Annotated Bibliography

Primary Sources
Brattle, Thomas. “Letter of Thomas Brattle, F. R. S., 1692.” Narratives of the
Witchcraft Cases 1648-1706, by George Lincoln Burr, Kessinger Publishing, 2005.

This is a letter written by George Burr addressed to Thomas Brattle. This letter
discusses some of the general happenings in the court of Salem, such as the method of the
jurors and how the afflicted were tested in the court cases. This source gave a lot of insight
into the procedures of the court and how they tested for the afflicted girls to see if the
accused were guilty. It also gave many useful criticisms to help prove how the court system
used in the trials was not very fair.

Lawson, Deodat. A Brief and True Narrative of Some Remarkable Passages

Relating to Sundry Persons Afflicted by Witchcraft, at Salem Village: Which
Happened from the Nineteenth of March, to the Fifth of April 1692. 1692.

Published in 1692, Deodat Lawson’s take on the Salem Witch Trials is one of the
first ever recorded eye-witness accounts of the event. Lawson was interested in the trials
because he had been a minister in Salem Village from 1687 to 1688. He was invited to
Salem to serve as a guest preacher for the sabbath service on March 20, 1692, where he
first witnessed afflicted girls having problems during his sermon. This inspired Lawson to
learn more about the events of Salem, which eventually lead to the creation of this account.
This account provided a lot of background information into the trials. It also allowed me to
look at the trials from the perspective of someone who went through it and see their
thoughts and opinions on the trials.

Mather, Cotton. The Wonders of the Invisible World: Being an Account of the
Tryals of Several Witches Lately Executed in New-England: and of Several
Remarkable Curiosities Therein Occurring. Printed First at Boston in New-
England, and Reprinted at London for John Dunton, 1693.

Published in October of 1692, Cotton Mather’s book is the first official book ever
written on the Salem Witch Trials and was only allowed publication because it was
officially authorized and commissioned by the Massachusetts colonial government. The
book discusses a lot of the most famous witch trail cases from Salem, including George
Burroughs, Bridget Bishop, Susannah Martin, Elizabeth Howe, and Martha Carrier.
Mather states that New England is under attack by the Devil and that these cases of
witchcraft provided such claim. Mather was also a major player during the trials because
he gave the judges advice on acceptable evidence of witchcraft and even intervened on the
execution of Reverend George Burroughs. However, many historians believe that the book
was more of a work of propaganda Mather wrote to please government officials who
appointed him to write it, because the book doesn’t necessarily reflect the ideas shown in
his diaries and personal letters, which show a more cautious view of spectral evidence and
the trials. The source provided a lot of information into the court proceedings of many
famous trials that occurred in Salem, as well as some idea as to why the trials might have
happened, and the belief of the villagers in Salem during the mass hysteria.

Mather, Increase. Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits. 1693,

salem.lib.virginia.edu/speccol/mather/mather.html.

Published in 1692 this book by Increase Mather criticizes the court’s use of spectral
evidence and other evidence, such as the touch test. Mather argues that specters can take
the shape of innocent people, thus proving spectral evidence is not useful evidence. Mather
makes many references to the Bible and the relationship between spectres and religion. The
book provided information and important quotes useful to supporting why spectral evidence
wasn’t valid.

Willard, Samuel. Some Miscellany Observations on Our Present Debates

Regarding Witchcraft in a Dialogue Between S & B by P.E. And J.A. 1692.
Massachusetts Historical Society.

Published in mid-October of 1692, Samuel Willard book criticizes Salem’s use of

spectral evidence during the Salem Witch Trials. The book is structed as a debate between
Salem and Boston, or “S and B.” Willard’s views align with Boston’s, that accused witches
should only be found guilty when useful evidence is found. Salem believes that spectral
evidence should count as this “useful evidence.” Willard ended up using many different
methods to hide his identity when publishing the book to avoid persecution. This book
helped me gather an idea into why exactly spectral evidence isn’t a form of solid evidence,
and that the people in Salem were wrong for using it.

