Читать книгу Notes and Queries, Number 179, April 2, 1853. - Various - Страница 3

I inclose you an extract from an old document in my possession, which appears to be the examination of two witnesses against one Mary Shepherd for witchcraft. The nature of the offence is not specified. Perhaps it may be interesting to some of your readers.

The Exam̅ of Jone Coward of Wareham, taken upon Oath the 28 March, 1638.

Who sayth, y^t about Midsomer last past one Mary Sheapheard of Wareham did pull of one of this Exm̅t̅'s stockings, and within 2 howers after this Exn̅t̅ was taken in all her limbs that she could not stur hand or foot, where upon this Exn̅t̅ considered that the fors^d Mary Sheapheard had done her that hurt, and forth w^th cryed out upon the sayd Mary Shep. (though the sayd M. Shep. was not present), where upon this Exm̅t̅'s mother went unto the house of M. Shep. to perswaed her to come downe to this Exn̅t̅; but the sayd M. Shep. would not. Whereupon this Exn̅t̅'s mother went unto the Mayor of the Town, who com̅anded the s^d M. Shep. to goe to this Exan̅t̅. At length the s^d Ma. Shep. accordingly did (and being coe̅), she did wring this Exn̅t̅ by the hande, and p^esently this Exn̅t̅ recouered. Ffurther, the Exn̅t̅ sayth, y^t about y^e 24 of July next followinge, this Exn̅t̅ was taken in y^e like manner y^e second time, w^th her hands and feet wrested about, and so sent for the s^d M. Shep., who instantly pulled the Exn̅t̅ by the hands, and p^esently the Exn̅t̅ recovered again.

Jone Coward.

Joane Coward de Warha̅, spinster £xx,

To appear and give evidence at the next assizes agn̅t̅ Ma. Sheapheard.

The Exam̅ of Ann Trew, single woman, of Wareham, taken upon Oath as afors^d.

Who sayth, y^t on y^e 16th of March last past she saw Mary Shep. come into y^e house of Joh. Gillingame, and likewise saw Ed. Gillingame come down bare-footed very well, without any lamnesse or sickness at all, and p^esently after y^e sayd Mary Shep. had pulled on the legginge upon the legge of y^e s^d Ed. Gill., he fell instantly both lame and sick. Further, the Exn̅t̅ asked the s^d Ed. Gill. (in the time of his sickness) what Ma. Shep. did unto him, who answered, she did put her hand upon his thigh.

Ann Trew.

Anne Trew de Warha̅, spinster £xx,

To appear and give evidence at next assizes agn̅t̅ M. Shepheard.

I should like to know if the effect of her supposed sorcery could be attributed to mesmerism. The document in my possession appears to be original, as Jone Coward's signature is in a different hand to that of the examination.

J. C. M.

Spetisbury.