The End
O Christian Martyr Who for Truth could die. When all about thee Owned the hideous lie! The world, redeemed from superstition's sway, Is breathing freer for thy sake today.
-- John Greenleaf Whittier
In October 3, 1692, Reverend Increase Mather denounced the use of spectral evidence. Throughout that month, Governor Phipps of Salem ordered that spectral evidence could no longer be used. He prohibited any further arrests, pardoned the incriminated, and dissolved the Court of Oyer and Terminer. In May 1693, the last trial was conducted. From that point on, life in Salem slowly returned to normal. Some participants would formally apologize. Others would show signs of guilt. Reverend Parris conceded errors of judgment but shifted blame to others. The Essex County Court replaced the village's careless comm with an anti-Parris committee. In addition, the General Court ordered a day of fasting for the innocent victims. In 1711, the colony passed a bill that restored the rights and reputations of the accused and compensation for the victim's heirs. Years later, Massachusetts formally apologized for the events of 1692. |