Comments on: No Witches were Burnt at Salem

By: 30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant

30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:06:29 +0000

[...] Miller allegorized McCarthy and his methods in The Crucible, a drama about the 1692 witch hunt and hangings in Salem, [...]

By: Maeve

Maeve — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:29:07 +0000

Jen,
You are quite right to want to verify sources.

Hanging not burning: The details of the Salem witchcraft proceedings can probably be found in most American history texts. A book on my shelves, Witchcraft and sorcery, edited by Max Marwick, includes a detailed account that contains the information that execution was by hanging.

Branding not hanging: Puritan Massachusetts law did specifiy death by hanging for adultery, but the only documented case seems to be that of Mary Latham and James Britton described by Governor John Winthrop. In practice (in cases that can be documented) the punishments meted out for adultery were whipping, branding, public humiliation (the stocks/pillory), and exile.

The Scarlet Letter: I’ve read it. No hangings.

Thanks for your comment. Please come back to my site!

By: Jen

Jen — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:39:32 +0000

This is very interesting information and I would like to learn more. This wouldn’t be the first time people were fed misinformation! Would you please site your sources? I would like to believe you, but one must always check.

I do agree that Americans bend over backwards to try to understand. Thank you for that reminder.

I found your site on the NPR site about the murder in Atlanta. Was intrigued by your post. Would like to learn more.

Best,
Jen