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SALEM : WITCHES BEWARE !
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Whilst in Boston, USA, I wanted to take the chance to visit nearby Salem.
I had certainly heard of this place and the famous witch trials of the late 17th century.
I could recall that there was an involvement of doubtful accusations by children but did not know much more than that.
So, after a little research on available locations to photograph, I made the trip.
The area known today as Salem Town was not, in fact, the main centre of those witch trials but does fully embrace the Salem story with a museum and various tourist sites. I understand that even the police cars have a witches' logo on the side.
Actually most of the story took place in what was originally called Salem Village and is now a neighbouring residential district called Danvers.
So, if you plan to go to this area, allow time to visit two separate areas around 20-30 minutes apart by car
Before continuing, a small quiz for you. When you think you know the answer, press the button to check.
WHAT DO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE HAVE IN COMMON ? > Lucille Ball, comedian > Ray Bradbury, author > US President Bush (both of them) > Alexander McQueen, fashion designer > Sarah Jessica Parker (actress) > Prince William, Duke of Cambridge |
SYNOPSIS
In the 17th Century, Salem Village was the location of probably the most famous witch-hunt in the world.
A community turned on itself after a group of children claimed to be targeted by witches in the village who were in league with the Devil.
Despite the suspicious nature of the accusations, the community somehow went a little crazy believing that their village had been taken over by evil forces
Then as some people took a certain personal advantage from the fear and panic, a series of trials took place resulting in the execution of completely innocent villagers.
This craziness continued for a number of months before, eventually, the Governor, under some pressure, decided to bring this shameful episode to an end.
Although some historians have put the whole thing down as a kind of mass hysteria, that is far too simplistic an answer.
Politics, personal vendettas and the church seeing some benefit from the fear all played a part in this story.
Lessons were learned but some questions remain unanswered even today
In the 17th Century, Salem Village was the location of probably the most famous witch-hunt in the world.
A community turned on itself after a group of children claimed to be targeted by witches in the village who were in league with the Devil.
Despite the suspicious nature of the accusations, the community somehow went a little crazy believing that their village had been taken over by evil forces
Then as some people took a certain personal advantage from the fear and panic, a series of trials took place resulting in the execution of completely innocent villagers.
This craziness continued for a number of months before, eventually, the Governor, under some pressure, decided to bring this shameful episode to an end.
Although some historians have put the whole thing down as a kind of mass hysteria, that is far too simplistic an answer.
Politics, personal vendettas and the church seeing some benefit from the fear all played a part in this story.
Lessons were learned but some questions remain unanswered even today
1. INTRODUCTION
Between June and October 1692, a total of 14 women, 6 men and 1 dog were executed for witchcraft-related crimes. In addition 5 people, including 2 children, died in prison.
When you considered that, in Europe, a conservative estimate was that 50-60,000 witches were executed in the 14th-17th Centuries, the first question might be .. why did this relatively modest witch-hunt in Salem Village become so well known, researched and publicised ?
A number of possible reasons have been offered with perhaps the most accepted being that these shameful events meant that the church would never again overwhelm the judicial system as it did in this case.
I also read that the events were significant in leading some to feel that the colonies were not ready or qualified to rule themselves thus possibly delaying the growth of the independence movement. This sounds a bit unlikely.
My own somewhat simplistic view is that it was simply a "good story" with the involvement of "possessed" children and the fact that everything took place within a small community (most major witch-hunts in Europe were initiated from a distance and imposed on a community)
Finally, to really follow this story, you need to put yourself into the mindset of the time.
In 17th century New England, USA, the devil was regarded as a real person, capable to "recruit" people to be his servant and, in the process, giving them evil powers. This understanding is necessary to make any sense to the fears and prejudices in Salem Village and the somewhat doubtful basis of the accusations.
Further, the dominant religious force in the area was Puritanism which saw defeating the Devil as one of the most important functions of the church.
2. WHO WERE THE PURITANS ?
Strictly speaking, Puritanism was not a religion but a movement largely within the Church of England (Anglicans).
Members thought that the Anglican church had not gone far enough in "simplifying" the services and approach when distancing itself from the Roman Catholics.
