Scottish Witches. (Catalogue ref: SP 18/2 f. 37)
In this source a minister of a Scottish church (where there were lots of witch trials) complained that Parliament was not doing enough to help him prosecute a group of women who were suspected of witchcraft, 29 June, 1649.
Transcript
- Unto the right honourable the High Court of Parliament
- The humble supplication of the Presbytery [Scottish church] of Stranrawer
- Humble sheweth
- That in law it pleased the honourable Lords of the Privy Council to grant Warrants
- and Commissions for trying and administering of justice upon Marion Shenon wife to John Jameson
- of Drochdoill, Jeneat McKenon wife to Alexander Lowlie in Balmurrey, Africt Blam, wife to John
- McLung in Kirkibae, Marion Russell in Glenluce, and Isabel Biggam, in the parish of
- Stranrawer, which persons are suspected are guilty of the crime of witchcraft
…
[petitioner complains that those commissioned to try these accused people, have not done anything]
…
- Therefore, we humble beseech their highness’s
- honourable Court of Parliament that the aforesaid commission may be renewed at least that
- a competent number maybe added thereto to supply the place of those whom we conceived
- incapable or unwilling…
- whereby Justice may be administered
- upon the aforesaid suspected persons.
- They being put to trial and executions…
- if they shall be found guilty or innocent. Conforming to the said commissions
- we your supplicants be encouraged to set the advancement of the gospel
- and the punishment of vice in our calling and charge. And your honours answer
- we expect
- My John Crookes minister at the new
- Kirk [church] of Glenluce, Commissioner for the
- Presbytery of Stranrawe