Scottish witches

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