Executed, August 19, 1692
(Complaint v. George Burroughs, Lydia Dustin, Susannah
Martin, Dorcas Hoar, Sarah Morey, and Phillip English)
Salem Aprill the 30'th 1692
There Being Complaint this day made (Before us) by Capt Jona-
than Walcot and Serj't Thomas putnam of Salem Village, in behalfe
of theire Majesties, for themselfes, and also for Severall of theire
Neighbours Against George Burroughs Minester in Wells in the pro-
vince of Maine Lydia Dasting in Reading Widow Susanah Martin of
Amesbury Widow Dorcas Hoar of Beverly Widdow, and Sarah Mur-
rell of Beverly And phillip English of Salem Merchant for high
Suspition of Sundry acts of Witchcraft done or Committed by them
Upon the Bodys of Mary Walcot. Marcy Lewis Abigail Williams Ann
putnam and Eliz Hubert and Susanah Sheldon (Viz) Upon Som: or
all of them, of Salem Village or farm[es] whereby great hurt and
dammage benne donn[e] to the Bodys of s'd persons above named
therefore Craved Justice
Signed by Both
the Complainers
aboves'd }
*Jonathan Walcott
*Thomas Putnam
The abovs'd Complaint was Exhibited before us this 30'th aprill
1692
*John Hathorne
*Jonathan Corwin }
Assis'ts
( Essex Institute Fowler Papers Vol. 16 Page 11 )
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- 152-
(Statement of Elisha Hutchinson)
Portsmouth, May 2. 1692
Gentlemen
I Recd an order from the Gov'r & Council to aprehend mr
George Buroughs at present preacher at Wells, to be Sent to Salem
their to be Examened, being Suspected to have Confedracy with the
devil in opressing Sundry persons about yo'r Towne of Salem, accord-
ingly I have sent him by John Partredg Marshal of this provence,
Except he meet with any other Authority that will comit him to
Some other officer to be Convayed as above, he pleading it will be
to his damage to go So far, I am
yo'r humble Servant
*Elisha Hutchinson
( Bowditch Mss -- Mass. Hist. Society )
(Warrant for Arrest of George Burroughs)
To Jno Partredg field Marshal
You are Required in their Maj'sts names to aprehend the body of
mr George Buroughs at present preacher at Wells in the provence
of Maine, & Convay him with all Speed to Salem before the Mages-
trates there, to be Examened, he being Suspected for a Confederacy
with the devil in opressing of Sundry about Salem as they relate. I
having Receved perticuler Order from the Govern'r & Council of
their Maj'sts Colony of the Masathusets, for the Same, you may not
faile herein,
Dated in portsmouth in the provenc of Hamshire. Aprel.30'th 1692
*Elisha Hutchinson Maj'r
By Virtue of this warrant I Apprehended s'd George Burroughs and
have Brought him to Salem and Delievered him to the Authority
there this fourth day of May 1692
*John Partridge feild marshall of the
Provence of newhansher and maine
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
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- 153-
(Examination of George Burroughs
and Summary of Evidence)
The Examination of Geo: Burrough 9. May. 1692
By
Honourd W'm Stoughton
John Hathorne
Sam: Sewall,
Jonath. Corwin Esq's
Being askt w'n he partook of the Lords supper, he being (as he
said) in full comunion at Roxbury.
He answered it was so long since he could not tell: yet he owned
he was at meeting one Sab: at Boston part of the day, & the oth-
er at Charlestown part of a Sab: when that sacrament happened
to be at both, yet did not partake of either. He denyed that his
house at Casko was haunted, yet he owned there were Toads. He de-
nyed that he made his wife swear, that she should not write to her
Father Ruck without his approbation of her letter to her Father.
He owned that none of his children, but the eldest was Baptized The aboves'd was in private none of the Bewitched being present. At
his entry into the Room, many (if not all of the Bewitched) were
greviously tortured.
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- 154-
Capt Putnam testifyed about the Gun.
Capt Wormwood testifyed about the Gun & the Mallassoes He
denyed that about the malassoes About the Gun he said he took it
before the lock and rested it upon his breast.
John Brown testifyed about a bbl Cyder
He denyed that his family was affrighted by a white calf in
his house.
Capt Putman testifyed that he made his wife enter into a cove-
nant 11.May. 1692
Abig Hobbs in prison affirmed that Geo. Burroughs in his shape
appeared to her, & urged her to set her hand to the Book, which she
did, & after-wards in his own person he acknowledged to her, that
he had made her set her hand to the Book.
The original minutes (of which the above is a true copy) is in
the possession of I. F. Andrews Esq. & was found among Judge
Hathornes papers. -- Aug. 8. 1843.
*I B Curwen
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 9 )
(Indictment v. George Burroughs, No. 1)
Anno Regis et Reginae Willim et
Mariae nunc Angliae &c Quarto
Essex ss The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King
and Queen pr'sents That George Burroughs late of Falmouth w'thin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 155-
the province of the Mattathusets Bay in New England Clerke -- The
Ninth Day of May -- in the fourth Year of the Reigne of our Sover-
eigne Lord and Lady William and Mary by the Grace of God of Eng-
land Scottland France and Ireland King and Queen Defenders of the
faith &c Diver other Days and times as well before as after, certaine
Detestable Arts called wicthcraft & Sorceries -- wickedly and felon-
iously hath used Practiced & Exercised at and within the Township
of Salem in the County of Essex & aforesaid, in Upon & ag't one
Elizabeth Hubbard of Salem in the County of Essex Singlewoman --
by which said wicked Arts the said Elizabeth Hubbard the Ninth
Day of May -- in the fourth Year aboves'd and Divers other Days
and Times as well before as after.was.and is Tortured afflicted Pined
Consumed wasted and Tormented.also for Sundrey other Acts of
witchcrafts by Said George Burroughs.Committed and done ag't
the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord & Lady the King & Queen their
Crowne and dignity and ag't the forme of the Statute in that case
made & Provided:
Witnesses.
