JOHN HATHORNE Autograph 1691 Salem Witch Trial Judge Court Summons Signed For Sale

WITCH TRIAL JUDGE JOHN HATHORNE HANDWRITTEN COURT SUMMONS SIGNED MERE WEEKS BEFORE THE START OF THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS
Magistrate of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and infamous Salem Witch Trials judge JOHN HATHORNE exceptionally scarce handwritten autograph document dated December 21, 1691 and signed at conclusion as, \"John Hathorne, Assis\" (Assistant to the governor under the Massachusetts Bay Company charter). This is one of the only a handful of examples of Hathorne\'s autograph to ever be offered for publicacquisition!
The witch trials began with arrest warrants being issued in late February 1692. Salem judges Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin led the questioning of the first witchcraft defendants. Hathorne\'s harsh and aggressive questioning and presumption of guilt heavily influenced the later proceedings, ultimately leading the the hangings of 14 women and 5 men – and one pressing by stones – which were adjudicated by a separate special panel of judges.Hathorne is not known to have repented for his role in the trials.His great-grandson was author Nathaniel Hawthorne (\"The Scarlet Letter\", \"The House of the Seven Gables\"); It is said that Hawthorne added the w to his last name to distance himself from his infamous relative.
In full, Hathorne writes:
\"You are likewise required to summonse & warne Geo. Herrick, Thomas Mould, and Joseph Glover, all & every one of them, to appear at ye same tyme[?] to greet [?] in w\'h [?] thay know in ye aboves\'d case. Faile not. Dated 21st 10bre 1691 John Hathorne Assis\'t\"
Interestingly,George Herrick who is mentioned in the document, served as a marshal in Salem and was later appointed to the special Court of Oyer and Terminer. He was named as a complainant in several witchcraft proceedings and reportedly sought additional compensation for the extensive work involved in arresting the accused. Writing in the January 1858 issue of The Historical Magazine, S. P. Fowler described Herrick as one of the most active participants in the prosecutions. Fowler also attributed to him the disturbing claim that, while Giles Corey was being pressed to death, Herrick used his cane to push Corey’s protruding tongue back into his mouth.
The Hathorne autograph document has been thoroughly reviewed and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION and encapsulated using PSA/DNA\'s proprietary sonically-sealed technology. GUARANTEED GENUINE – a museum quality acquisition for any collection.
In good condition, as shown, with expected wear consistent with the age, use and handling of a nearly 335+ year old document. Document measures appx. 1.75\" x 5.75\" inside 4.5\" x 9.5\"encapsulate.
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Own a remarkable, original piece of Salem Witch Trials history! Perfect for the autograph collector, Historical or Witch Trials buff. A must-have addition to the autograph portfolio, den, Executive Office, Museum or Library.
Sold as is, as shown.