It was proved, the records of the time continue, by substantial evidences against one person accused, that he had such an unusual strength (though a very little man) that he could hold out a gun with one hand, behind the lock, which was near seven foot in the barrel, being such as a lusty man could command with both hands, after the usual manner of shooting.  It was also proved that he lifted barrels of metal and barrels of molasses out of a canoe alone; and that, putting his fingers into a barrel of molasses, full within a finger’s length, according to custom, he carried it several paces.  And that he put his finger into the muzzle of a gun which was more than five foot in the barrel, and lifted up the butt end thereof, lock, stock and all, without any visible help to raise it.  It was also testified that, being abroad with his wife and his wife’s brother, he occasionally stayed behind, letting his wife and her brother walk forward; but, suddenly coming up with them, he was angry with his wife for what discourse had passed betwixt her and her brother.  They wondering how he should know it, he said:  “I know your thoughts,” at which expression they, being amazed, asked him how he could do that, he said:  “My God whom I serve makes known your thoughts to me.”

Some affirmed that there were some hundreds of the society of witches, considerable companies of whom were affirmed to muster in arms by beat of drum.  In time of examinations and trials, they declared that such a man was wont to call them together from all quarters to witch-meetings, with the sound of a diabolical trumpet.

Being brought to see the prisoners at the bar, upon their trials, they swore, in open court, that they had oftentimes seen them at witch meetings, “where was feasting, dancing and jollity, as also at devil sacraments, and particularly that they saw such a man amongst the accursed crew, and affirming that he did minister the sacrament of Satan to them, encouraging them to go on in their way, and that they should certainly prevail.  They said, also, that such a woman was a deacon and served in distributing the diabolical element.  They affirmed that there were great numbers of the witches.”

With such sentiments as these prevailing, it is not at all remarkable that the alleged witches were treated with continual and conspicuous-brutality.  One old lady of sixty, named Sarah Osburn, was hounded to death for being a witch.  The poor old lady, who was in fairly good circumstances, and appears to have been of good character, was put upon her trial for witchcraft.  For three days, more or less ridiculous testimony was given against her, and a number of little children, who had evidently been carefully coached, stated upon the stand that Mrs. Osburn had bewitched them.  She was called upon by the court to confess, which she declined to do, stating that she was rather a victim than a criminal.  She was sent to jail, and treated with so much brutality that she died before it was possible to execute her in the regulation manner.