Elizabeth Hubbard
Mary Wolcott
Ann Putman
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Indictment v. George Burroughs, No. 2)
Anno Regis et Reginae Willim et
Mariae nunc: Angliae &c Quarto
Essex ss The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King and
Queen pr'sents That George Burroughs late of falmouth in the pro-
vince of the Massachusets Bay in New England -- Clarke -- The
ninth Day of May in the forth Year of the Reigne of our Sovereigne
Lord and Lady William and Mary by the Grace of God of England
Scottland France and Ireland King and Queen Defenders of the faith
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 156-
&c and Divers other Dayes and times, as well before as after certaine
Detestable Arts called Witchcrafts and Sorceries. Wickedly and
felloniously, hath used -- Practised and Exercised at and within the
Towneship of Salem in the County of Essex afores'd in, upon.and ag't
one Mercy Lewis of Salem Villiage in the County of Essex in New
England -- by which wicked Arts the said Mercy Lewis -- the Ninth
Day of May -- in the fourth Year afores'd and Divers other Dayes
and times as well before as after was and is Tortured afflicted Pine
Consumed Wasted and Tormented: ag't the Peace of our Sovereigne
Lord and Lady the King.and Queen, and ag't the forme of the Statute
in that case made and Provided/.
Witnesses.
Mercy Lewis
Mary Walcott.
El. Hubbard
Ann Putnam
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Indictment v. George Burroughs, No. 3)
Anno Regis et Reginae Willm et
Mariae nunc: Anglia &c Quarto
Essex ss: The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King
& Queen pr'sents That George Burroughs late of falmouth within
the Province of the Mattathusets Bay in New England Clarke the
Ninth Day of May in the fourth Year of the Reigne of our Soverigne
Lord & Lady William and Mary by the Grace of God of England
Scottland France and Ireland King and Queen Defend'rs of the faith
&c Diver other Dayes and times as well before as After certaine De-
testable Artes called Witchcrafts & Sorceries: Wickedly and feloni-
ously hath used Practised & Exercised at and within the Towne of
Salem in the County afores'd in upon and ag't one: Ann Putman of
Salem Village SingleWoman -- by which said wicked arts the Said
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 157-
Ann Putman the Ninth Day of May in the fourth year abovesaid and
Divers other Dayes and times as well before as after was and is
Tortured Afflicted Pined Consumed Wasted and Tormented also
for sundry other Acts of Witchcrafts by said George Burroughs Com-
mitted and Done ag't the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady
the King and Queen their Crowne & Dignity and ag't the form of
the Statute in tha[t] case made and Provided:
Witnesses Ann Putnam
Mary Wolcott
Elizabeth Hubbard
Mary Warren
(On reverse side of paper) Geo. Burroughs
( Essex Institute Mss. Collection )
(Indictment v. George Burroughs, No. 4)
Anno Regis et Reginae Willim et
Mariae nunc Angliae &c Quarto
Essex ss The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King
and Queen pr'sents That George Burroughs late of falmouth in the
province of the Massach'ts Bay in New England, Clerk -- the Ninth
Day of May in the fourth Year of the Reigne of Our Sovereigne Lord
and Lady William and Mary by the Grace of God of England Scott-
land France and Ireland King and Queen Defenders of the faith &c
and Divers other Days and times, as well before, as after, Certaine
Detestable Arts called Witchcrafts, and Sorceries, Wickedly, and
felloniously, hath used Practised.&.Exercised at and within.the
Towneship of Salem in the County of Essex aforesaid in upon and
ag't one Mary Walcott of Salem Villiage in the County of Essex
Singlewoman -- by which said wicked Arts the said Mary Walcott
the Ninth Day of May in the forth Year aboves'd and Divers other
Days and times as well before as after was and is Tortured afflicted
Pined Consumed wasted and Tormented.ag't the Peace of our Sover-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 158-
eigne Lord and Lady the King and Queen and ag't the forme of the
Statute in that case made and Provided:
Witnesses
Mary Walcott
Sarah Vibber Jurat
Mercy Lewis
Ann Putnam
Eliz. Hubbard
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Summons for John Ruck et al.)
William & Mary by the Grace of God of England Scotland France
& Ireland King & Queen defend'rs of the faith &ca
mr Jno Ruck mrs Eliz: Ruck mr Thomas Ruck & Samuel Ruck
To
Capt William Worwood Greeting.
Wee Comand you all Excuses set apart to be and personaly ap-
pear at the present Court of Oyer & Terminer held at Salem there
to Testify the truth to the best of your knowledge on certain Indict-
m'ts Exhibited against mr George Burrough: hereof fail not dated in
Salem.Aug't 5'th 1692. & in the fourth yeare of Our Reign
*Stephen Sewall Cler
August 5'th The persons above Named where all every of them
sumoned to appeare as above [by me]
by me
*Joseph Neale Const'b in [in] Salem.
