Executed, September 22, 1692
(Warrant for Arrest of Martha Corey)
Salem, March the 19'th 1691/2
There being Complaint this day made before us, By Edward put-
nam and Henery Keney Yeoman both of Salem Village, Against
Martha Cory the wife of Giles Cory of Salem farmes for suspition
of haveing Comitted sundry acts of Witchcraft and thereby donne
much hurt and injury unto the Bodys of Ann Putnam the wife of
Thomas Putnam of Salem Village Yeoman And Anna Puttnam the
daugtter of s'd Thomas putnam and Marcy Lewis Single woman Live-
ing in s'd Putnams famyly; also abigail Williams one of mr parris
his family and Elizabeth Hubert Doctor Grigs his maid.
You are therefore in theire Majest's names hereby required to
apprehend and bring; before us. Martha Cory the wife of Giles Cory
abovesaid on Munday next being the 21't day of this Instant month,
at the house of Lt Nathaniell Ingersalls of Salem Village aboute
twelve of the Clock in the day in order to her Examination Relateing
to the premises and hereof you are not to faile
Dated Salem. March. the 19'th. 1691/2
p us
*Jonathan. Corwin
*John:Hathorne
*Jonathan. Corwin }
Assists
To Geo Herrick Marshall
of the County of Essex --
or any Constable in Salem
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 12 )
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(Officer's Return)
March 21'st I have taken Martha Cory and brought to the house
of Leut Nath: Engersoll where she is in the Costody of some persons
by mee Required and is forth Comeing att demand
per: mee. *Joseph Herrick Constable for Salem
(Reverse) Good. Wild Goody Oliver
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 12 )
(Examination of Martha Corey)
21 March 1691/2
Mr Hathorne.
You are now in the hands of Authority tell me now
why you hurt these persons
Martha Kory.
I do not.
who doth?
Pray give me leave to goe to prayer
This request was made sundry times
We do not send for you to go to prayer But tell me
why you hurt these?
I am an innocent person: I never had to do with
Witchcraft since I was born. I am a Gospel Woman
Do not you see these complain of you
The Lord open the eyes of the Magistrates & Ministers:
the Lord show his power to discover the guilty.
Tell us who hurts these children.
I do not know.
If you be guilty of this fact do you think you can
hide it.
The Lord knows --
Well tell us w't you know of this matter
Why I am a Gosple-woman, & do you think I can have
to do with witchcraft too
How could you tell then that the Child was bid to
observe what cloths you wore when some came to
speak w'th you.
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Cheevers.
Interrupted her & bid her not begin with a lye
& so Edw'd Putman declared the matter
Mr Hath:
Who told you that
K.
He said the child said
Cheev:
you speak falsly
Then Edw: Putman read again
Mr H.
Why did you ask if the child told w't cloths you wore
My husband told me the others told
Who told you about the cloaths? Why did you ask
that question.
Because I heard the children told w't cloaths the
other wore
Goodm: Kory did you tell her
The old man denyed that he told her so.
Did you not say your husband told you so
K.
--
H.
Who hurtes these children now look upon them.
K.
I cannot help it
H.
Did you not say you would tell the truth why you
askt that question: how come you to the knowledge --
I did but ask
You dare thus to lye in all this assembly You are now
before Authority. I expect the truth, you promised it,
Speak now & tell#[what cloths] who told you what
cloths
K.
No body
H.
How came you to know that the children would be
examined what cloth you wore
Because I thought the child was wiser, than any body
if she knew
Give an answer you said your husband told you
He told me the children said I afflicted them
How do you know w't they came for, answer me this
truly,
#
will you say how you came to know what they came
for
I had heard speech that the children said I #[afflicted
them] troubled them & I thought that they might
come to examine
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But how did you know it
I thought they did
Did not you say you would tell the truth, who told
you w't they came for
No body
How did you know
I did think so
But you said you knew so
Child:
H Q
There is a man whispering in her ear,
What did he say to you.