They sought a very direct relationship with God and a very "moral" life dedicated to following the scriptures/bible very exactly with each word taken literally.
I have seen some documents where it is claimed that the Puritans were not quite so serious and anti-fun as reputed but, overwhelmingly, the consensus is that they led a very strict and serious life.
Having failed to convince Europeans that you could have fun, not having fun, they assembled 17 ships in 1630 and set off for the American colonies to create devout communities which would be an example to the world.
Their influence in the events of 1692 came largely from their belief in the devil as a person rather than a concept and because the bible specifically told them to find and destroy witches. (see many such biblical references in this link )
Strictly speaking, Puritanism was not a religion but a movement largely within the Church of England (Anglicans).
Members thought that the Anglican church had not gone far enough in "simplifying" the services and approach when distancing itself from the Roman Catholics.
They sought a very direct relationship with God and a very "moral" life dedicated to following the scriptures/bible very exactly with each word taken literally.
I have seen some documents where it is claimed that the Puritans were not quite so serious and anti-fun as reputed but, overwhelmingly, the consensus is that they led a very strict and serious life.
Having failed to convince Europeans that you could have fun, not having fun, they assembled 17 ships in 1630 and set off for the American colonies to create devout communities which would be an example to the world.
Their influence in the events of 1692 came largely from their belief in the devil as a person rather than a concept and because the bible specifically told them to find and destroy witches. (see many such biblical references in this link )
3. HOW DID THE WHOLE THING BEGIN ?
Whilst there are differing accounts regarding detail, there is little doubt that the whole process began early in 1692 in the home of the Reverend Samuel Parris. (more later about Reverend Parris and his background)
His 9 year old daughter Betty and his 11 year old niece Abigail were the first children to show symptoms of being "possessed".
There are many colourful descriptions of the symptoms which mainly seem to have been an apparent lack of control of their arms and legs. They also shouted that they were being bitten and pinched by invisible forces.
The local doctor confirmed that the girls seem to be "bewitched", a somewhat reluctant conclusion made in the absence of any other cause being identified.
Using old witch-finding techniques, best left undescribed, a neighbour of the family, soon identified one of the Parris family slaves, Tituba, as the person responsible.
At the same time as Tituba was being accused, two other girls in the village started to display the same symptoms. All the afflicted girl's families knew each other and soon a further two women in the village were being accused of being under the control of the devil and tormenting the children.
Tituba not only confessed to being a witch (probably under some form of torture or incentive) but also made a statement basically saying that Salem Village was a "hotbed" of witches, which conveniently fitted with the Reverend Parris's preaching that all the troubles on the village were caused by the devil and his servants.
More children soon displayed the "possession" symptoms (eventually, there were 9 children involved) and accusations of witchcraft flew around the village like wildfire.
The witch-hunt was underway and quickly gathered pace. By May 1692, approximately 65 accused witches were in prison awaiting a formal trial.
Whilst there are differing accounts regarding detail, there is little doubt that the whole process began early in 1692 in the home of the Reverend Samuel Parris. (more later about Reverend Parris and his background)
His 9 year old daughter Betty and his 11 year old niece Abigail were the first children to show symptoms of being "possessed".
There are many colourful descriptions of the symptoms which mainly seem to have been an apparent lack of control of their arms and legs. They also shouted that they were being bitten and pinched by invisible forces.
The local doctor confirmed that the girls seem to be "bewitched", a somewhat reluctant conclusion made in the absence of any other cause being identified.
Using old witch-finding techniques, best left undescribed, a neighbour of the family, soon identified one of the Parris family slaves, Tituba, as the person responsible.
At the same time as Tituba was being accused, two other girls in the village started to display the same symptoms. All the afflicted girl's families knew each other and soon a further two women in the village were being accused of being under the control of the devil and tormenting the children.
Tituba not only confessed to being a witch (probably under some form of torture or incentive) but also made a statement basically saying that Salem Village was a "hotbed" of witches, which conveniently fitted with the Reverend Parris's preaching that all the troubles on the village were caused by the devil and his servants.
More children soon displayed the "possession" symptoms (eventually, there were 9 children involved) and accusations of witchcraft flew around the village like wildfire.