(On reverse side of paper) G. Burroughs. Sumons Ruck etal
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 14 )
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- 159-
(Summons for James Greenslit)
Wm & Mary by the Grace of God of England Scotland France
& Ireland King defend'r of the faith &ca
To James Greenslit Greeting. --
[L. S.] Wee comand you all Excuses set apart to be & personaly
app'r at the Next Court of Oyer & Terminer held at Salem on the
first Tuesday in August Next There to Testify the Truth on certain
Indictments to be Exhibited against George Burroughs & not depart
the Court without lycense or leave of s'd Court hereof fail not On
penalty of One hundred pounds money to be levied on your Goods
Chattels &ca
Dated in Salem July 26'th 1692.
*Step. Sewall, Cle
To the Sheriffe of Essex
(Reverse) July 26'th 1692 I have Sumoned the within named James
Greinslett according to this Within Sub pena to Give in his Evidence
att the time and place within mentioned by me
*Geo. Herrick Dep't Sheriff
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 10 )
(Physical Examinations of George Burroughs and
George Jacobs, Jr.)
Wee whoes names are under written having r'ceived an order
from the sreife for to search the bodyes of George Burroughs and
George Jacobs. wee find nothing upon the body of the above sayd
burroughs but w't is naturall:but upon the body of George Jacobs
wee find 3. tetts w'ch according to the best of our Judgements wee
think is not naturall for wee run a pinn through 2 of them and he
was not sinceible of it: one of them being within his mouth upon
the Inside of his right shoulder balde an a 3'rd upon his right hipp
Ed. Weld swone
Will Gill sworne
Tom flint Jurat
Tom West sworne
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 160-
Zeb Hill Jurat
Sam Morgan sworne
John Bare Jurat.
(Reverse) Jury men Return about Jacobs & Burroughs
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 10 )
(Samuel Webber v. George Burroughs)
Samuel Webber aged about 36 years Testifieth and sayth that
aboute seaven or eight Yeares agoe I Lived at Casco Bay and George
Burroughs was then Minester there, and haveing heard much of the
great strength of him s'd Burroughs; he Coming to our house wee
ware in discourse about the same and he then told mee that he had
put his fingers into the Bung of a Barrell of Malasses and lifted it
up, and carryed it Round him and sett it downe againe.
Salem August 2'd 1692.
*Samuell Webber
Jurat in Curia
(Reverse) Sam Webber Cont: Burroughs
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 10 )
(Thomas Greenslit v. George Burroughs)
Province of the
Mattathusets Bay
in New England The deposition of \[name\]Thomas Greinslitt\[/name\]
aged about forty years Testfieth
Essex Ss.
That about the breaking Out of this last Indian Warr being at
the house of Capt Scottow's at black point he Saw Mr George Bur-
roughs lift and hold Out a gunn of Six foot barrell or thereabouts
putting the forefinger of his right hand into the Muzle of s'd gunn
and So held it Out at Armes End Only with that finger and further
this deponent Testifieth that at the Same time he Saw the Said
Burroughs take up a full barrell of Malasses w'th but two fingers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 161-
of one of his hands in the bung & Carry it from the Stage head to
the Door at the End of the Stage Without letting it downe & that
Liut Richard Hunniwell & John Greinslitt & Some other persons
that are Since dead Were then present.
Salem Sep'r 15'th 1692 Thomas Greinslitt appeared before their
Maj'ties Justices of Oyer & Terminer in Open Court & Made Oath
that the above mentioned perticulars & Every part of them were
True
attest *Step. Sewall Clr
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Simon Willard and William Wormall v. George Burroughs)
The: Deposition of Simon Willard aged:about forty two years
sayth: I being att the house of Mr Robt Lawrance: at falmoth in
Casco Bay: in Septemb'r 1689 s'd Mr Lawrance was commending Mr
George Borroughs his strength: saying that we none of us could doe
what he could doe: for s'd he Mr Borroughs can hold out this gun
with one hand Mr. Borroughs being there: sayd I held my hand here
behind the lock: and took it up: and held it out. I s'd deponant saw
Mr Borroughs:put his hand on the gun: to show us: how he held it
and where he held his hand:and saying there he held his hand when
he held s'd gun out: but:I saw him not hold it out then:
s'd gun was about or near seven foot barrill:and very hevie: I
then tryed to hold out s'd gun with both hands: but could not do
it long enough to take sight
*Simon Willard
Jurat in Curia
Simon willard owned:to the
Jury of inquest:that the above
written evidence: is the truth
Aug'st 3: 1692
(Wm Wormall v. Geo. Burroughs.)
