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What did Increase Mather publish in September 1692?
Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits Persecuting Men
used his knowledge of scripture and history to argue that genuine cases of witchcraft were rare, and much of the evidence used in trials was dubious
What did Increase Mather criticise in his sermons?
spectral evidence
What happened after Increases book and sermons?
Because he had such a wide following and was well-respected godly Puritans began to heed his warnings - the number accusations slowed down dramatically
How else did Increase help in the end of the hunts?
had discussions w/ influential people like Phips - who was governor
Role of Governor Phips?
first he supported the craze, creating the Court of Oyer and Terminer
he appointed Stoughton who was unrelenting in his pursuit of witches
his relationship w/ Increase changed his view - demonstrated by his attempt to pardon Rebecca Nurse
closed Court of Oyer and Terminer 26th October 1692
Fate of Tituba?
HER LIFE WAS SPARED //BUT// she was sold again as a slave GOD DAMN GIVE HER A BREAK
When did Phips issue a general pardon, and how many people did it save from execution?
1693, 8 people
What was established in January 1693?
Superior Court of Judicature
Why did Stoughton stop participating in the trials?
Had not changed his views of witches but was under immense political pressure and Phips ordered him to discount spectral evidence
Sudden rush to find defendants innocent 1693?
first 5 prisoners after the initial wave found not guilty
three more pardoned after having death warrants signed
May 1693 5 more found not guilty
Phips’ letter 1693?
to King William
criticised Stoughton for allowing the craze to develop so extensively
defended himself saying he set up the court under pressure from religious leaders in Boston
What law was repealed in 1695?
A law passed by the Massachusetts legislature in 1692 that enables swift prosecutions for witchcraft
What happened in January 1697?
Samuel Seawall, a judge involved, officially apologised to Massachusetts and asked for forgiveness
When was compensation paid to the families of the victims?
1711