdick and new accusations against Elizabeth Paine, alleging they had bewitched Mercy Lewis and Mary Warren. However, the magistrates, preoccupied with taking depositions against Bridget Bishop, declined to issue any new warrants at that time.
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 30, 1692 Captain John How, brother-in-law to Elizabeth How, was speaking with his neighbor outside his home in Ipswich when he heard a sudden, ear-piercing squeal. Turning toward the noise, he saw his sow leap into the air and collapse, dead. Convinced that witchcraft was to blame, Captain How voiced his suspicion, though his neighbor scoffed at the idea. Half in jest, the neighbor suggested cutting off the animal’s ear as a form of countermagic. But as Captain How followed through with the act, his hand suddenly went numb. Certain that Elizabeth was behind both the death of the sow and his affliction, his belief only deepened as the pain persisted and left him unable to work for several days.
31st
169The Salem Witch Trials On This Day, May 31, 1692 Court resumed in Salem Village with Attorney General Thomas Newton and Reverend Henry Gibbs in attendance. Newton would later reflect on the day’s events, writing, “I have beheld most strange things—scarce credible but to the spectators.” Reverend Gibbs also recorded his impressions, describing the proceedings as “remarkable and prodigious passages,” and confessing, “I wondered at what I saw, but how to judge and conclude, I am at a loss.”
The Salem Witch Trials On this day May 31, 1692 The list of accused witches to be examined that day was long, and the afflicted girls appeared agitated from the very start. Captain John Alden, observing the spectacle, dismissed the girls as “wenches, who played their juggling tricks—falling down, crying out, and staring in people’s faces.” During the proceedings, when the magistrates asked who in the room had harmed them, one of the afflicted initially pointed to Captain John Hill. However, she was being supported by an officer who whispered something in her ear, after which she abruptly changed her accusation, claiming it was Captain Alden who had afflicted her. She admitted she had never seen Alden before that day and that it was the officer who told her to name him.
The Salem Witch Trials On this day, May 31, 1692 Elizabeth How was the next to be questioned. The moment she entered the room, the afflicted fell into fits, crying out that she was their tormentor. How firmly denied the accusations, declaring, “If it were the last moment I were to live, God knows I am innocent of anything of this nature.” The afflicted described in detail the torments they claimed she had inflicted, and the court was shown fresh bruises and scratches on their arms, as well as a pin lodged in Ann Putnam Jr.’s hand. Maintaining her innocence, How insisted, “You would not have me confess that which I know not.”
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day May 31, 1692 As Martha Carrier was led into the room, the afflicted immediately convulsed and cried out, identifying her as their tormentor. Susanna Sheldon shouted, “She bites me, pinches me, and tells me she would cut my throat if I did not sign her book!” The magistrates instructed Carrier to look directly at the afflicted to see if they would fall down. She scoffed at the notion, replying, “They will dissemble if I look upon them,” even as several collapsed the moment she turned her gaze. Sheldon went on to accuse her of murdering twelve people in Andover, and suddenly all the afflicted screamed, claiming to see thirteen ghosts. Carrier responded defiantly, “It is a shameful thing that you should mind these folks that are out of their wits.”
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day, May 31, 1692 As Martha Carrier was led out, Wilmot Read was brought into the room, prompting the afflicted to fall into fits once again. Several claimed that Read had offered them the Devil’s book and frequently tormented them. Ann Putnam Jr. testified that she had seen Read afflict others, though she herself had never been harmed by her. When the magistrates questioned Read about the cause of the girls' suffering and whether she believed they were bewitched, she simply replied, “I cannot tell,” and added, “My opinion is they are in a sad condition.”
The Salem Witch Trials On This Day, May 31, 1692 William Proctor was the last to be examined, accused of tormenting Elizabeth Hubbard and Mary Warren. He firmly insisted on his innocence, but the court ordered that he be bound neck and heel and kept that way for 24 hours. However, when he began bleeding from the nose, someone removed his restraints. Everyone who was examined on this day were sent to jails and held for trial.
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