It may here be further added concerning those that did Confess, that besides
that powerful Argument, of Life (and
freedom from hardships and Irons not only promised, but
also performed to all that owned their guilt), There are numerous
Instances, too many to be here inserted, of the tedious Examinations
before private persons, many hours together; they all that time urging
them to Confess (and taking turns to perswade them) till the accused
were wearied out by being forced to stand so long, or for want of
Sleep, etc. and so brought to give an Assent to what they said; they
then asking them , Were you at such a Witch-meeting, or have you
signed the Devil's Book, etc. upon their replying, yes, the whole was
drawn into form as their Confession.
But that which did mightily further such Confessions, was their
nearest and dearest Relations urging them to it. These seeing no other
way of escape for them, thought it the best advice that could be
given; hence it was that the Husbands of some, by counsel often
urging, and utmost earnestness, and Children upon their Knees
intreating, have at length prevailed with them, to say they were
guilty.[304]
As to the manner of Tryals, and the Evidence taken for Convictions at
Salem, it is already set forth in Print, by the
Reverend Mr. Cotton Mather, in his
Wonders of the Invisible
World , at the Command of his Excellency, Sir William Phips;
with not only the Recommendation, but thanks of the Lieutenant
Governour;
[305] and with the Approbation of the Reverend
Mr. J. M.
[306] in his Postscript to his
Cases of Conscience;
which last Book was set forth by the consent of the Ministers in and near
Boston.
[307]
Two of the Judges have also given their Sentiments in these words, p.
147.
The Reverend and worthy Author, having at the direction of his Excellency
the Governour, so far obliged the Publick, as to give some account of the
sufferings, brought upon the Countrey by Witchcrafts, and of the Tryals which
have passed upon several executed for the same.
Upon perusal thereof, We find the matters of Fact and Evidence truly
reported, and a prospect given of the Methods of Conviction, used in the
proceedings of the Court at Salem.
Boston, October 11,
1692.
William
Stoughton, Samuel Sewall.
