CHAPTER VII

Mercy Disborough--Cases at Fairfield, 1692--The special court--The indictment--Testimonies--Jesop--Barlow--Dunning--Halliberch--Benit-- Grey--Godfree--Search for witch marks--Ordeal by water--Cateran Branch's accusation--Jury disagree--Later verdict of guilty--The governor's sentence--Reference to General Court--Afterthought--John Hale's conclusion--Courts call on the ministers--Their answer--General advice--Reasons for reprieve--Notable papers--Eliot and Woodbridge--Willis--Pitkin--Stanly--The pardon