The Diary of Samuel Sewall

By kayla_olson

  • Went to Salem

    Went to Salem, where, in the meeting-house, the persons accused of witchcraft were examined. Was a very great assembly.

  • Pressed to death

    About noon, at Salem, Giles Cory was predded 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.

  • Save New England

    I prayed that God would pardin all my sinful wanderings and direct me for the future; that God would bless the Assembly in their debates. I was praying that he would choose and assist our judges, etc., and save New England as to enemies and witchcrafts and vindicates the late judges, consisting with his justice and holiness, ect., iwth fasting.

  • Reciting the verse

    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.

  • Copy of the bill

    Copy of the bill I put up on the first day, giving it to Mr. Willard as he passed by. I stand up at the readin of it, and bowing when finished; in the Afternoon.