Capt Wm Wormall Sworne to the
above & that he Saw him Raise it
from the ground, himselfe
Jurat in Curia
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 13 )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 162-
(Simon Willard v. George Burroughs)
The Deposition of Simon Willard [aged about 42] years saith I
being at Saco in the year [1689] some: in Capt Ed Sarjants garison
was speaking of mr George Borroughs his great strength saying he
Could take:a barrill of mallasses out of a Cannoe or boat alone: and
that he Could. take it in his hands or arms out of the Cannoo or boat
and carry it and set it on the shore: and mr Borroughs being: there
sayd that he had carryed one barrill of molasses.or sider: out of a
cannoo that had like to have done him a displeasure: s'd mr Bor-
roughs intimated: as if he did not want strength to do it but the dis-
advantage of the shore was such: that his foot slipping in the sand:
he had like to have strained his legg
*Simon Willard
Simon Willard ownd: to the Jury
of Inquest, that the above written
evidence is the truth
Jurat in Curia
(Reverse) Simon Willard ag'st Burroughs
( Essex County Archives, Salem, Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 13 )
(Mary Webber v. George Burroughs)
Mary Webber wid aged aboute 53 years Testifieth and sayth that
she liveing at Casco Bay aboute six or seaven years agoe, when
George Burroughs was Minester at s'd place, and liveing anner --
Neighbour to s'd Burroughs, was well acquainted with his wife
w'ch was dauter to mr John Ruck of Salem she hath heard her tell
much of her husband unkindness to her and that she dare not wright
to her father to acquaint [him] how it was with her, and soe desired
mee to wright to her father that he would be pleased to send for
her and told mee she had beene much affrighted, and that something
in the night made anoise in the chamber where she lay as if one Went
aboute the Chamber, and she calling up the negro. to come to her
the negro not Comeing sayd that she could not Come some thing
stopt her, then her husband being called he came up. some thing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 163-
Jumped down from between the Chimney & the side of the house
and Run down the stairs and s'd Burroughs followed it down, and
the negro then s'd it was something like a white calfe: another tyme
lyeing with her husband some thing came into the house and stood
by her bed side and breathed on her, and she being much affrighted
at it, would have awakened her husband but could not for a con-
siderable tyme, but as soone as he did awake it went away., but this
I heard her say. and know nothing of it myselfe otherwise Except by
common report of others also concerning such things
Salem August 2'd 1692
*mary webber
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Hannah Harris v. George Burroughs)
The depotion of Hannah Harres Aiged twenty seven yeares or
thareabouts Testifieth and saith that she Lived at the hous of Georg
Burros at falmouth & the above said hannah harres many times
hath taken notic that when she hath had anny Discorse with the
above said burross wife-when the above said burros was from hom
that apone has Returne he hath often scolded wife and told her
that he knew what they said when he was abroad and further saith
that upone a time when his wife had Laine In Not above one weak
that he fell out with his wife and kept her by Discorce at the Dore
till she fell sicke In the place and grew wors at night so that the
above said hannah harres was afraid she would dye and thay called
In thare Naibours and the above said burroses Daughter told One
of the women that was thare the cause of her mothers Ellness and
the a bove said burros chid his Daughter for telling and the a bove
said burros Came to the a bove said hannah harres and told her If
that his wif Did otherwise than well she should not tell of It
& the abovsaid hannah harres told him that she would not be con-
fined to anny such thing
Jurat in Curia
Hannah Harris ag't Burroughs
(On reverse side of paper)
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 15 )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 164-
(Ann Putnam, Jr. v. George Burroughs)
The Deposition of Ann putnam : who testifieth and saith that on
20'th of April 1692 :at evening she saw the Apperishtion of a Minister
at which she was greviously affrighted and cried out oh dreadfull:
dreadfull here is a minister com:what are Ministers wicthes to: whence
com you and What is your name for I will complaine of:you tho you
be A minister: if you be a wizzard; and Immediatly I was tortored
by him being Racked and all most choaked by him: and he tempted
me to write in his book which I Refused with loud out cries and said
I would not writ in his book tho he tore me al to peaces but tould
him that it was a dreadfull thing: that he which was a Minister that
should teach children to feare God should com to perswad poor
creatures to give their souls to the divill: oh. dreadfull tell me your
name that I may know who you are: then againe he tortored me
& urged me to writ in his book: which I Refused: and then presently
he tould me that his name was George Burroughs and that he had
had three wives: and that he had bewitched the Two first of them to
death: and that he kiled Mist. Lawson because she was so unwilling
to goe from the village and also killed Mr Lawsons child because he
went to the eastward with Sir Edmon and preached soe; to the
souldiers and that he had bewicthed a grate many souldiers to death
at the eastword, when Sir Edmon was their. and that he had made
Abigail Hobbs a wicth and: severall wicthes more: and he has con-
tinewed ever sence; by times tempting me to write in his book and
greviously tortoring me by beating pinching and almost choaking me
severall times a day and he also tould me that he was above wicth
for he was a cunjurer
Jurat in Curia
(Reverse) Ann putnam ag'st Burroughs
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 10 )
(Thomas Putnam, Peter Prescott, Robert Morrell
& Ezekiel Cheever v. George Burroughs)
wee whose names are under writen being present with Ann
putnam att the time above mentioned hard hir declare what is above
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 165-
writen what she said she saw and hard from the Apperishtion of
Mr. George Burroughs: and allso beheld hir tortors:and perceived
her hellish temtations by hir loud out cries I will not I will not writ
tho you torment al days of my life:and being conversant with hir
ever sence have seen hir tortored and complaining that Mr. Burroughs
hirt hir.and tempts hir to writ in his Book
Thomas putnam
peter prescott
Robert Morrell
Ann Puttnam declared har above written evidence to be the
truth:before the Jury of Inquest: Aug'st 3: 92: upon her oath
Ezekiel Chever made Oath to the latter part.of this paper
Jurat in Curia
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 11 )
(Letter of Thomas Putnam to John Hathorne and
Jonathan Corwin)
Salem Village , this 21'st of April, 1692
Much honored:
After most humble and hearty thanks presented to your Honors
for the great care and pains you have already taken for us, for which
we are never able to make you recompense (and we believe you do
not expect it of us; therefore a full reward will be given you of the
Lord God of Israel, whose cause and interest you have espoused,
and we trust this shall add to your crown of glory in the day of the
Lord Jesus); and we, beholding continually the tremendous works of
divine providence -- not only every day but every hour -- thought
it our duty to inform your Honors of what we conceive you have
not heard, which are high and dreadful: of a wheel within a wheel,
at which our ears do tingle.
