Salem Witch Trials

Creation of a False Court

                                                                             February 23, 1692

                                                                                Early Morning

                                                                               Mayor's Home

The father had used his power in a way that will affect many. On the day of his daughters diagnosis he had gone to the house of the old Mayor (56). He told the poor man that there was a user of the dark arts hidden in the community. However, the mayor refused to believe it. They were talking in the great room whilst sitting on two large chairs.

Old Mayor: Samuel, let me tell you that there is no possible way a witch is in our midst.

Slave: Sir, your tea is ready. -Hands the two men hot tea-

Father: How else do you explain my daughter's illness? And what about the reports around town of people like her? He started raising his tone, slowly becoming hysterical.

Old Mayer: -calmly- Listen, Samuel, those are just wives tales made to stir up the town, anyone could act possessed.

Father: B-but they are worth looking into, are they not, and you know my daughter would never lie!? The mayer sighs, stirring his tea. He leans back in his chair and looks back up at the father.

Old Mayer: Samuel! I have more pressing things to worry about, like the recent smallpox epidemic, and the threat of the Indians. Your daughter's hysteria can wait! The mayor slowly lowers his tone, and levels his breath.

Slave: Um, sorry to intrude sir, but your speech is in about ten minutes.

Old Mayor: My goodness, I am going to be late! Here, Samuel you come and watch, -sips last of tea- and after we can talk more. The father follows the mayor as he grabs his stuff from the slave, and walks briskly to the town square.

They ended up barley being on time for the speech... There is a crowd huddled together awaiting the mayors reassurance. People were scared for numerous reasons at this time, but you could feel everyone slowly relax when the old mayor stood on the podium. He walked center stage and opened his mouth but no words came out. He stumbled forward grabbing his chest, covered in sweat.

Girl: It's a witch! Somebody do something, h-he is going to die! -Mayor collapses eyes glazed over- Oh my God, he-he's dead!

Crowd: -panics, running around frantically- To the father this was spectral evidence of a witch in their midst. The father knew his daughter would never would lie, nor the other maidens in this town. Seizing the opportunity he shoved through the crowd to reach the stage. Once he did everyone looked upon him for an answer to the strange occurrence.

Father: Fellow colonists! I hear by degree, with the power of the mayor, a new court be in place. A court to save our town from demonic witchcraft.

Crowd: -Calms down-

Father: So, I Samuel Perris create the Court of Oyer and Terminer, with the agreement of the people...

Crowd: -cheers-

This decision would cause the death of many and the imprisonment of hundreds more. Samuel ended up having Chief Justice William Stoughton Preside over the court, and the colonists voted in a new mayor in place of the old.