We must not beleive all that these distracted children
say
Cannot #[he tell] you tell what that man whispered
I saw no body
But did not you hear
No, here was Extream agony of all the afflicted
If you expect mercy of God, you must look for it in
Gods way by confession
Do you think to find mercy by aggravating your sins
A true thing
Look for it then in Gods way
#
So I do
Give glory to God & confess then
But I cannot confess
Do not you see how these afflicted do charge you
We must not beleive distracted persons
Who do you improve to hurt them
I improved none
Did not you say our eyes were blinded you would
open them
Yes to accuse the innocent
Then Crossly gave in evidence
Why cannot the girl stand before you
I do not know.
What did you mean by that
I saw them fall down
It seems to be an insulting speech as if they could
not stand before you.
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They cannot stand before others.
But you said they cannot stand before you
Tell me what was that turning upon the Spit by you
You beleive the Children that are distracted I saw no
spit
Here are more than two that accuse you for witchcraft
What do you say
I am innocent
Then mr Hathorn read farther of Croslys evidence
What did you mean by that the Devil could not stand
before you
She denyed it
3. or 4. Sober witnesses confirm'd it.
What can I do many rise up against me
Why confess.
So I would if I were guilty
Here are sober persons what do you say to them
You are a Gosple woman, will you lye
Abigail cryed out next Sab: is sacrament day, but she
shall not come there
Kory
I do not care
You charge these children with distraction: it is a note
of distraction when persons vary in a minute, but
these fix upon you, this is not the manner of dis-
traction --
When all are against me w't can I help it
Now tell me the truth will you, why did you say that
the Magistrates & Ministers eyes are blinded you would
open them
She laught & denyed it.
Now tell us how we shall know
Who doth hurt these if you do not
Can an innocent person be guilty
Do you deny these words
Yes
Tell us who hurts these: We came to be a Terror to
evil doers
You say you would open our eyes we are blind
If you say I am a Witch
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You said you would show us
She denyed it.
Why do you not now show us
I cannot tell: I do not know
What did you strike the maid at Mr Tho: Putmans with
I never struck her in my life
Here are two that see you strike her with an iron rod.
I had no hand in it
Who had
Do you beleive these children are bewitcht
They may for ought I know I have no hand in it.
You say you are no Witch, may be you mean you
never Covenanted with the Devil. Did you never deal
w'th any familiar
No never
What bird was that the children spoke of
Then Witnesses, spoke
What bird was it.
I know no bird.
It may be: you have engaged you will not confess. but
God knows.
So he doth
Do you beleive you shall go unpunished
I have nothing to do w'th withcraft
Why was you not willing your husband should come
to the former Session here
But he came for all
Did not you take the Saddle off
I did not know what it was for
Did you not know w't it was for
I did not know that it would be to any benefit
[illegible]
Some body said that she would not have them help to
find out witches.
Did you not say you would open our eyes why do
you not
I never thought of a Witch
Is it a laughing matter to see these afflicted persons
She denyed it
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Severall prove it
Ye are all against me & I cannot help it
Do not you beleive there are Witches in the Countrey
I do not know that there is any
Do not you know that Tituba Confessed it
I did not hear her speak
I find you will own nothing without severall witnesses
& yet you will deny for all
It was noted w'n she bit her lip severall of the afflic-
ted were bitten
When she was urged upon it that she bit her lip saith
she what harm is there in it.
Mr. Noyes.
I beleive it is apparent she practiseth Witchcraft in
the congregation there is no need of images
What do you say to all these thing that are apparent
If you will all go hang me how can I help it.
Were you to serve the Devil ten years tell how many
She laught
The Children cryed there was a yellow bird with her
When Mr Hathorn askt her about it she laught
When her hands were at liberty the afflicted persons
were pincht
Why do not you tell how the Devil comes in your
shape & hurts these; you said you would
How can I know how
Why did you say you would show us
She laught again
What book is that you would have these children
write in
What book: were should I have a book I showed them
none, nor have none nor brought none.
The afflicted cryed out there was a man whispering in
her ears.