The witch-hunt was underway and quickly gathered pace. By May 1692, approximately 65 accused witches were in prison awaiting a formal trial.
4. LEGAL ISSUES
Frankly, from an administration point of view, the legal process was somewhat disconnected.
Despite quite some research, I am still confused as to the legal basis of the first "trials" which seemed to be some form of local hearings before prominent citizens served to establish innocence or guilt but, apparently, without the legal right to sentence and punish the guilty.
Massachusetts, the colony in which Salem was located, was in the process of introducing a complete set of new laws and, somehow, the Salem events fell between the abolition of old laws and the approval of new ones.
This meant that as the prison filled with alleged witches it was unclear how they would actually be brought to trial. At this point, the new Governor Phipps stepped in declaring that an emergency court known as "Oyer and Terminer" (literally "hear and determine" ) was to be opened to handle the cases.
Frankly, from an administration point of view, the legal process was somewhat disconnected.
Despite quite some research, I am still confused as to the legal basis of the first "trials" which seemed to be some form of local hearings before prominent citizens served to establish innocence or guilt but, apparently, without the legal right to sentence and punish the guilty.
Massachusetts, the colony in which Salem was located, was in the process of introducing a complete set of new laws and, somehow, the Salem events fell between the abolition of old laws and the approval of new ones.
This meant that as the prison filled with alleged witches it was unclear how they would actually be brought to trial. At this point, the new Governor Phipps stepped in declaring that an emergency court known as "Oyer and Terminer" (literally "hear and determine" ) was to be opened to handle the cases.
5. THE TRIALS
Although the legal framework question had been resolved, there were still uncertainties about the burden of proof to be applied.
In fact, this uncertainty was welcomed by the Church and the other accusers since it meant that they could apply almost whatever "rules" they wished.
Although a lot has been written about the detail of the trials, the process was consistent and straightforward.
The first objective was to obtain a confession and, as a bonus, the names of other probable witches to bring before the court.
The methods to achieve this were :
(a) Torture (actually not illegal under English Law)
(b) Bullying ... meaning continued aggressive accusation and questioning, always based on the assumption of guilt.
(c) Promising confessors that they would not be executed (this was sometimes honoured and sometimes not)
If this failed, they used a combination of "spectral evidence" (see later notes on this point) and the hysterical behaviour of the children who would react dramatically to any protests of innocence from the accused. This often included the children grasping their throats as if the alleged witch was, right there in the courtroom, actually preventing them from speaking.
This was usually enough to get a guilty verdict
Although the legal framework question had been resolved, there were still uncertainties about the burden of proof to be applied.
In fact, this uncertainty was welcomed by the Church and the other accusers since it meant that they could apply almost whatever "rules" they wished.
Although a lot has been written about the detail of the trials, the process was consistent and straightforward.
The first objective was to obtain a confession and, as a bonus, the names of other probable witches to bring before the court.
The methods to achieve this were :
(a) Torture (actually not illegal under English Law)
(b) Bullying ... meaning continued aggressive accusation and questioning, always based on the assumption of guilt.
(c) Promising confessors that they would not be executed (this was sometimes honoured and sometimes not)
If this failed, they used a combination of "spectral evidence" (see later notes on this point) and the hysterical behaviour of the children who would react dramatically to any protests of innocence from the accused. This often included the children grasping their throats as if the alleged witch was, right there in the courtroom, actually preventing them from speaking.
This was usually enough to get a guilty verdict
6. THE CHILDREN - WHAT WAS REALLY HAPPENING ?
The children displaying apparent signs of "possession" were absolutely central to the whole Salem affair.
Not only did their "symptoms" initiate the first accusations, their later behaviour in the court was a key factor in many convictions
Assuming that the children were not really suffering any form of possession, there have been a number of theories as to their symptoms and behaviour
Here are the 4 most popular
(a) Mass Hysteria
According to Collins Dictionary, this is defined as " A frenzied emotional state that affects a large number of people at the same time."
Well, that certainly fits the situation. However, I am not convinced that it explains the fact that the "hysteria" went on for months and showed itself, almost on cue, in the trials. Still, it does seem to be the prevailing conclusion and certainly in the USA, it is an often-quoted text book example of this phenomena.