Humbly craving continually your prayers and help in this dis-
tressed case, so praying almighty God continually to prepare you,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 166-
that you may be a terror to evil-doers and a praise to them that do
well, we remain yours to serve in what we are able.
Thomas Putnam
( Charles W. Upham, Salem Witchcraft [ Boston, 1867 ] II, 139-140 .)
(Ann Putnam, Jr. v. George Burroughs)
The deposistion of Ann putnam who testifieth and saith that on
the 5'th of may 1692 at evening I saw the apperishtion of Mr George
Burroughs who greviously tortored me and urged me to writ in his
book which I refused then he tould me that his Two first wives
would appeare to me presently and tell me a grat many lyes but I
should not beleve them:then immediatly appeared to me the forme
of Two women in winding sheats and napkins about their heads: att
which I was gratly affrighted: and they turned their faces towards
Mr. Burroughs and looked very red and angury and tould him that he
had been a cruell man to them.and that their blood did crie for ven-
gance against him: and also tould him that they should be cloathed
with white Robes in heaven, when he should be cast into hell: and
immediatly he vanished away: and as soon as he was gon the Two
women turned their faces towards me and looked as pail as a white
wall: and tould me that they ware mr Burroughs Two first wives
and that he had murthered them: and one tould me that she was his
first wife and he stabed hir under the left Arme and put a peace of
sealing wax on the wound and she pulled aside the winding sheat
and shewed me the place and also tould me that she was in the house
Mr parish now lives w'n it was don, and the other tould me that Mr
Burrough and that wife which he hath now kiled hir in the vessell
as she was coming to se hir friends because they would have one
another: and they both charged me that I should tell these things
to the Magestraits before Mr Burroughs face and if he did not own
them they did not know but that they should appere their: thes
morning also Mis Lawson and hir daughter Ann appeared to me
whom I knew: and tould me that Mr Burroughs murthered them:
this morning also appeared to me another woman in a winding sheat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 167-
and tould me that she was goodman fullers first wife and Mr Bur-
roughs kiled hir because there was sum differance between hir hus-
band and him: also on the 9'th may dureing the time of his ex-
amination he did most greviously torment and afflect mary Walcott
mercy lewes Eliz Hubburd and Abigail williams by pinching prick'g
and choaking them Jurat in Curia
(Reverse) Ann putnam Cont Geo Burroughs Death of his wife
& Lawson's Childe
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 12 )
(Edward Putnam and Thomas Putnam v. George Burroughs)
we whose names are under written being present with ann put-
nam at the times above mentioned: saw hir tortured and hard hir
refuse to writ in the book also hard hir declare what is above writen:
what she said she saw and hard from the Apperishtion of Mr. George
Burroghs and from thos which acc[used him] for murthering of
them
Edward putnam
Thomas putnam
Ann putnam ownid this har testimomy to be the truth uppon har
oath.before the Juriars of Inquest this: 3. dy of agust 92
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 12 )
(Sarah Bibber v. George Burroughs)
The deposistion of Sarah viber who testifieth and saith that on
the 9'th day of may 1692 . as I was agoeing to Salem village I saw
the apperishtion of a little man like a minister with a black coat
on and he pinched me by the arme and bid me goe along with
him but I tould him I would not but when I cam to the village I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 168-
saw theire Mr. George Burroughs which I never saw before and then
I knew that it was his apperishtion which I had seen in the morning
and he tortured me several times while he was in examination also
dureing the time of his examination I saw Mr. George Burroughs or
his Apparanec most greviously torment and afflect mary Walcott
mercy Luis Elizabeth Hubbert Ann putnam and abigaill williams by
pinching twisting & almost choaking them to death also severall
times sence mr george Burroughs or his Apperance has most grevious-
ly tormented me with variety of tortors and I beleve in my heart
that mr George Burroughs is a dreadfull wizzard and that he has most
greviously tormented me and the above mentioned parson by his
acts of wicthcraft
Sarah Viber declared to the Jury of inquest:that the above
written evidence is the truth:Aug'st 3: 1692 the which she owned
on her oath
Jurat in Curia
Sarah Viber ag't Burroughs
(On reverse side of paper)
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 13 )
(Mercy Lewis v. George Burroughs)
the deposistion of Mircy Lewes who testifieth and saith that one
the 7'th of may 1692 att evening I saw the apperishtion of Mr.
George Burroughs whom i very well knew which did greviously
tortor me and urged me to writ in his Book and then he brought to
me a new fashon book which he did not use to bring and tould me
I might writ in that book: for that was a book that was in his studdy
when I lived with them: but I tould him I did not beleve him for
I had been often in his studdy but I never saw that book their: but
he tould me that he had severall books in his studdy which I never
saw in his studdy and he could raise the divell: and now had be-
wicthed Mr. Sheppards daughter and I asked him how he could goe
to be wicth hir now he was keept at Salem: and he tould me that
the divell was his sarvant and he sent him in his shapp to doe it then
he againe tortored me most dreadfully and threatened to kill me for
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he said I should not witnes against him also he tould me that he had
made Abigaill Hoobs: a wicth and severall more then againe he did
most dreadfully tortor me as if he would have racked me all to
peaces and urged me to writ in his book or elce he would kill me but
I tould him I hoped my life was not in the power of his hand and
that I would not writ tho he did kill me: the next night he tould me
I should not see his Two wifes if he could help it because I should
not witnes agast him this 9'th may mr Burroughs caried me up to
an exceeding high mountain and shewed me all the kingdoms of the
earth and tould me that he would give them all to me if I would
writ in his book and if I would not he would thro me down and
brake my neck: but I tould him they ware non of his to give and I
would not writ if he throde me down on 100 pichforks: also on
the 9'th may being the time of his examination mr. George Bur-
roughs did most dreadfully torment me: and also several times sence
marce luis uppon har oath did owne this har testimony to be the
truth be fore the Juriors for In quest:agust:3: 92.
