Mary Easty
Mary Easty was respected in the community, but when Rebecca Nurse, her sister, was condemned for spell-cast, Mary became a target, as the Devil's magic was believed to be hereditary. After Easty's examination, she was committed to prison when some women accused her of attacking them. In September, Easty was soon condemned to death despite her plea:
"...I never complied, but prayed against [Satan] all my days... I will say it, if it was my last time, I am clear of this sin."
-from Mary Easty's trial transcript
Before the hanging, she wrote a letter saying:
"I Petition to your honours not for my own life for I know I must die and my appointed time is sett but the Lord he knowes it is that if it be possible no more Innocent blood may be shed which undoubtidly cannot be Avoyded In the way and course you goe in I question not but your honours does to the uttmost of your Powers in the discovery and detecting of witchcraft and witches and would not be gulty of Innocent blood for the world but by my own Innocency I know you are in this great work if it be his blessed you that no more Innocent blood be shed I would humbly begg of you that your honors would be plesed to examine theis Afflicted Persons strictly and keep them apart some time and Likewise to try some of these confesing wichis I being confident there is severall of them has belyed themselves and others as will appeare if not in this wor[l]d I am sure in the world to come whither I am now agoing and I Question not but youle see and alteration of thes things they my selfe and others having made a League with the Divel we cannot confesse I know and the Lord knowes as will shortly appeare they belye me and so I Question not but they doe others the Lord above who is the Searcher of all hearts knows that as I shall answer att the Tribunall seat that I know not the least thinge of witchcraft therfore I cannot I dare not belye my own soule I beg your honers not to deny this my humble petition from a poor dying Innocent person and I Question not but the Lord will give a blesing to yor endevers"
-Mary Easty's Letter to the Magistrates
Her letter raised sympathy and doubt in Salem Village, but could not prevent the last round of hangings.