(b) An act to avoid punishment
In some reports of the Salem incident, there is reference to the fact the children had been caught dancing in the woods and playing with some black magic items. These were quite serious "crimes" in the Puritan society and it could be that, to avoid taking direct blame for their actions, the children decided to behave as though they were being manipulated by evil powers. Again a plausible theory but, as with the mass hysteria explanation, it is remarkable that the girls kept this "justification" going for some months.
(c) Boredom
Life for young girls under the Puritan rules was said to be very boring. Any form of "fun" was discouraged and their lives were heavily controlled by the church and parents. It has been suggested that the whole "possession" thing started as a bit of a "prank" which got out of hand when the girls realised that if they admitted this to be the case, they would be severely punished.
Therefore, they had to somehow keep all the pretense alive. This would explain why their group behaviour continued for a lengthy period. The dreadful thing about this possibility is that these children, to save themselves, were willing to see their innocent neighbours executed.
(d) Ergot Poisoning
Ergot is a fungus which can affect the crop rye, used for bread-making. It is known to cause hallucinations and sometimes, physical symptoms. It is a serious infection and can lead to death. It has been known for centuries and is sometimes called "St Anthony's Fire". For further background, see this link
Within this link is also a specific reference to Salem and gives some very compelling arguments against this being the cause of the children's behaviour.
Conclusions
There is no fully convincing explanation that fits all of the facts.
My personal opinion is that it is probably a combination of (b) and (c).
Again, only my view but I think the whole thing was supposed to have been a short-term prank but, following Tituba's confession and statements concerning widespread witchcraft in Salem Village, everything just ran out of control.
The girls were trapped into their story and "play-acting". There were certainly some people in the village who suspected the children's behaviour was faked but they were in the minority and, basically, ignored. So, the children had to continue their "role". I would also speculate that some of the parents might have realised quite early that the "possession " was unreal but allowed the theatrics to continue for reasons of their own.
The children displaying apparent signs of "possession" were absolutely central to the whole Salem affair.
Not only did their "symptoms" initiate the first accusations, their later behaviour in the court was a key factor in many convictions
Assuming that the children were not really suffering any form of possession, there have been a number of theories as to their symptoms and behaviour
Here are the 4 most popular
(a) Mass Hysteria
According to Collins Dictionary, this is defined as " A frenzied emotional state that affects a large number of people at the same time."
Well, that certainly fits the situation. However, I am not convinced that it explains the fact that the "hysteria" went on for months and showed itself, almost on cue, in the trials. Still, it does seem to be the prevailing conclusion and certainly in the USA, it is an often-quoted text book example of this phenomena.
(b) An act to avoid punishment
In some reports of the Salem incident, there is reference to the fact the children had been caught dancing in the woods and playing with some black magic items. These were quite serious "crimes" in the Puritan society and it could be that, to avoid taking direct blame for their actions, the children decided to behave as though they were being manipulated by evil powers. Again a plausible theory but, as with the mass hysteria explanation, it is remarkable that the girls kept this "justification" going for some months.
(c) Boredom
Life for young girls under the Puritan rules was said to be very boring. Any form of "fun" was discouraged and their lives were heavily controlled by the church and parents. It has been suggested that the whole "possession" thing started as a bit of a "prank" which got out of hand when the girls realised that if they admitted this to be the case, they would be severely punished.
Therefore, they had to somehow keep all the pretense alive. This would explain why their group behaviour continued for a lengthy period. The dreadful thing about this possibility is that these children, to save themselves, were willing to see their innocent neighbours executed.
(d) Ergot Poisoning
Ergot is a fungus which can affect the crop rye, used for bread-making. It is known to cause hallucinations and sometimes, physical symptoms. It is a serious infection and can lead to death. It has been known for centuries and is sometimes called "St Anthony's Fire". For further background, see this link
Within this link is also a specific reference to Salem and gives some very compelling arguments against this being the cause of the children's behaviour.
Conclusions
There is no fully convincing explanation that fits all of the facts.