What book did you carry to Mary Walcott
I carryed none: if the Devil appears in my shape
Then Needham Said that Parker some time agoe
thought this woman was a Witch
Who is your God
The God that made me
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Who is that God
The God that made me
What is his name
Jehova
Do you know any other name
God Almighty
Doth he tell you that you pray to that he is God
Almighty
Who do I worship but the God that made [me]
How many Gods are there
One
How many persons
Theree
Cannot you say so there is one God in three blessed
persons
** (then she was troubled)
Do not you see these children & women are rational
& sober as their neighbours when your hands are
fastened Immediately they were seized with fitts
& the standers by
** [Partially illegible on account of fold in paper.]
said she was squeezing her fingers her hands being
eased by them that held them on purpose for triall
Quickly after the Marshall said she hath bit her lip
& immediately the afflicted were in an uproar
[torn] you hurt these, or who doth
She denyeth any hand in it
Why did you say if you were a Witch you should have
no pardon.
Because I am a [] Woman
Salem Village March the 21't 1691/2
The Rever't mr Sam'll parris being desired to take in wrighting the
Examination of Martha Cory, hath returned it as afores'd Upon hear-
ing the afores'd and seing what wee did then see, togather with the
charges of the persons then present Wee Committed Martha Cory
the wife of Giles Cory of Salem farmes, unto the Goale in Salem as p
mittimus then Given out
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*John Hathorne
*Jonathan. Corwin }
Assis'ts
(Reverse) Martha Kory Exam
( Essex Institute MSS. Collection )
(Mittimus for Martha Corey, Giles Corey, Rebecca Nurse,
Dorothy Good [sic], Sarah Cloyce, John Proctor,
and Elizabeth Proctor)
To the Keeper of their Majest's Goale in Boston
You are in theire Majest's names hereby required to take into
your care and safe Custody the Bodys of Martha Cory the wife of
Giles Cory of Salem farmes husbandman Rebecka Nurse the wife of
francs Nurce of Salem Village husbandman. Dorothy Good the
daugter of Wm Good afores'd husbandman. Sarah Cloyce the wife
of peter Cloyce of Salem Village husbandman. John procter of Salem
farmes husbandman and Elizabeth the wife of s d John Procter
of Salem farmes Husbandman who all and every one of them stand
charged in behalfe of theire Majest's for feloniously Committeing
Sundry Acts of Witchcraft Lately, at Salem Village, on the bodys of
Ann putnam the daugter of Thomas putnam Abigail Williams Eliz.
Hubbert & others of Salem Village afores'd whereby great hurt hath
beene donne to theire bodys Contrary to the peace of our Sov'r L'd
& Lady Wm & Mary of England &c King & Queen, whome you are
all well to secure untill thay shall be delivered by due order of Law
And hereof you are not to faile
Dated Boston, May 25't 1692.
*John Hathorne
p vs *Jonathan. Corwin
Assis'ts
(Reverse) Sarah Good Rebecca Nurss Jno Willard John Proctor Eliza
Proctor SuSanah Martin Bridget Bishop all Oliver Alice Parker
Tittuba Indian
( Essex County Archives Vol. 1 Page 12 )
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(Indictment v. Martha Corey, No. 1)
Province of the Mattathusets Bay
in New England
Essex ss Anno Regis et Reginae Willm
et Mariae nunc: Angliae &.c
Quarto
The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King and
Queen pr'sents That Martha Corey Wife of Gyles Corey of Salem hus-
bandman the 21: Day of March in the fourth 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 De-
fend'rs of the faith &c and Divers other Dayes and times as well
before as After Certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcrafts & sorceries,
wickedly and felloniously hath Used, Practised & Exercised. at and
within the Township of Salem in the County of Essex afores'd in
upon and ag't one Elizabeth Hubbard of Salem singlewoman by
which said wicked Arts the said Elizabeth Hubbard the 21. Day of
March in the year aboves'd and Divers other Dayes & times as well
before as after was and is Tortured afflicted Pined Consumed and
Tormented and also for sundry other Acts of Witchcraft by said
Martha Corey-Committed and Done before and since that time ag't
the Peace of our Sovereigne Lord & Lady the King and Queen their
Crowne and Dignity and ag't the form of the statute in that case
made and Provided/
Witnesses
El: Hubbard & Jury of womens return
Marcy Lewis
Ann Putnam
Edward Putman
Ezek. Cheever
(Reverse) No 17 Martha Corey Bila Vera Martha Corey
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1. Page 12 )
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(Indictment v. Martha Corey, No. 2)
Province of the Massacusetts
Bay in New England\s-\
Essex ss Anno Regis et Reginae Willm
et Mariae nunc. Angliae &c
Quarto
The Jurors of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady the King & Queen
pr'sents That Martha Corey wife of Giles Corey of Salem -- hus-
bandman -- the 21 day of March in the fourth Year of the Reigne
of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady William & Mary by the Grace of
God of England Scottland France and Ireland King & Queen defend'rs
of the faith &c and divers other dayes & times, as well before as after.
