The Diary of Samuel Sewall

1

Apr 11, 1692

Went to salem into the meeting house and came upon people being accused of witchcraft.

2

Sep 19, 1692

At 12 p.m. in Salem, Giles Cory was pressed to death with rocks for not confessing.

3

Sep 22, 1692

William Stoughton, John Hathorne, Cotton Mather, John Higginson, and my brother, all came to my house to talk about publishing some of the trials of the so-called witches.

4

Nov 22, 1692

I prayed to God to help me and pardon my sins. Also that He would bless the Assembly in their debates and that he would choose and assist the judges.

5

Jan 15, 1697

I gave Mr. Willard a copy of the bill I put up on fast day. Standing up as reading it and bowed when he finished in the afternoon.