(Reverse) Mercy Lewis ag'st Burroughs
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 12 )
(Thomas Putnam and Edward Putnam v. George Burroughs)
we whose names are under writen being present hard mircy lewes
declare what is above writen what she said she saw and hard from the
Apperishtion of Mr George Burroughs and also beheld hir tortors
which we cannot express for sume times we ware redy to fear that
every joynt of hir body was redy to be displaced: also we perceived
hir hellish temtations by hir loud out cries mr.Burroughs. I will
not writ in your book tho you doe kil me
*Thomas putnam
[*Edward] Putnam
Jurat in Curia
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 12 )
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(Elizabeth Hubbard v. George Burroughs)
May the 9. 1692 .
Elizabeth hubord aged about 17 yers saith that the last second day at
night: There apeared a little black beard man to me in blackish
aparill I asked him his name. & he told me his name was borrous,
Then he tooke a booke out of his pocket: & opened it.& bid me set
my hand to it I tould him I would not: the lines in this book was
read as blod; then he pinched me twise & went away: The next morn-
ing .he apeared to me againe.and tould me he was above a wizard; for
he was a conjurar and so went away but sins that he hath apeared
to me every day & night very often and urged me very much to set
my hand to his book: and to run a way telling me if I would do so
I should be well & that I should need feare no body: & withall tor-
mented me severall ways every time he Came exept that time he told
me he was a conjuror: This night he asked me very much to set my
hand to his book or else he sayed he would kill me; withall tortor-
ing me very much by biting and pinching squesing my body and
runing pins into me also on the: 9'th may 1692 being the time of
his examination mr George Burroughs or his Apperance did most
greviously afflect and torment the bodyes of mary walcott mercy
lewes Ann putnam and Abigail williams for if he did but look upon
them he would strick them down or almost choak them to death also
severall times sence he has most dreadfully afflected and tormented
me with variety of torments and I beleve in my heart that mr George
Burroughs is a dreadfull wizzard and that he has often tormented
me and also the above named parsons by his acts of wicthcraft
Jurat in Curia
Eliz Hubbard.declared:the above written evedence:to be the
truth: upon her oath:that she had taken.this she owned before the
Jury of inquest: Aug'st 3 1692
(Reverse) Eliz: Hubbert ag't burroughs
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2. Page 14 )
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(Susannah Sheldon v. George Burroughs)
The Complaint of Susannah Shelden against mr burroos which
brought a book to-mee and told mee if i would not set my hand too
if hee would tear mee to peesses i told him i would not then hee
told mee hee would starve me to death then the next morning he
told mee hee could not starve mee. to death, but hee would choake
me that my vittals should doe me but litl good then he told mee
his name was borros which had preached at the vliage the last night
hee Came to mee and asked mee whether i would goe to the village
to morrow to witnes against him i asked him if hee was exsamened
then hee told hee was then i told him i would goe then hee told mee
hee would kil mee beefoar morning then hee apeared to mee at
the hous of nathanniel ingolson and told mee hee had been the
death of three children at the eastward and had kiled two of his
wifes the first hee smouthered and the second he choaked and killed
tow of his own children
(Reverse) Susannah Shelden against G. Burroughs
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 16 )
(Benjamin Hutchinson v. George Burroughs)
Benjemin huchension s'd that one the 21'st aprell 92 abegeral
wiluams s'd that there.was a lettell black menester that Lived at
Casko bay he told me so and s'd that he had kild 3 wifes two for
himself and one for mr Losen and that he had made nine Weches in
this plase and s'd that he Could hold out the hevest gun that Is
in Casko bay w'th one hand w'c no man Can Case hold out w't
both. hands this Is about a ll a clock and I ask her Where about this
lettel man stood s'd she Just where the Cart wheell went along I
had a 3 graned irne fork in my hnad and I thru it wher she said
he stud and she presently feell in a letel feet and when it twas over
Said She you have toren his coot for I hard it tare wher abouts
said I one won side said she
then we come into the house of left Ingersoll and I went into the
great Roome and abigle come in and said ther he stands I said wher
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wher and presently draed my rapyer but he emmedetly was gon as
she said then said she ther is a gray catt then i said wher abouts
doth she stand ther s'd she ther than I struck # [with] with my
rapyer then she fell in afitt and when it was over she said you kild
hur and immedetly Sary good come and carrid hur away this was
about 12 a clock The same day after lecttor in the said: Ingersolls
chamber abigaill williams mary walcot said that goody hobs of
topfell bitt mary walcot by the foot then both falling into a fit
as soone as it was over the said william hobs and his wife goe both of
them a long the table; the said hucheson tooke his rapier stabed
goody hobs one the side as abigaill williams & mary walcot saide:
the said abigaill & mar said the roome was full of them then the
said hucheson & Ely putnam stabed with their raperres at a ventor
then said mary & abigell you have killed a greet black woman of Ston-
intown . and an Indian that comes with her for the flore is all covered
with blod.then the said mary and abigaill looked out of dores & said
they saw a greet company of them one a hill & there was three of
them lay dead the black woman & the indian & one more that they
knew not
This being about.4.a clock in the after noon
(On reverse side of paper) Ben Huchison
( Essex County Archives Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 16 )
(Abigail Hobbs and Mary Warren v. George Burroughs et al.)