certaine detestable Arts called Witchcrafts & Sorceries. Wickedly
and felloniously hath Used Pratised & Exercised at and within the
Towneship of Salem in the County of Essex aforesaid in upon
& agt one Marcy Lewis of Salem village Singlewoman -- by which
said Wicked Arts the said Marcy Lewis the 21 -- day of March in
the fourth year above said & divers other days & times as well
before as after, was and is Tortured afflicted Pined Consumed
wasted & Tormented and also for sundry other Acts of Witchcrafts
by said Martha Corey -- Committed & done before & since that time
ag't the Peace of our Sovereign Lord and Lady the King and Queen
their Crowne and dignity and ag't the form of the Statute in that
case made and Provided
Mary Lewis
Eliz. Hubbard
Ann Putman
Edward Putman
Ezek. Cheever
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Summons for Witnesses)
Wm & Mary by the Grace of God of England Scotland France
& Ireland King & Queen defenders of the faith &c.
To the Sheriffe of Essex or deputy or Constable or Constables of
Salem, Topsfield & Boxford Greeting
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L.S. Wee Comand you & Either of you to warn and give Notice
unto Jonathan Putman James Darlin Samuel Abbey of Salem Daniel
Clarke of Topsfield & Samuel Smith of Boxford Edward Putman
Ez: Cheever Jno Parker Sen'r Sam'll Braybrooke Mary Wolcot Ann
Putman Sarah Vibber Marcey lewis Eli: Hubbard that they & Every
of them be at the Next Court of Oyer & Terminer holden at Salem
on Tuesday Next at Twelve of the Clock, or as soon after as may be
there to testify the truth to the best of their knowledge on Sev-
erall Indictments Exhibited against Mary Easty & Sarah Cloyce Giles
Corey & Martha Corey his wife hereof Make Return fail not
dated in Salem : Sep'r 5'th 1692. & in the fourth year of Our Reign
Stephin Sewall Cler
(Officer's Return.)
(Reverse) To the Clark of Salem I have a cordenely to warent Som-
mand danile clake of topsfield And Samuel Smith of Boxfrd
*Joseph Andrews Constebele
of Boxferd
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1. Page 13 )
(Abigail Williams v. Martha Corey)
The testimony of Abigail Williams Witnesseth & saith that divers
times in the monthe of March last past particularly 14.20.21. & 23
dayes of that month, & also in the month of April last past at several
times, particularly on the. 12. 13. &.14 dayes of that month she the
said Abigail was much disquieted by the apparition of Martha Kory,
by which apparition she was sometimes haled to & fro. & somtimes
pinched, & somtimes tempted to put her hand to the Devils book,
& that she hath several times seen her at the Devils sacrament
May 31'st 1692
attested before
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
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(Ephraim Sheldon v. Martha Corey)
The deposition of Ephraim Shelden aged April 10'th 92 20 years
who testefieth. and sayth I this deponent being at the house of Lew-
tent Ingersol when Mercy Lewes was in one of her fits I heard her
cry out of Goodwife Cloyce and when she came to herselfe she was
asked who she saw. she answered she saw no body they demanded
of her whether or noe she did not see. Goodwife Nurse or Goodwife
Cloyce or Goodwife Gory. she answered she saw no body./
(Reverse) Eph: Shelden
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 13 )
(Samuel Parris, Nathaniel Ingersoll and
Thomas Putnam v. Martha Corey)
The Deposition of Sam: Parris aged about. 39. years, & Nathan-
ael Ingersol aged about fifty & eight yeares & Thomas Putman aged
about fourty yeares all of Salem -- testifyeth & saith that severall
of the bewitched persons were much afflicted at the examination of
Martha Kory, wife to Giles Kory of Salem, #[& particu] before the
honoured Magistrates. 21. March. 1961/2 & particularly that #[when]
before her hands were held severall of the afflicted were pincht,
& when said Martha bit her lip severall of them were bitten: & that
some of the afflicted said there was a black man whispering in her
ear, namely Mary Walcot and Abigail Williams both of which also
were bit & pincht by her as they said
(Reverse) The Depoon of Sam: Parris &c ag'st Martha Kory
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 13 )
(Giles Corey v. Martha Corey)
The evidence of Giles Choree testifieth & saith that Last sattur-
day in the Evening. sitting by the fire my wife asked me to go to
bed. I told I would go to prayr. & when I went to prayer I could
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nott utter my desires w'th any sense, not open my mouth to speake
My wife did perceive itt & came towards. me & said she was com-
ing to me. After this in alittle space I did according to my measure
attend the duty.