My personal opinion is that it is probably a combination of (b) and (c).
Again, only my view but I think the whole thing was supposed to have been a short-term prank but, following Tituba's confession and statements concerning widespread witchcraft in Salem Village, everything just ran out of control.
The girls were trapped into their story and "play-acting". There were certainly some people in the village who suspected the children's behaviour was faked but they were in the minority and, basically, ignored. So, the children had to continue their "role". I would also speculate that some of the parents might have realised quite early that the "possession " was unreal but allowed the theatrics to continue for reasons of their own.
7. THE INFLUENCE OF AGENDAS AND DISPUTES
There is little doubt that many of the accusations were made neither for religious nor moral reasons.
Instead, they were used to target people who had some anti-social behaviour or even were simply "different"
An example would be Sarah Good, one of the earliest convicted "witches" to be hanged. She was known to be a very argumentative person, rude to all she met, even those who meant her well. In fact, it has been suggested that she was somehow "chosen" as an early case to be tried because her unpopularity in Salem Village would cause her conviction to be well received by the general population.
Many of the accused were also consider "sinners" by the local church because of various indiscretions. In many ways, declaring someone in this puritanical society, a "sinner" was more than halfway towards an accusation of witchcraft.
And then there was the another motivating factor in several accusations...simple greed and dispute-resolution.
After all, what was the best way to win a local quarrel over land, for example, but to have your "opponent" hanged as a witch. Certainly reduced your legal costs!
In many cases, land was forfeited to the state if convicted of witchcraft. In those days, land was power and even determined voting rights. There is little doubt that powerful Salem families used the trials to remove land from smaller landholders who might disagree with them on one issue or another.
The local church was also very divided. For some time, Salem had been known as a "quarrelsome community" often in dispute with each other and whoever had the misfortune to be the current Church Minister.
Detail information is limited as documents from the time tended only to reflect the views of the upper levels of Salem society and not the general population.
However, it is known that Samuel Parris was the fourth minister to be appointed in less than 20 years and the others had all left after the community failed to pay their wages for some reason or another
By the time of the Salem Trials and 2 years after his appointment, Parris had already split the community through his alleged extravagance and arrogance.
As many a "dubious" evangelist preacher will tell you ( as he steps out of his BMW), there is nothing like a good fight with the devil to boost church numbers (and income). So the witch trials and surrounding emotions would definitely be well appreciated by Samuel Parris.
When you add the fact that one of his very vocal supporters was amongst the most prominent citizens of Salem, Thomas Puttnam, things get quite interesting. Puttnam was extremely active in the Witch trials being directly responsible for the formal accusation process against 43 persons and now widely believed to have "doctored" witness statements to "encourage" a guilty verdict.
Finally we should not forget that the first children to display the symptoms of "devil-possession came from the Parris and Putnam families.
This has led some historians to suggest that the manipulation of these two families can be declared to be the root cause of the Witch Trials
There is little doubt that many of the accusations were made neither for religious nor moral reasons.
Instead, they were used to target people who had some anti-social behaviour or even were simply "different"
An example would be Sarah Good, one of the earliest convicted "witches" to be hanged. She was known to be a very argumentative person, rude to all she met, even those who meant her well. In fact, it has been suggested that she was somehow "chosen" as an early case to be tried because her unpopularity in Salem Village would cause her conviction to be well received by the general population.
Many of the accused were also consider "sinners" by the local church because of various indiscretions. In many ways, declaring someone in this puritanical society, a "sinner" was more than halfway towards an accusation of witchcraft.
And then there was the another motivating factor in several accusations...simple greed and dispute-resolution.
After all, what was the best way to win a local quarrel over land, for example, but to have your "opponent" hanged as a witch. Certainly reduced your legal costs!
In many cases, land was forfeited to the state if convicted of witchcraft. In those days, land was power and even determined voting rights. There is little doubt that powerful Salem families used the trials to remove land from smaller landholders who might disagree with them on one issue or another.
The local church was also very divided. For some time, Salem had been known as a "quarrelsome community" often in dispute with each other and whoever had the misfortune to be the current Church Minister.
Detail information is limited as documents from the time tended only to reflect the views of the upper levels of Salem society and not the general population.
