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As you can see I will write about the early prejudices of the Salem witchcraft trial. Here is the examination of Nehemiah Abbott Jr. He is beginning examined on April 22, 1692. See if this conversation is very fair with you.
Judge: What say you, are you guilty of withcraft of which you are suspected or not?
Abbott: No sir. I say before god, I know nothing of witchcraft.
Judge: Who is this man?
Ann Putman: Nehemiah Abbott Jr. Mary said she had seen his shape.
Judge: What say you to this?
Abbott: I never did hurt them.
Judge: Who hurt you Ann Putman?
Putman: That man.
Abbott: I never hurt her.
Judge: Ann Putman said he is upon the beam (stand). Such a discovery of the person carried out and she confessed and you find mercy of god. You must confess.
Abbott: If I should confess this, I must confess what is false.
Judge: Tell how far you have gone, who hurts you?
Abbott: I do not know, I am absolutely free (innocent).
Judge: As you say, God knows. If you will confess the truth we desire nothing else that you may not hide your guilt, if you are guilty. Confess if so.
Abbott: I speak before God that I am clear from this accusation (I am innocent from this accusation)
Judge: In all respects?
Abbott: Yes in all respects.
Judge: Did this man hurt you? Their mouths were stopped. You hear several accuse you, though one cannot open her mouth.
Abbott: I am absolutely free. (innocent) Charge him unless it be he.
Judge: This is the name say some and some say he is very like him . How do you know his name?
Putnam: He did not tell me himself. but other witches told me.
Judge: Ann Putnam said it is the same msn, and then she was taken with a fit. Mary Walcot is this the man?
Mary: He is like him, I cannot say it is him.
I have lost the rest of the transcirpt but I think this trial is a mockery of justice. I'm glad I never lived during those times. | |
