In concluding his report of the trial of the unhappy woman, whose young children were thus induced to become the instruments for procuring her death, Dr Cotton Mather expresses himself in the following language, 'this rampant hag, Martha Carrier, was the person of whom the confessions of the witches, and of her own children among the rest, agreed, that the devil had promised her, she should be Queen of Hell.'

One woman was induced to bear witness against her husband; it was of course false, and it was fatal to him. Well may we sympathize with Hutchinson, who declares that he shudders while he relates such monstrous violations of the principles of law, as well as nature. At the examination of the prisoners before the magistrate at the time of their commitment, they were interrogated at great length and minutely; leading questions were put to them, and they were led to ensnare themselves as much as possible. The minutes of these examinations were preserved and brought in evidence against them at their trials. Many of them were left upon

record, and they exhibit in some cases, an extraordinary degree of sagacity and good sense on the part of the prisoners. The following dialogue between Susanna Martin and the magistrate, shews that she did not lack presence and acuteness of mind.

Magistrate. 'Pray what ails these people?' Martin. I don't know.'

Mag. But what do you think ails them?' Martin. I do not desire to spend my judgment upon it.'

Mag. Don't you think they are bewitched?'

Martin. No. I do not think they are.' Mag. then.'

Tell us your thoughts about them,

Martin. No, my thoughts are my own when they are in, but when they are out, they are another's. Their master

Mag. Their master! Who do you think is their master?'

Martin. If they be dealing in the black art, you may know as well as I.'

Mag. Well, what have you done towards

this?'

Martin.

'Nothing at all.'

Mag. Why, 'tis you or your appearance.'
Martin. I can't help it.'

6

Mag. Is it not your master? How comes your appearance to hurt these?'

Martin. How do I know? He that appeared in the shape of Samuel, a glorified saint, may appear in any one's shape.'

One circumstance occurred that inflicted a deep and lasting stain upon the pure ermine of justice. The waves of popular fury made one clear breach over the judgment seat. The jury appointed to try Rebecca Nurse brought in a verdict of 'Not Guilty.' Immediately upon hearing it the malignant and fiendlike accusers uttered a loud outcry in open court! The judges were overcome by the general clamor and intimidated from the faithful discharge of their sacred duty. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the verdict. One of the judges declared his disapprobation with great vehemence, another said she should be indicted anew, and the Chief Justice intimated to the jury that they had overlooked one important piece of evi

dence. It was this: during the trial, a woman named Hobbs, who had confessed herself a witch, was brought into court, and as she entered, the prisoner turned towards her and said, 'What! do you bring her? she is one of us.' The jury were thus prevailed upon to go out again: they soon returned, pronouncing the poor old woman 'Guilty.' After her conviction she addressed the following note to the judges.

These presents do humbly shew to the honored court and jury, that I being informed that the jury brought me in guilty, upon my saying that goodwife Hobbs and her daughter were of our company; but I intended no otherways, than as they were prisoners with us, and therefore did then, and yet do judge them not legal evidence against their fellow prisoners. And I being something hard of hearing, and full of grief, none informing me how the court took up my words, and therefore had no opportunity to declare what I intended, when I said, they were of our company. REBECCA NURSE.'

The governor had intended to grant her a reprieve but upon hearing of his intention

the accusers renewed their dismal outcries against her. Several gentlemen of Salem expostulated with the governor, and he was prevailed upon to give orders for her execution, which took place within a few weeks after her conviction.

The extraordinary conduct of these gentlemen, in preventing the exercise of the executive clemency and discretion on this occasion, is to be explained, it is probable by the following fact recorded by Dr Neal in his History of New England. There was an organized association or committee of private individuals in Salem, during the continuance of the delusion, who had undertaken and engaged to find out, and prosecute all suspected persons. Dr Neal also informs us that many were arrested and thrown into prison by their interference and influence. It is probable that the gentlemen who prevented the reprieve of Mrs Nurse, acted under the authority and by the direction of this association.

The chief justice, Lieutenant Governor Stoughton, seems to have been actuated