Secondary Sources
Brooks, Rebecca Beatrice. “History of the Salem Witch Trials.” History of
Massachusetts, 13 Oct. 2018, historyofmassachusetts.org/the-salem-witch-trials/.

This site provided a chronological account of the trials and was a great source that
combined both primary sources and the author’s own words. The site allowed for me to
analyze the trials and gain information I wouldn’t have known otherwise, such as the death
of animals and in-depth investigations into the victim’s executions.

Gill, Cassandra. “Why Were the Salem Witch Trials so Significant?” OUPblog, 15
Dec. 2016, blog.oup.com/2016/11/salem-witch-trials-significance/.

This source gave me a lot of insight into why the trials were so important and the
impact they made. The source also provided information as to why the trials may have
happened and the influence power and money can have on your position in society.

Hassett-Walker, Connie. “What the Salem Witches Can Teach Us About How We
Treat Women Today.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 10 June 2018,
www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2018/06/10/what-the-salem-
witches-can-teach-us-about-how-we-treat-women-
today/?utm_term=.d2d56c913400.

This source explained how the trials targeted the more unfortunate members of
society (the poorer, more powerless people). This allowed me to conclude that people in
Salem were likely targeted by the people being accused, and witchcraft was used as an
excuse to remove these people from Salem Village.

Kannan, Ashley. “Why Were the 1692 Salem Witch Trials Important to American
Democracy?” Enotes.com, Enotes.com, www.enotes.com/homework-help/why-
salem-witch-trials-important-american-318617.

This is an article written by Ashley Kannan. This source helped explain how the
trials impacted modern legal systems. I was able to use this source to explain how the trials
were a triumph.

Lewis, Jone Johnson. “1692 Salem Witch Trials: What Happened When? Follow
the Events.” Thoughtco., Dotdash, 23 Jan. 2019, www.thoughtco.com/salem-witch-
trials-timeline-3530778.

This source provided a timeline of all the notable events that happened during the
Salem Witch Trials. I was able to use this source as a guide for my background information.

Linder, Douglas O. “The Witchcraft Trials in Salem: An Account.” Famous Trials,

famous-trials.com/salem/2078-sal-acct.

This source provided much of the background for the trials. It allowed me to get an
overview of the trials with many useful details for me to include and allowed me to make
my own inferences.
Marris, Eliana. "Why are the Witch Trials important today?" Quora, 19 Sept. 2016,
www.quora.com/Why-are-the-Witch-Trials-important-today.

This is an article written by Eliana Marris. This source explained the lessons that
can be learned from the trials. I used this source to explain why the trials were a triumph.

Nekrosius, Sam. “Life After Death.” Aftermath, The Salem Museum, 2012,
people.ucls.uchicago.edu/~snekros/Salem%20Journal/Aftermath/SamMSamF.html.

This is an article written by Sam Nekrosius. This source gave information into the
lives of the villagers in Salem after the trials. It explained how the villagers went into a
famine and Salem felt guilty for years. This helped me explain the trials’ impact.

Rodwell, Stephen. “The Salem Witch Trials and Their Aftermath.” Early American
Literature UHCL 2014 Sample Research Posts, 16 Apr. 2014,
coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/Whitec/LITR/4231/models/rp/rp2014/rp2/rp2Rodwell.htm.

This is an article written by Stephen Rodwell. This source gave me general

information about the trials and their consequences. This helped me determine the trails’
impact.

Smith, Gary. “Witchcraft Law up to the Salem Witchcraft Trials of

1692.” Massachusetts Law Updates, 23 Mar. 2018, blog.mass.gov/masslawlib/civil-
procedure/witchcraft-law-up-to-the-salem-witchraft-trials-of-1692/.

This is an article written by Gary Smith. This site helped explain the witchcraft
laws put in place near the end of the trials. This allowed me figure out why the trials ended
and encouraged me to find out more information about their ended.

Taylor, Dan. “Historical Consequences of the Salem Witch Trials.” Synonym, 25

June 2018, classroom.synonym.com/historical-consequences-salem-witch-trials-
8214155.html.