1st June 1692
Abigaile Hobbs then confessed before John Hathorn & Jonathan cor-
win Esq'rs That at the generall meeting of the Witches in the feild
near Mr Parrisse's house she saw Mr George Burroughs, Sarah Good
Sarah Osborne Bridgett Bishop als. Olliver & Giles Cory, two or
three nights agone, Mr Burrough came & sat at the window & told
her he would terribly afflict her for saying so much ag't him & then
pinched her, deliverance Hobbs then saw s'd Burroughs & he would
have tempted her to sett her hand to the book & almost shooke
her to pieces because she would not doe it,
Mary Warren Testifyeth that when she was in prison in Salem about a
fortnight agone Mr George Burroughs, Goody Nurse Goody procter,
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Goody parker, Goody pudeator, Abigail Soames, Goodman procter,
Goody Darling [Dowing?] & others unknowne came to this depon't
& Mr Burroughs had a trumpett & sounded it, & they would have
had this depon't to have gone up with them to a feast at Mr parris-
ses & Goody Nurse & Goody procter told her this depon't they were
Deacons & would have had her eat some of their sweet bread & wine
& she asking them what wine that was one of them said it was blood
& better then our wine but this depon't refused to eat or drink with
them & they then dreadfully afflicted her at that tyme.
Sworne the first of June 1692
*John Hathorne
*Jonathan Corwin }
Assis'ts
M'd. that at the time of the taking of this deposicon Goody Nurse
appeared in the roome & afflicted the Depon't Mary & Deliverance
Hobbs as they attested & alsoe almost Choaked abigaile Hobbs as
alsoe testified, & Mr English then run a pin into Maryes hand as she
attested
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Mary Warren v. George Burroughs, John Alden,
Martha Corey, and Ann Pudeator)
The Testimone of Mary Warren aged twenty yeares or thereaboutes
Testifeyeth and saith that Sometime in July last mr Burrougs pinched
mee very much and choaked me almost to death: and I saw and
hard him sound a Trumpett and Immediatly I saw severall com to
him as namely Capt Allding Mis Cory and goody pudeater and sev-
erall others and they urged me to goe along with them to their
sacremental meeting and mr Burroughs brought to me bread to eat
and wine to drink which I refuseing he did most greviously torment
me urging me vehemently to writ in his book: also I have seen mr
George Burroughs or his Apperance most greviously tormenting mary
walcott and Ann putnam and I verily beleve in my heart that Mr.
George Burroughs is a dreadfull wizzard and that he has severall
times tormented mee and the affore said persones by his acts of
wicthcraft
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Mary Warrin declared: upon: her oath; to the Jury of Inquest that
the above written evidence: is the truth. Aug'st 3: 1692
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Mary Walcott v. George Burroughs)
The Deposition of mary Walcott agged about 17 years who testi-
fieth and saith that on the later end of April 1692: mr. George
Burroughs or his Apperance came to me whom I formerly well
knew: and he did Immediatly most greviously torment me by biting
pinching and almost choacking me urging me to writ in his book:
which I refusing he did -- againe most greviously torment me and
tould me if I would but touch his book I should be well but I tould
him I would not for all the world and then he threated to kil me and
said I should never witnes against him: but he continewed tortering
and tempting me tell the 8 may: and then he tould me he would
have kiled his first wife and child: when his wife was in travil but he
keept hir in the kithin tell he gave hir hir deaths wound.but he
charged me in the name of his God I should not tell of it:but Im-
mediatly there appeared to me mr.Burroughs two first wives in their
winding sheets whom I formerly well knew and tould me that mr.
Burroughs had murthered them and that their blood did crie for
vengance againt him: also on the 9'th may being the day of his ex-
amination he did most greviously torment me dureing the time of
his examination for if he did but look on me he would strick me
down or allmost Choake me: also dureing his examination I saw
mr. George Burroughs or his Apperane most greviously torment
mercy lewes Eliz Hubb [e] rt Abigail william and Ann putnam and I
beleve in my heart that mr. George Burroughs is a dreadful wizzard
and That he had often afflected and tormented me and the afore
mentioned parsons by his acts of wicthcraft
Mary Walcot declared this writing to be a true evidence: to the Jury
of Inquest Aug'st 3 1692 upon the oath she has taken
Jurat in Curia
( Bowditch Mss. Mass. Hist. Society )
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(Summons for John Pierce and John Lane)
Wm & Mary by the Grace of God of England Scotland france &
Ireland King & queen defend'rs of the faith &ca --
Wee Comand you to Warn & give Notice unto John Pierce and John
lane that they & Every of them be & personaly app'r forthwith at
the pr'sent Court of Oyer & Termin'r holden at Salem to Testify
the truth to the best of thier knowledge on certain Indicm'ts Ex-
hibited against mr George Burrough hereof Make return fail Not
dated in Salem Aug't 4'th 1692 in the fourth yeare of Our Reign
*Stephen Sewall, Cler.