Sometime last weake I fetcht an ox well out the woods. about
noone, & he laying down in the yard I went to raise him to yoake
him butt he could not rise butt dragd his hinder parts as if he had
been hiptshott. butt after did rise.
I had a Catt somtimes last weeke strangly taken on the suddain
& did make me think she would have died presently. #[butt] my
wife bid me knock her in the head. butt I did not. & since she is
well.
Another time going to duties I was interrupted for aspace. butt
affterward I was helpt according to my poore measure
My wife hath ben wont to sitt up after I went to bed, & I have per-
ceived her to kneel down to the harth. as if she were at prayr, but
heard nothing
March: 24'th 1691/2
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 13 )
(Edward Putnam and Ezekiel Cheever v. Martha Corey)
The deposition of Edward Putnum aged about 36 years and Eze-
kiel Cheever aged about 37 years testifieth and sayeth that wee being
often complained unto by An Putnum that goode Corie did often
appear to her and tortor her by pinching and other wayes thought
it our duty to goe to her and see what shee would say to this com-
plaint shee being in church covenant with us.
and accordingly upon the 12'th day of march about ten of the
clock we appointed to goe about the midle afternoon, and wee de-
sired An Putnam to take good notice of what cloathes goode Corie
came in that so we might see whither shee was not mistaken in the
person, and accordingly wee went to the house of Thomas Putnum
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before we went to goode Corie to see what An could say about
her cloathes. and shee told us that presently after we had #[spoken]
told her that we would goe and talke with goode Corie shee came
and blinded her but told her that her name was Corie and that shee
should see her no more before it was night because she should not
tell us what cloathes shee had on and then shee would come again
and pay her off.
then wee went both of us away from the house of Thomas Put-
num to the house of Giles Corie where we found go the abovesaid
Corie all alone in her house and as soone as we came in. in a smil-
ing manner shee sayeth I know what you are come for you are come
to talke with me about being a witch but I am none I cannot helpe
peoples talking of me Edward Putnum answered her that it was the
afflicted person that did complain of her that was the occasion of
our coming to her. she presently replied but does shee tell you what
cloathes I have on we made her no answer to this at her first asking
where upon shee asked us again with very great eagernes but does
she tell you what cloathes I have on at which questions with that
eagernes of mind. with which shee did aske made us to thinke of
what An Putnum had told us before wee went to her. #[to which]
and wee told her no shee did not for shee told us that you came and
blinded her and told her that shee should see you no more before
it was night that so shee might not tell us what cloathes you had
on. shee made but litle answer to this but seemed to smile at it as
if shee had showed us a pretty trick
we had a great deal of talke with her about the complaint that was
of her and how greatly the name of God and religion and thee
church was dishonured by this meanes but shee seemed to be no
way conserned for any thing about it but only to stop the mouthes
of people that they might not say thus of her shee told us that shee did
not thinke that they were accused for shee said if they were wee
could not blame the devill for making witches of them for they were
idle sloathfull persons and minded nothing that was good. but we
had no reason to thinke so of her for shee had made a profession of
christ and rejoyced to go and hear the word of god and the like.