This source provided information as to what happened in Salem after the trials and
the historical consequences they left. This allowed me to find out some of the impacts the
trials left.

Weiser, Kathy. “Procedures, Courts & Aftermath of the Salem Witch Trials.”
Legends of America, 2014, www.legendsofamerica.com/ma-salemcourt/4/.
 This is an article written by Kathy Weiser. This source gave insight into the laws
put in place during the trials and how people were judged. This allowed me to determine
how the trials were unfair as well as provide some background.

What Is the Crucible about?” Enotes.com, Enotes.com,

www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-crucible-about-130771.

This source gave a lot of information on the Crucible and explained why it is so
important. This allowed me to realize the cultural impact that the Crucible has had and
why it is so important and relevant for our time. I was able to use this to prove the Salem
Witch Trials were a triumph.

“Effects.” The Salem Witch Trials,

salemwitchtrialshistoryfair.weebly.com/effects.html.

This is an article comparing how things were done during the Salem Trials to how
things are done in modern America. This source provided a lot of information as to why the
trials were such a triumph. It explained how the trials allowed for major changes in the
modern American legal system.

“Salem Witch Trials.” Early American Literature UHCL 2014 Sample Research
Posts, coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/Whitec/xhist/SalemWitchTrials.htm.

This source provided a lot of useful information for the entirety of my project. The
source provided background about the trials, likely causes of the trials, and the significance
the trials had. I was able to use this source to gain information across all areas of my
project, especially in the impact and triumph regions.

“The Salem Witch Trials: When a Legal System Fails.” Connor Reporting, 23 Oct.
2017, connorreporting.com/salem-witch-trials-legal-system-fails/.

This article can be found on Connor Reporting. This source helped point out the
flaws in the legal system that was present in Salem. This helped me determine how the
trials were unfair.

Videos
“Investigating the Salem Witch Trials: Theory 1.” Discovery Education, Discovery
Education, 2006, app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/videos/1f11ec1b-9062-41f8-
8fd0-2688db1c7346.

This video explained how a war with the Indians may have led to some trouble in
Salem, pushing the trials closer and closer to becoming a reality. The video also included
some information on the case against Giles Corey, someone who was pressed to death
during the witch trials.

“Politics in the Salem Witch Trials.” Discovery Education, Discovery Education,

2006, app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/videos/3a9ab7a6-a4bd-49ef-8fb6-
9c26d69c1037.

This video explained how William Phips lied to the English government saying that
he and taken care of the trials, proving that they were unnecessary and unfair.

“The Aftermath and Lessons of the Salem Witch Trials.” Discovery Education,
Discovery Education, 1997, app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/videos/e71767c1-
f675-4139-bd35-e6a3afee01ba.

This video explained that there a valuable lesson to be learned from the Salem
Witch Trials, and that modern-day witch trials are very real and very present. We need to
look out for them to make sure history does not repeat itself.

“The Salem Witch Trials.” Discovery Education, Intelecom, 2004,

app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/videos/5ee01414-f300-42b7-988c-9a4dfae88c18.

This video explained how there was a “need” for some sort of witch hunt, so the
Salem villagers had a method of explaining everything that was happening to them.

Images
Baker, Joseph E. The Witch No. 1. Geo. H. Walker & Co., Boston.

A famous image from the Salem Witch Trials, this picture depicts an accused witch
summoning lightning in the courtroom, which prompts some worried reactions from on-
lookers.
Schiff, Stacy. “A Man Gathers in the Center of the Court Room, Surrounded by a
Crowd. It Appears as Though He Is Delivering a Passionate Speech.” The
Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2016, www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/five-myths-
about-the-salem-witch-trials/2016/10/27/62abd0cc-9ad1-11e6-9980-
50913d68eacb_story.html?utm_term=.4f7142b2927e.

A man is in the center of what appears to be a court room. He is surrounded by a

mass of people. It appears he is delivering some sort of a passionate speech. The people
around him looked shocked, angry, or confused.