However, it is known that Samuel Parris was the fourth minister to be appointed in less than 20 years and the others had all left after the community failed to pay their wages for some reason or another
By the time of the Salem Trials and 2 years after his appointment, Parris had already split the community through his alleged extravagance and arrogance.
As many a "dubious" evangelist preacher will tell you ( as he steps out of his BMW), there is nothing like a good fight with the devil to boost church numbers (and income). So the witch trials and surrounding emotions would definitely be well appreciated by Samuel Parris.
When you add the fact that one of his very vocal supporters was amongst the most prominent citizens of Salem, Thomas Puttnam, things get quite interesting. Puttnam was extremely active in the Witch trials being directly responsible for the formal accusation process against 43 persons and now widely believed to have "doctored" witness statements to "encourage" a guilty verdict.
Finally we should not forget that the first children to display the symptoms of "devil-possession came from the Parris and Putnam families.
This has led some historians to suggest that the manipulation of these two families can be declared to be the root cause of the Witch Trials
8. WHAT WAS "SPECTRAL EVIDENCE" AND WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT ?
Bearing in mind that the hearings and trials were set up primarily to prove guilt rather than examine facts, "spectral evidence" was extremely important to this warped process.
Elsewhere, I have mentioned that the legal framework in Salem's state, Massachusetts was in a mess and, in the beginning, by default, any conviction should probably have been based on equivalent English law. This demanded eye witnesses and some level of real evidence. This was obviously a problem for the accusers as such direct justification for the charges was often not present.
"Spectral evidence" meant that visions and dreams experienced by the "victims" of witchcraft could be taken as firm reliable evidence. In simple terms, for example, if one of the children claimed a witch sent demons into their dreams/nightmares, that was treated exactly the same as if the accused had physically visited the children and harmed them.
Given that most Salem witch trials relied heavily on emotion and unfounded accusation, without 'spectral evidence, conviction and execution of many of the accused could not have taken place.
Bearing in mind that the hearings and trials were set up primarily to prove guilt rather than examine facts, "spectral evidence" was extremely important to this warped process.
Elsewhere, I have mentioned that the legal framework in Salem's state, Massachusetts was in a mess and, in the beginning, by default, any conviction should probably have been based on equivalent English law. This demanded eye witnesses and some level of real evidence. This was obviously a problem for the accusers as such direct justification for the charges was often not present.
"Spectral evidence" meant that visions and dreams experienced by the "victims" of witchcraft could be taken as firm reliable evidence. In simple terms, for example, if one of the children claimed a witch sent demons into their dreams/nightmares, that was treated exactly the same as if the accused had physically visited the children and harmed them.
Given that most Salem witch trials relied heavily on emotion and unfounded accusation, without 'spectral evidence, conviction and execution of many of the accused could not have taken place.
9. HOW DID IT ALL END ?
Effectively, the main trials and executions ended when the Governor returned from military duties and took a more personal interest in what was happening. This was helped by his own wife being subject to accusations of witchcraft. That must have made for some interesting dinner conversations. :
"Well, Governor, dearest, how was your day ?"
"Oh fairly quiet, some minor fuss in Salem where they seem to be executing witches on little evidence"
"Funny, you should mention that, darling, I've been invited to answer some questions about me and my black cat"
"Oh..really... maybe I should look at the situation more closely"
In addition to this rather compelling reason to be more active, the Governor was also receiving more and more protests from prominent and influential leaders of the Puritan movement in Massachusetts. Most vocal was Cotton Mather. a third generation member of probably the most widely known church family in the state. His father had actually helped to set up the afore-mentioned "Court of Oyer and Terminer" to process the Salem witchcraft cases.
Specifically, Cotton Mather was concerned at so many convictions based on spectral evidence.
He believed that the girls were possessed and that witchcraft was at work in Salem. He probably agreed that many of the accused were servants of the Devil but he had logical and legal doubts as to the reliability of such evidence. His view seemed to be based on a belief that the devil might be directly responsible for the some of the spectral attacks and could be deliberately implicating innocent persons.
