Crucible Essay, Research Paper

When I first arrived I found this province miserably harassed with a most

Horrible witchcraft, which had, broke in upon several Towns. A fair amount of

poor people were given preternatural torture; some Burned with brimstone, some

had pins stuck in their flesh, others hurried into the fire and water, and some

were dragged out of their houses, and carried over the tops of trees and hills

for many Miles together. The loud cried and a commotion of the friends of the

afflicted people with the advice of the Deputy, and many others supported me to

give a Commission for discovering what witchcraft might be at the bottom, or

whether it was not a possession. When the Court came to sit at Salem they

convicted more than twenty persons of being guilty of witchcraft, some of the

convicted confessed their Guilt. The Court, as I understand, began their

proceedings with the accusations of the afflicted and then went upon other

humane evidences to strengthen that. I was questioning myself if the judgement

of the Court has the right to proceed in cases of Witchcraft. Yet when I came

home I found many persons in a strange uproar of dissatisfaction, which was

increased by some hot Spirits that blew up the flame. When on inquiring into the

matter, I found that the name and shape of several persons were doubtless,

innocent, and to my knowledge, of good reputation. The committing of any more

that shall be accused, and those that have been committed, I would shelter from

any Proceedings against them. Where there may be the least suspicion of any

wrong to be done unto the Innocent. I have also put a stop to the printing of

any writing that may increase the needless disputes of people. I felt that if

this continued I saw a likelihood of kindling an inextinguishable flame. I

hereby declare that as soon as I came from fighting against their Majesties

Enemies, and understood what danger some of their innocent subjects might be

exposed to, the evidence of the afflicted persons only prevailed either to the

committing or trying of any of them. I am requesting to put a stop to the

proceedings of the court. Sir, I beg pardon for giving you all this trouble. The

reason is because I know my enemies are seeking to turn on me. I depend upon

your friendship and desire that you will please give a true understanding of the

matter. I am with all imaginable respect Your most humble Servant Kristi Jones.