Unknown photographer. The House Where Witchcraft Started, Now Danvers,

Mass. Danvers, Massachusetts.

This is a photograph taken in the 19th century of the house where the Salem Witch
Trials started. The photographer of this image is unknown.

Weiser, Kathy. “Salem Village.” Legends of America, June 2016,

www.legendsofamerica.com/ma-putnam/3/.

This is an illustration of Salem Village at the time of the witch trials.

Unknown photographer. Storer Tablet, Storer Park, Wells, Maine. It Marks the
Location of the Storer Garrison, Site of the Raid on Wells (1692). Wells, Maine,
1915.

This is a photograph of Storer Tablet in Wells, Maine. This is the location of one of
the major battles fought in King Phillip’s War, a war that went on between the colonists
and the Native Americans during the time of the trials in Salem. It is believed that this is
one of the causes for the trials, as it caused stress to the citizens in Salem at the time.

Latner, Robert B. “Salem Town.” Legends of America,

www.legendsofamerica.com.

This is an illustration of Salem Town at the time of the witch trials. The image
features a port with a boat, and some buildings in the background.

Fredericks, Alfred. Tituba and the Children. Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York,
1878.

This is a picture of Tituba and the children she is directed to watch over. It appears
that Tituba is doing something that appears to be witchcraft, which can explain why she
was the first suspect in the trials.
“An Afflicted Girl Lays on the Ground in Pain While People Attempt to Help and
Pray around Her.” Legends of America, www.legendsofamerica.com/ma-
salemafflicted/.

An afflicted girl lays on the ground in pain while the people around her try to help
her. One man is even praying beside her. This is a picture of an afflicted girl from Salem
suffering from her ailments.

Ehninger, John W. Tituba. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston, 1902.

A picture of Tituba outside, basket in hand, being confronted by a male colonist.

F. O. C. Darley or Granville Perkins (not specifically attributed). Witchcraft at

Salem Village. Samuel Walker & Company, Boston, 1878.

This illustration depicts a court scene. An afflicted girl lies on the ground, probably
from some sort of test during the trial, and people seem to be convincing the judge that this
is hard evidence.

Reinhardt, Charles S. Trial of Giles Corey. Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York,
1878.

This illustration represents the trial of Giles Corey. It seems that Giles is being
accused of witchcraft by one of the afflicted girls during the court case.

Carter, F.A. "The Sheriff Brought the Witch up the Broad Aisle, Her Chains
Clanking as She Stepped.". Funk & Wagnalls Company, New York, 1893.

This is an image of Rebecca Nurse being brought to questioning during her trial.

Lewis, Jone Johnson. “Illustration of the Hanging of Bridget Bishop.”

ThoughtCo., George Eastman House, 31 Aug. 2017, www.thoughtco.com/bridget-
bishop-biography-3530330.

This is an illustration of the hanging of Bridget Bishop, the first person to be

executed during the Salem Witch Trials.

Ehninger, John W. Mary Walcott Accusing Giles Corey. Houghton, Boston, 1902.

Mary Walcott accusing Giles Corey of witchcraft during the trials.

Satterwhite, Thomas. Witch Hill/ The Salem Martyr. 1869.

A girl in handcuffs (which during this time are made of rope) is followed by three
men. It can be assumed from the title of the painting that she is on her way to be executed
after being found guilty of witch craft.

Ehninger, John W. Martha Corey. Houghton, Boston, 1902.

Martha Corey testifying in front of the court.

Spriett, John van der. Increase Mather in 1688.

A portrait of Increase Mather, who played a major role in the ending of the trials
and Puritan literature.

Pyle, Howard. "There Is a Flock of Yellow Birds around Her Head." Harper's New
Monthly Magazine, 1893.

An image of a girl during a trial. While she testifies, a girl points above her head,
causing everyone to look to see where she is pointing to. It can be assumed the girl pointing
is suggesting that there is a flock of yellow birds above her head.

