University of Virginia Library

MONDAY -WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21-23, 1692
Ann Putnam, Sr. Vs. Rebecca Nurse

This continuation of a deposition by Ann Putnam, Sr., relates to the torments suffered by her during the several days prior to Rebecca Nurse's witchcraft examination. The deposition was sworn to before magistrates John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin on May 31,1692.

21:th march being the day of the Examinati of martha Cory: I had not many fitts tho I was very weak my strenth. being as I thought almost gon: but on the:22 march 1691/92 the Apperishtion of Rebekah nurs did againe sett upon in a most dreadfull maner very early in the morning as soon as it was well light and now she appeared to me only in her shift #[and night cap] and brought a litle Red book in hir hand urging me vehemently to writ in hir book and because I would not yeald to hir hellish temtations she threatened to tare my soule out of my body: blasphemously denying the blessed God and the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to save my soule and denying severall places of scripture which I tould hir of to Repell hir hellish temtations and for near Two hours together at this time the Apperishtions of Rebekah Nurs did temp and tortor me before she left me as if indeed she would have kiled me: and allso the grates part of this day with but very little respitt: 23 march: I am againe affleted by the Apperishtions of Rebekah nurs: and martha Cory: but Cheafly by Rebekah nurs: