yer and Terminer was Bridget Bishop. She was found guilty and condemned to death. As Bridget Bishop said, “I am no witch. I am innocent. I know nothing of it” (Salem Home Page). Soon after her trial, Nathaniel Saltonstall resigned from the court. He was dissatisfied with the proceedings. After the execution of Bishop, accusations of witchcraft escalated. Many townspeople signed petitions opposing the trials. In a letter written by Governor Phips dated the twelfth of October 1692, he tells of his findings of all the proceeding happening in the town of Salem. He argues that it is too late for him to do anything because it has gotten to be a little out of control. He understood that they were to be put on trial, but the evidence was ridiculous and it had to be stopped (Petitions Relating to Rebecca Nurse). “…If it be possible no more innocent blood be shed…I am clear of this sin” (Salem Home Page). Just as everyone was sick of the trials, especially were the people who were on trial. After receiving a letter from Thomas Brattle, Governor Phips ordered the Court of Oyer and Terminer be closed down and no longer be able to hold trial. The General Court of the colony created a Superior Court to try the remaining witchcraft cases. This time no one was convicted (Salem Home Page). The Salem Witch Trials took place during the seventeenth century in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. During this time, there was a strong belief in the devil and feeling of superstition. These were some of the reasons that the hysteria started in the first place. Years went by, and apologies were given and restitution was also given to the families. This incident in American history has left a great impression on present day lives. Bibliography Armstrong, Karen/ Hill, Frances. A Delusion of Satan. The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishers, 1995. Ashley, Leonard R.N. The Devil’s Disciples...