Matteson, Tompkins Harrison. Trial of George Jacobs of Salem for Witchcraft.

Detroit Publishing Co.

A large crowd is gathered into the court room for the trial of George Jacobs, which
has seemed to erupt into sudden chaos.

Fredericks, Alfred. Captain Alden Denounced. A Popular History of the United

States, Vol 2, 1878.

A young Puritan girl is being pulled away by a man. She is reaching out for someone
in a nearby crowd, who looks angry and allows her to be dragged away.

An illustration showing a woman executed by hanging, for the practice of

witchcraft, 1692. 'A Pictorial History of the United States', 1845.

An older-looking and younger-looking woman sit inside and knit while an execution
by method of hanging occurs outside their window.
Calef, Robert. The Soul-Killing Witches That Deform the Body. 1828.

This image demonstrates witches getting into some sort of brawl while a lightning
storm occurs around them. A cauldron boils in the background.

Interior of the Old Dungeon, Old Witch Jail, Salem, Mass. Washington, D.C. 20540
USA, 1935.

This image shows the interior or an old dungeon they used for holding accused
witches in 1692.

Woodcut of a witch riding a cat, Gettys Images

This image shows a witch riding backwards on a cat. Witches would often use
animals as accomplices.

Martha Corey and her accusers, Getty Images

A jailed Martha Corey argues with authorities.

Photo of a witch in the public center being reprimanded, Gettys Images

During the trials, witches would sometimes be dunked in water and drowned to near
death to get an accusation out of them. This image shows this. It is likely an image of
Tituba.

George Burroughs reciting the Lord's Prayer before his execution at Witches Hill,
Salem, Massachusetts, Gettys Images

George Burroughs reciting the Lord’s Prayer before he executed to clear his name
and deem him innocent. The attempt is unsuccessful.

Baker, Joseph E. The Witch, No. 2. Geo. H. Walker & Co., 1892.

An accused witch is being brought to his execution site while a crowd watch. The
witch is struggling a bit to get away, but the authorizes keep a tight grip on him.

Calfas, Jennifer. “Christine Cornell's Sketch of Bill Cosby in Court in April.”

TIME, 6 June 2018, time.com/5301818/courtroom-sketch-artists/.

A sketch of Bill Cosby’s court case, an example of a modern trial.

Site of Court House Where Witch Trials Took Place. New England Magazine,
Volume 5, 1892.

The location of the Court of Oyer and Terminer.

Barouh, Stan. Scott Parkinson, Lilian Oben and Michael Russotto in Olney
Theatre Center’s Production of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.”

A scene from the play The Crucible. A man seems to be violently examination an
accused witch, likely Tituba.

Millington, Rod. Act III Scene II - The Courtroom.

A scene from the play The Crucible. This shows a scene in which a man is being held
back to stop him from being violent.

K., Isabelle. “The Intense Courtroom Scenes.” Ed Tech: Stone Ridge School,
edtech.stoneridgeschool.org/wordpress/121/2014/02/16/the-crucible-impressions-2/.

A scene from the play The Crucible. The play features a lot of suspenseful courtroom
scenes, this being one of them.

“John W. Morrow, Jr., Darrie Lawrence and Julie Ferguson in 1977’s The
Crucible.” Playmakers Repertory Company, playmakersrep.org/the-crucible-now-
and-then-the-40th-anniversary/.

A scene from the play The Crucible. A woman seems to be accused of witchcraft from
another. The altercation seems violent, and a man lingers in the background with a large
stick, ready to strike.

Gardiner, Jon. The Cast of 2016’s The Crucible.

A scene from the play The Crucible. An intense scene shows many people on the
ground, shocked.

Gardiner, Jon. Ariel Shafir as John Proctor and Schuyler Scott Mastain as
Reverend Hale.

A scene from the play The Crucible. The picture features actors plating as John
Proctor and Reverend John Hale.
Lee, Trudee. The Cast of The Crucible.

A scene from the play The Crucible. A court scene seems to show a witch being
accused, with many fearful onlookers around her.