but we told her it was not her making an out ward profession that
would clear her from being a witch for it had often been so in the
wourld that witches had crept into the churches: much more dis-
course we had with her but shee made her profession a cloake to
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cover all she furder told us that the devill was come down amongst
us in great rage and that God had forsaken the earth. and after much
discourse with her being to much here to be related we returned to
the house of the above said Thomas Putnum and we found that shee
had done as shee said shee would for shee came not to hurt the above
said Putnum as #[shee] Ann Putnam told us all this time but after
we were gone we understand that shee came again as shee did use to
doe before greatly afflicting of her
we doe furder testifie that upon her examination shee accordeng to
what was said of her that shee would open thee eyes of the magis-
trates and ministers. so shee did for shee made a most clear discovery
witchcraft for by biting her lip it was observed that the afflicted #
[children] persons were bit when that was discovered then we ob-
served that shee would #[pinch] pinch them by niping her fingers
togeather and when that was discovered and her hands held then
shee afflict them by working with her foot and when that was dis-
covered then shee pressed upon the seate with her breast and mistress
Pope was greatly afflicted by great pressure upon her stomack
Jurat in Curia Sept. 8. 92
(Reverse) Mr Ezekell Cheevers: affimd: to the Jury of inquest: that
he saw: Martha wife of Giles Cory examined before the majestrates:
at which time he observed that the s'd Cory: some times did: bite
her lip: and when she bit her lip: Mercy Lewis and Eliza'th Hubbard
and others of the afflicted persons: were bitten: also when s'd
Cory: pinched her fingers to gether: then mercy lewis & elizabeth
Hubbard and others were pinched: and #[when] according to: the
motions of s'd martha Coryes body: so was the afflicted persons:
afflicted: this he affirmd to be true according to the best of his
observation: Mr Edward Putnam affirmd the same: to the Jury
of inquest that: Mr Cheevers doth. Mr Thomas Putnam affirmed
the same: all upon oathe all of them
Ed Putman
Eliz. Cheever
(Reverse) Edw'd Putnam & [Eliza.] Cheever Deposition
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 1 Page 13 )
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- 263-
(Elizabeth Booth v. Martha Corey)
The testimony of Elesebeth Booth Aged 18 yers or their a bout
testifieth that one the 8 of June Geiorg nedom A peired unto me
& saide that mattha Goerie Kiled him Because he wold not mend her
Lening wheal
*Elesebeth Booth.
The testimony of Elesebeth Booth Aged 18 yers or their a
bout testifieth that on the 8 day of June Thomas Goold Senyer
Apered unto me & told me that #[she] mattha Corie kiled him
because he told her she did not doe weel by Goodman parkers Child-
ringe
*Elesebeth Booth upon Oath
Elizabeth Booth owned all that is above written before & unto
the Gran inquest on the 30'th Day of June 1692
( Essex County Archives, Salem -- Witchcraft Vol. 2 Page 53 )
(Elizabeth Hubbard v. Martha Corey)
The Deposistion of Elizabeth Hubburd agged about 17 years who
testifieth and saith that about the 15'th march 1691/2 I saw the
Apperishtion of Martha Cory who did Immediatly hurt me and urged
me to writ in hir book and so she continewed hurting of me by times
tell the 21 march being the day of hir Examination: and then in the
time of hir Examination she did torment me most dreadfully by bit-
ing pinching and almost choaking me the marks of which I shewed
to severall and at the same time aso I saw the Apperishtion of Martha
Cory greviously afflect mircy lewes: and also severall times sence
the Apperishtion of martha Cory has most greviously afflected me
and urged me vehemently to writ in hir book also on the day of hir
Examination I saw martha Cory or hir Apperan[ce most greviously
tormet mary wolcott mercy lewes Abigail williams] and ann putnam
and I beleve in my heart that martha Cory is a dreadfull wicth and
that she hath very often affle[c] ted and tormented me and the affor-
mentioned parsons by acts of wicthcraft
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Jurat in Curia
Eliz: Hubbard: declared the above written Evidence: to be the truth:
before the Jury of inquest upon oath: Aug'st 4: 1692 Aug'st 4: 1692