After due consideration, Governor Phipps simultaneously banned future spectral evidence and closed down the court in October 1692 and, although some of the accused later stood trial in other courts, no more were imprisoned or punished. In fact, very shortly afterwards, Phipps effectively pardoned everyone in jail either convicted or waiting for trial. However, even as late as 2001, the State of Massachusetts was still making formal declarations of innocence for those who had been executed or died in prison.
A question which is often asked is whether or not any of the children withdrew their accusations or admitted wrongdoing.
Well, strictly speaking the answer is "no" although Ann Putnam, Jr offered a limited apology to those she accused but still claiming that the Devil had been possessing her and controlling her actions.
Effectively, the main trials and executions ended when the Governor returned from military duties and took a more personal interest in what was happening. This was helped by his own wife being subject to accusations of witchcraft. That must have made for some interesting dinner conversations. :
"Well, Governor, dearest, how was your day ?"
"Oh fairly quiet, some minor fuss in Salem where they seem to be executing witches on little evidence"
"Funny, you should mention that, darling, I've been invited to answer some questions about me and my black cat"
"Oh..really... maybe I should look at the situation more closely"
In addition to this rather compelling reason to be more active, the Governor was also receiving more and more protests from prominent and influential leaders of the Puritan movement in Massachusetts. Most vocal was Cotton Mather. a third generation member of probably the most widely known church family in the state. His father had actually helped to set up the afore-mentioned "Court of Oyer and Terminer" to process the Salem witchcraft cases.
Specifically, Cotton Mather was concerned at so many convictions based on spectral evidence.
He believed that the girls were possessed and that witchcraft was at work in Salem. He probably agreed that many of the accused were servants of the Devil but he had logical and legal doubts as to the reliability of such evidence. His view seemed to be based on a belief that the devil might be directly responsible for the some of the spectral attacks and could be deliberately implicating innocent persons.
After due consideration, Governor Phipps simultaneously banned future spectral evidence and closed down the court in October 1692 and, although some of the accused later stood trial in other courts, no more were imprisoned or punished. In fact, very shortly afterwards, Phipps effectively pardoned everyone in jail either convicted or waiting for trial. However, even as late as 2001, the State of Massachusetts was still making formal declarations of innocence for those who had been executed or died in prison.
A question which is often asked is whether or not any of the children withdrew their accusations or admitted wrongdoing.
Well, strictly speaking the answer is "no" although Ann Putnam, Jr offered a limited apology to those she accused but still claiming that the Devil had been possessing her and controlling her actions.
10. SOME SPECIFIC CASES
To close the story, I have selected just 3 cases which I think illustrate the nature of the court.
Rebecca Nurse
Rebecca was 71 years old at the time of her trial and had a reputation of being a pious and upright citizen of Salem.
She was well-liked in the community and a substantial number of villagers signed a petition of support for her.
It will not be a surprise that the accusations against her came from member of the aforementioned Putnam family with whom Rebecca had a long standing dispute about shared land borders.
However,, surprisingly, even given the circumstances of past trials, the jury found Rebecca to be not guilty. When the verdict was announced the "possessed" children, immediately began screaming and play-acting as was normal in other trials.
The presiding Chief Justice, William Stoughton asked the jury to "re-consider" and claimed that Rebecca had made a statement which could be interpreted as admitting she was a a witch like another accused - Goody Hobbs. In fact, it was believed that Rebecca only meant that they were both "prisoners" not that they were both witches.
When the jury asked Rebecca to clarify her statement, she did not appear to hear. (she had very poor hearing) and her silence was taken by the court as an admission of guilt. The trial verdict was changed and shortly afterwards, she was hanged.
To close the story, I have selected just 3 cases which I think illustrate the nature of the court.
Rebecca Nurse
Rebecca was 71 years old at the time of her trial and had a reputation of being a pious and upright citizen of Salem.
She was well-liked in the community and a substantial number of villagers signed a petition of support for her.
It will not be a surprise that the accusations against her came from member of the aforementioned Putnam family with whom Rebecca had a long standing dispute about shared land borders.
However,, surprisingly, even given the circumstances of past trials, the jury found Rebecca to be not guilty. When the verdict was announced the "possessed" children, immediately began screaming and play-acting as was normal in other trials.
