Petition for Thomas Harvey. (Catalogue ref: SP 18/183 f. 107)
It was not just women who were accused of witchcraft. In this source, Henry Alcocke petitioned on the behalf of Thomas Harvey, who was accused of being a witch and then found innocent but was still in prison. 20 October, 1650
Transcript
- To the right honourable his highness most
- honourable privy council
- The humble petition of Henry Alcocke
- Sheweth
- That one Thomas Harvey of Oakham in
- the County of Rutland mercer [dealer in fabrics] was by order
- of this most honourable council apprehended
- by a party of soldiers and carried to Barnstable
- in Devonshire and the last Assizes held at
- Exeter was tried upon suspicion of witchcraft
- and wicked practices with the devil, but
- upon the which traverse was acquitted by the
- Jury yet by the command of the then Baron
- Nicholas does still stand committed at Exeter
- whereby he is not only deprived of his liberty
- and put to great expenses but is withheld
- at the distance of about 140 miles from
- his family & lawful employments
- The premised considered your said petitioner
- humble prays this most honourable
- council for his liberty upon bail or
- otherwise as your honour’s wisdoms
- shall judge most
- And he shall ever pray &c