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Edward Putnam v. Martha Corey)
The diposistion of Edward Putnam aged about 38 yeares ho testi-
fieth and saith one the 14 day of march 1692 martha Cory the wife
of giles Cory Came to the house of Thomas Putnum: she being de-
sired to Come and see his dauter ann Putnam: ho had Charged martha
Cory to her face that she had hurt her by witchcraft but no sonner
did martha Cory Come in to the hous of thomas putnam but ann
putnam fell in to grevious feets of Choking blinding feat and hands
twisted in a most grevious maner and told martha Cory to her face
that she did it, and emediately hur tonge was dran out of her: mouth
and her teeth fasned upon it in a most grevious maner after ann
putnam had libberty to spake she said to martha Cory ther is a
yellow burd a sucking betwen your fore finger and midel finger I
see it said ann putnam I will Come and see it said she: so you may
said martha Cory: but before an Came to her I saw martha Cory
put one of her fingers in the place whear ann had said she saw the
burd and semed to give a hard rub ann putnam Came and said she
see nothing but emediately she was blinded after this ann putnam
tryed to go to her and when she Came allmost to her shee fell down
blindad and Cold not Come at her any more: ann putnam allso
told her she put her hands upon the face of Joseph poopes wife one
the Sabath day at meeting and shuing. her how she did it emediately
her hands ware fasned to her eyes that they Cold not be pulled from
them except they should have ben broaken. off, after this ann put-
nam said hear is a speet at the fier with a man apon it and Goodey
Cory you be a turnning of it then marcy lues toock a stick and
struck at it and then it went away but emediately it apered again and
marcy lues ofred to strike it again but ann putnam said do not if you
love your self but presently marcy lues Cryed out with a grevious
pane in her arme as if one had struck her with a stick upon her arme
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and ann putnam told goodey Cory she see her strike marcy lues with
a Iron rood upon her arme: and marcy lues and ann putnam gru so
bad with panes we desired goodey Cory to be gone and marcy lues
said she saw shadows like women but Cold not disarn ho they were
but presently Cryed out in a very loud maner I onte I onte and being
asked what they wold have her do she said they wold have me to
right and emediately she was Choked and blinded her neck twicted her
teeth and mouth #[shet] shut and gru to such feets as wold put two
or three men to it to hold her and was this evening drawn toward the
fier by unseen hands as she sat in a Chare and two men hold of it
yet she and Chare moveed toward the fier tho they labored to the
Contrary her feat going formost and I seeing it steped to her feat
and lifted with my stringht together with the other two and all
littel enuf to prevent her from going in to the fier with her feat
formost and this destres held tell about a leven of the Cloack in the
night/ I have allso seen maney bitees before and sence apon ouer
aflicted parsons that have told me martha Cory did it the prisner now
at the bar --
*Edward Putnam
Jurat in Curia
S Sewall Cle
(In left margin, vertically)
Edward Putman
( Massachusetts Historical Society )
(Mercy Lewis v. Martha Corey)
The Deposistion of Mircy lewes agged about 19 years who testifieth
and saith that I veryly beleve I was bewiched by gooddy Cory on
the: 14'th of March 1691/92 for she then came to the house of
Thomas putnam to se ann putnam whom I was atending and I was
Immediatly taken whill gooddy Cory was their: and Ann putnam
said shee se gooddy Cory bewich me: but I could not se parfitly
who they ware that hurt me tell the 26'th of march and sence that
I have often seen the Aperishtion of goody Cory Come and afflect
me by biting pinching and almost choaking me urging me vehe-
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mently to writ in hir book allso I was most dreadfully tortored whill
martha Cory was in Examination being the 21 march and Mary Wal-
cott and Elizabeth Hubburd said they saw the Apperishtion of Martha
Cory tortor me: and I beleve in my heart that martha Cory is a most
dreadfull wicth and that she hath very often affleted me a[nd]
severall others by hir acts of wicthcraft.
( Bowditch MSS. Massachusetts Historical Society )
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