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Diary of Samuel Sewall
Went to Salem, where, in the meeting-house, the persons accused of witchcraft were examined. Was a very great assembly. 'Twas awful to see how the afflicted persons were agitated.' -
Diary of Samuel Sewall
About noon, at Salem, Giles Cory was pressed to death for standing mute; much pains was used with him two days, one after another, by the court and Capt. Gardner of Nantucket who had been of his acquaintance, but all in vain. -
Diary of Samuel Sewall
A bill is sent in about calling a fast, and convocation of ministers, that may be led in the right way as to the witchcrafts. . . . -
Diary of Samuel Sewall
Sam recites to me in Latin, Matthew 12 from the 6th to the end of the 12th verse. The 7th verse did awfully bring to mind the Salem tragedy. -
Diary of Samuel Sewall
Copy of the bill I put up on the fast day, giving it to Mr. Willard as he passed by, and standing up at the reading of it, and bowing when finished; in the Afternoon.
Samuel Sewall, sensible of the reiterated strokes of God upon himself and family, and being sensible, that as to the guilt contracted upon the opening of the [judicial proceedings] at Salem (to which the order for this day relates) he wants to take the blame, ask forgiveness of men, and desire that God pardon all his sins.