The presiding Chief Justice, William Stoughton asked the jury to "re-consider" and claimed that Rebecca had made a statement which could be interpreted as admitting she was a a witch like another accused - Goody Hobbs. In fact, it was believed that Rebecca only meant that they were both "prisoners" not that they were both witches.
When the jury asked Rebecca to clarify her statement, she did not appear to hear. (she had very poor hearing) and her silence was taken by the court as an admission of guilt. The trial verdict was changed and shortly afterwards, she was hanged.
Giles Corey
When Giles Corey's wife was accused of witchcraft on the usual doubtful grounds, he refused to stay silent and despite being 80 years old and without a formal education he went to the authorities insisting his wife was innocent. For this "crime" he was also accused, largely by the children, of being a wizard.
However, his trial never took place.
Instead, Giles refused to enter a plea, effectively refusing to stand a formal trial. He knew he would be put to death for this but he thought that, as he wouldn't have actually been found guilty of witchcraft, his property would not be confiscated and could pass to other members of the family.
And the actual penalty for refusing to stand trial was be pressed to death under the weight of gradually added stones.
The sentence was carried out and it is alleged that Giles repeatedly asked for more stones to be added and remains defiant until the end. One report I saw said that this was the only time, in the history of the State of Massachusetts that this method of execution was used
When Giles Corey's wife was accused of witchcraft on the usual doubtful grounds, he refused to stay silent and despite being 80 years old and without a formal education he went to the authorities insisting his wife was innocent. For this "crime" he was also accused, largely by the children, of being a wizard.
However, his trial never took place.
Instead, Giles refused to enter a plea, effectively refusing to stand a formal trial. He knew he would be put to death for this but he thought that, as he wouldn't have actually been found guilty of witchcraft, his property would not be confiscated and could pass to other members of the family.
And the actual penalty for refusing to stand trial was be pressed to death under the weight of gradually added stones.
The sentence was carried out and it is alleged that Giles repeatedly asked for more stones to be added and remains defiant until the end. One report I saw said that this was the only time, in the history of the State of Massachusetts that this method of execution was used
George Burroughs
George was a minister of the church and, as far as I can tell, this was the only time a minister had been executed for witchcraft in America.
George had even been the the MInister of Salem Village from 1680-83. Like others before him and after him, he had not been everyone's choice and, due to various disputes had not been paid his salary for long periods.
By now, you will not be at all surprised to learn that his accusers also had personal issues with him, claiming that he owed money (there are doubts about this claim)
One interesting thing is that George was a very strong man. For example, it was said he could raise a musket gun with one finger inserted in the barrel. His accusers used this knowledge to claim that his strength was inhuman and must be due to devil involvement.
Immediately prior to his hanging, he recited the Lord's Prayer perfectly. This was supposed to be something that those in league with the Devil could not do. For a short period, this seemed to disturb those watching who must have wondered for a brief time if they were hanging an innocent man. However, straight after the hanging was completed, the influential Cotton Mather (see earlier notes) spoke to the crowd to assure them that George Burroughs had definitely been under the control of the devil.
11. CLOSING REMARKS
I suppose, duiring my visit, I was most struck by the peaceful appearance of the area in contrast to the emotion and cruelty of the events in 1692.
Some writers state that, even today, the Salem Witch Trials are remembered and quoted as a warning regarding crowd behaviour and unreasonable prejudice. Sadly, in many ways, the lessons have not been fully learned especially in our view of those whose beliefs and lifestyle are "different"
“Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.”
KOFI ANNAN
I suppose, duiring my visit, I was most struck by the peaceful appearance of the area in contrast to the emotion and cruelty of the events in 1692.
Some writers state that, even today, the Salem Witch Trials are remembered and quoted as a warning regarding crowd behaviour and unreasonable prejudice. Sadly, in many ways, the lessons have not been fully learned especially in our view of those whose beliefs and lifestyle are "different"
“Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.”
KOFI ANNAN
RECOMMENDATION
If you have developed an interest in the Salem events in 1692, I recommend this book, available from Amazon. It is comprehensive and well-written. |
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