“Puritan's Witch Trial Notebook from Tatton Park Online.” BBC, 3 Mar. 2011,
www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-12634095.

This book is full of records of women confessing to witchcraft and/or accusing family
members of participating as well.

M., Sam, and Sam F. “An Image of a Memorial for the Victims of the Salem Witch
Trials Who Lost Their Lives Due to the Mass Hysteria.” The Salem Journal, 2012,
people.ucls.uchicago.edu/~snekros/Salem%20Journal/Aftermath/SamMSamF.html.

This is an image taken of a memorial for all the innocent lives lost during the Salem
With Trials.

Weiser, Kathy. “Dead Crops.” Legends of America, Mar. 2017,

www.legendsofamerica.com/ma-salemcourt/4/.

An image of dead crops. Salem Villagers did not attend to their crops during the
trials, leading to a famine.

Haskell, Arthur C. George Jacobs, Sr.’s House. Danvers, Massachusetts, 1935.

A dilapidated house which was once the residence of George Jacobs Sr.

Emmons, Nathaniel. Samuel Sewall. 1728.

A portrait of Samuel Sewall.

“A Man Holds a Newspaper with the Headline 'McCARTHYISM IS TREASON TO

AMERICA'.” History on the Net, www.historyonthenet.com/cold-war-home-front-
mccarthyism.

A man holds a newspaper titled ‘McCARTHYISM IS TREASON TO AMERICA.’

Rappeport, Alan. “On This Day: A Censure in the Senate.” The New York Times, 2
Dec. 2014, www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2014/12/02/on-this-day-a-censure-
in-the-senate/.

An image of a The New York Times article from December 2nd, 1964.

Linder, Douglas O. “An Image of the Outside of McMartin Preschool.” Famous

Trials, www.famous-trials.com/mcmartin/902-home.

A picture of the outside of McMartin Preschool, the sight of the famous McMartin
child abuse scandal.

Powell, Bob. “Newspaper Article Regarding the McCarthy Scandal.” West

Virginia Public Broadcasting, 9 Feb. 2017, www.wvpublic.org/post/february-9-
1950-senator-joe-mccarthy-inflames-cold-war-wheeling#stream/0.

A newspaper article about the McMarthy scandal.

Stoughton, William. “SWP No. 063: Sarah Good Executed July 19, 1692.” Warrant
for the Execution of Sarah Good, Rebecca Nurse, Susannah Martin, Elizabeth
How, and Sarah Wilds, 19 July 1692, salem.lib.virginia.edu/n63.html.

This is the warrant for the execution of Sarah Good, Rebecca Nurse, and others, written by
William Stoughton in 1692.

Stoughton, William. “SWP No. 013: Bridget Bishop Executed, June 10, 1692.”
Warrant for the Execution of Bridget Bishop Bridget Bishop, and Officer's
Return, 8 June 1692, salem.lib.virginia.edu/n13.html.

This is the warrant for execution of Bridget Bishop, written by William Stoughton in
1692.

Stoughton, William. “SWP No. 164: Preparation for the Court of Oyer and
Terminer (May - August 1692).” Oath of Thomas Newton as Attorney General, 2
June 1692, salem.lib.virginia.edu/home.html.

This is the oath made by Thomas Newton to be attorney general under the Court of
Oyer and Terminer.
Stoughton, William. “SWP No. 164: Preparation for the Court of Oyer and
Terminer (May - August 1692).” Warrant for Jurors, 31 Aug. 1692,
salem.lib.virginia.edu/n164.html.

This is the warrant made for the Jurors under the Court of Oyer and Terminer.

Bond, William. “SWP No. 168: A Bill Against Conjurations, Witchcraft, and Dealing
with Evil and Wicked Spirits (December 1692).” A Bill against Conjuration,
Witchcraft and Dealing with Evil and Wicked Spirits, 14 Dec. 1692,
salem.lib.virginia.edu/n168.html.

This is a bill written near the end of the trials that lead to a change in the trials,
making them a bit fairer.