Rev. Lawson's Narrative of the Examinations
of Rebecca Nurse & Dorcas Good
On Thursday the Twenty fourth of march, (being in course the Lecture
Day, at the Village,) Goodwife N. [urse] was brought before the
Magistrates Mr. Hathorne and Mr. Corwin, about Ten of Clock, in the
Fore Noon, to be Examined in the Meeting House, the Reverend Mr. Hale,
begun with Prayer, and the Warrant being read, she was required to give
answer, Why she aflicted those persons? she pleaded her owne innocency
with earnestness.Thomas Putmans Wife, Abigail Williams and Thomas
Putmans daughter accused her that she appeared to them, and afflicted
them in their fitts: but some of the other said, that they had seen her,
but knew not that ever she had hurt them; amongst which was Mary Walcut,
who was presently after she had so declared bitten, and cryed out of her
in the meeting-house; producing the Marks of teeth on her wrist. It was
so disposed, that I had not leisure to attend the whole time of
Examination, but both Magistrates and Ministers, told me, that the
things alledged, by the afflicted, and defences made by her, were much
after the same manner, as the former was. And her motions, did produce
like effects as to, Biteing, Pinching, Bruising, Tormenting, at their
Breasts, by her Leaning, and when, bended Back, were as if their Backs
was broken. The afflicted persons said, the Black Man, whispered to her
in the Assembly, and therefore she could not hear what the Magistrates
said unto her. They said also that she did then ride by the
Meeting-house, behind the Black Man. Thomas Putman's wife had a grievous
Fit, in the time of Examination, to the very great Impairing of her
strength, and wasting of her spirits, insomuch as she could hardly move
hand, or foot, when she was carryed out. Others also were there
grievously afflicted, so that there was once such an hideous scrietch
and noise, (which I heard as I walked, at a little distance from the
Meeting house,) as did amaze me, and some that were within, told me the
whole assembly was struck with consternation, and they were afraid, that
those that sate next to them, were under the influence of Witchcraft.
This woman also was that day committed to Salem Prison. The Magistrates
and Ministers also did informe me, that they apprehended a child of
Sarah G. [ood] and Examined it, being between 4 and 5 years of Age And
as to matter of Fact, they did Unanimously affirm, that when this Child,
did but cast its eye upon the afflicted persons, they were tormented,
and they held her Head, and yet so many as her eye could fix upon were
afflicted. Which they did several times make careful observation of the
afflicted complained, they had often been Bitten by this child, and
produced the marks of a small set of teeth, accordingly, this was also
committed to Salem Prison, the child looked hail, and well as other
Children. I saw it at Lieut. Ingersols. After the commitment of Goodw.
N. Tho: Putmans wife was much better, and had no violent fits at all
from that 24th of March, to the 5th of April. Some others also said
they had not seen her so frequently appear to them, to hurt them.