To the Constable of Manchester
August 4'th I have Sumoned the above named that thay and Each
of them att time and place above written by me
*John Ley
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Thomas Putnam and Edward Putnam v. George Burroughs)
The deposistion of Tho. putnam aged 40: years and Edward putnam
agged 38 years who testifieth and saith. that we haveing ben conver-
sant with severall of the afflected persons as maryWolcott mercy
lewes Eliz: Hubburt and we have seen them most dreadfully tomen-
ted and we have seen dreadfull marks in their fleesh which they
said Mr. Burroughs did make by hurting them: but on 9'th may
1692 : the day of the Examination of Mr. George Burroughs the af-
foresaid parsons were most dreadfully tormented dureing the time
of his Examination as if they would have been torne al to peaces
or all their bones putt out of joynt and with such tortors as no
tounge can express also severall times sence we have seen the affore-
said afflected parsons most dreadfully tormented and greviously
complaining of Mr. Burroughs for hurting them and we beleve that
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Mr. George Burroughs the prisoner att the bar has severall times af-
flected and tormented the afforesaid persons by acts of wicthcraft
*Thomas putnam
Jurat in Curia
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(John Putnam, Sr. and Rebecca Putnam v. George Burroughs)
the Deposition of John putnam & Rebecah his wife testifieth
and saith that in the yeare:80: Mr Burros lived in our house nine
month, there being a great differanc betwixt Sd Barros & his wife,
the differanc was so great that they did Desier us the deponants
to com into their room to hear their difference, the contrivercy
that was betwixt them was that the afor s'd Burros did rquier his
wife to give him a written covenant under her hand and Seall that
shee would never reveall his secrits, our anser was that they had
once made a covenant before god and men which covenant we did
conseive did bind each other to keep their lawfull secrits, and further
saith that all the time that s'd Burros did live att our house he was
a very sharp man to his wife, notwithstanding to our observation
shee was a very good and dutifully wife to him
Jurat in Curia
(On reverse side of paper) Jno Putn & Reb. his wife.
( Essex Institute MSS. Collection )
(Elizar Keyser v. George Burroughs)
Elizer Keysar aged aboute fourty five yeares Sayth that on Thursday
last past being the fift day of this Instant moneth of May I was at
the house of Thomas Beadles in salem, and Capt Daniell King being
there also, at the same tyme, and in the Same Roome. s'd Capt
Daniell King Asked mee Whether I would not goe up, and see mr
Burrows and discourse with him. he being then in one of the Cham-
bers in s'd House. I told him itt did not belong to mee, and I was
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not willing to medle or make with itt, then s'd King sayd are you not
a Christian if you are a Christian goe [&] see him and discourse with
him, but I told him I did beleive it did not belong to such as I was to
discourse him he being a Learned man. then s'd King sayd I beleive
he is a Child of god, a Choice Child of god, and that God would
Clear up his Inocency; soe I told him my Opinion or feare was,
that he was, the Cheife of all the persons accused for witchcraft or
the Ring Leader of them -- all, and told him also that I beleived
if he was such an one his Master meening the divell had told him
before now, what I said of him, And s'd King seemeing to mee to be
in a passion. I did afterwards forbeare #[The same Evening after
these words being alone in one Roome of my house and noe candle
or light being in the s'd Roome] the same afternoone I haveing Occa-
tion to be at the s'd Beadles house and [being] in the Chamber
where mr George Burroughs Keept I observed that s'd Burroughs did
steadfastly fix [his] eys upon mee, the same Evening being in my
own house, in a Roome without any Light I did see very strange
things appeare in the Chimney. I suppose a dozen of them. w'ch
seemed to mee to be something like Jelly that used to be in the water
and quaver with a strainge Motion, and then quickly diappeared
soone after which I did see a light up in the chimney aboute the
bigness of my hand some thing above the bar w'ch quivered
& shaked. and seemed to have a Motion upward upon Which I called
the Mayd, and she looking up into the Chimney saw the same, and
my wife looking up could not see any thing, soe I did and doe
#[very Certainly] [Concider] it was some diabolicall apperition
(On side of paper)
Mr. Elizer. Keyzer: declared: to the Jury of Inquest that the evi-
dence : in this paper is the truth upon oath: Aug'st 3 1692 Mercy
Lewis. also: s'd that: he made lights: in Mr Keyzers: Chimny
Jurat in Curia
by
Mr Keysor
Sworne also by
Eliz: Wardwell
as to the last night
( New York Public Library -- Manuscripts and Archives Division )
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(Memorandum in Case of George Burroughs)
Memorand'm in mr George Burroughs Tryall besides the written
Evidences that was Sworne sev'll who gave theirs by word of mouth
& Major Browne holding Out a heavy Gun w'th One hand
Thomas Ruck of his sudden coming in after them & that he
could tell his thoughts.
Thomas Evans that he Carried Out Barrels Molossus & Meats &c
out of a Canoo whilst his mate.went to the fort for hands to help
out with them
Sarah Wilson Confess't that the night before mr Burroughs was
Executed that there was a great Meeting of the witches Nigh
Sarj't Chandlers that mr Burr. was there & they had the Sac't
& after they had done he tooke leave & bid them Stand to their faith,
& not own any thing
Martha Tyler saith the same w'th Sarah Wilson & Severall others
(on side) These Since the Execuion of Mr. Burro
(On reverse side of paper) Mr. Burr
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 17 )
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