John Putnam, although a hard and stern man, had many traits of dignity and respectability in his character.  That he could have done this thing, in this way, proves the extent to which prejudice and passion may carry one, particularly where party spirit consumes individual reason and conscience.  At this point it is well to consider a piece of testimony brought against Burroughs nine years afterwards.  There was no propriety or sense in giving it when it was adduced.  It was, in truth, an outrage to have introduced such testimony in a case where Burroughs was on trial for witchcraft; and it was allowed, only to prejudice and mislead the minds of a jury and of the public.  But it is proper to be taken into view, in forming a just estimate, with an impartial aim, of his general character.  The document is found in a promiscuous bundle of witchcraft papers.

“THE DEPOSITION OF JOHN PUTNAM AND REBECCA HIS WIFE.—­Testifieth and saith, that, in the year 1680, Mr. Burroughs lived in our house nine months.  There being a great difference betwixt said Burroughs and his wife, the difference was so great that they did desire us, the deponents, to come into their room to hear their difference.  The controversy that was betwixt them was, that the aforesaid Burroughs did require his wife to give him a written covenant, under her hand and seal, that she would never reveal his secrets.  Our answer was, that they had once made a covenant we did conceive did bind each other to keep their lawful secrets.  And further saith, that, all the time that said Burroughs did live at our house, he was a very harsh and sharp man to his wife; notwithstanding, to our observation, she was a very good and dutiful wife to him.”

The first observation that occurs in examining this piece of testimony is, that the answer made by Putnam and his wife was excellent, and, like every thing from him, shows that he was a man of strong common sense, and had a forcible and effectual way of expressing himself.  The next thing to be considered is, that Mr. Burroughs probably discovered, soon after coming to the village, into what a hornets’ nest he had got,—­every one tattling about and backbiting each other.  His innocent and unsuspicious wife may have indulged a little in what is considered the amiable proclivity of her sex, and have let fall, in tea-table talk, what cavillers and mischief-makers were on hand to take up; and he may have found it both necessary and difficult to teach her caution and reserve.  He saw, more perhaps than she did, the danger of getting involved in the personal acrimonies with which the whole community was poisoned.  Her unguarded carelessness might get herself and him into trouble, and vitally impair their happiness and his usefulness.  The only other point to be remarked upon is the general charge against Mr. Burroughs’s temper and disposition.  It may be that he became so disgusted with the state of things as to have shown