Diary of Samuel Sewall

By lhouck
  • Examination.

    Went to Salem where the persons accused of wichcraft were esamined. It was a very great assembly. It was awful to see how the afflicted persons were agitated...
  • Execution

    Five people were executed in Salem with a very great number of spectators present. All of them said they were innocent. Mr. Cotton Mather said they all died by a righteous sentence.
  • Giles Cory

    About noon, in Salem, Giles Cory was pressed to death for standing mute. Much pains were used with him for two days, one after another. By the court and Capt. Gardner of Nantucket who had been his friend, but all in vain.
  • Petition

    A petition is sent to town on behalf of Dorcas Hoar, who now confesses. Accordingly an order is sent to the sheriff to hold back her execution. This is the first condenmned person who has confessed
  • Bill

    A bill is sent in about calling a fast, and convocation of ministers, that may be led in the right way as the the witchcrafts...