“HONORED GENTLEMEN,—­Whereas divers of esteem with us, and as we hear in other places also, have for some time suffered losses in their estates, and some affliction in their bodies also,—­which, as they suppose, doth not arise from any natural cause, or any neglect in themselves, but rather from some ill-disposed person,—­that, upon differences had betwixt themselves and one John Godfrey, resident at Andover or elsewhere at his pleasure, we whose names are underwritten do make bold to sue by way of request to this honored court, that you, in your wisdom, will be pleased, if you see cause for it, to call him in question, and to hear, at present or at some after sessions, what may be said in this respect.

     “JAMES DAVIS, Sr., in the behalf of his son EPHRAIM DAVIS. 
      JOHN HASELDIN, and JANE his wife. 
      ABRAHAM WHITAKER, for his ox and other things. 
      EPHRAIM DAVIS, in the behalf of himself.”

The petitioners mention in brief some instances in confirmation of their complaint.  There are several depositions.  That of Charles Browne and wife says:—­

“About six or seven years since, in the meeting-house of Rowley, being in the gallery in the first seat, there was one in the second seat which he doth, to his best remembrance, think and believe it was John Godfrey.  This deponent did see him, yawning, open his mouth; and, while he so yawned, this deponent did see a small teat under his tongue.  And, further, this deponent saith that John Godfrey was in this deponent’s house about three years since.  Speaking about the power of witches, he the said Godfrey spoke, that, if witches were not kindly entertained, the Devil will appear unto them, and ask them if they were grieved or vexed with anybody, and ask them what he should do for them; and, if they would not give them beer or victuals, they might let all the beer run out of the cellar; and, if they looked steadfastly upon any creature, it would die; and, if it were hard to some witches to take away life, either of man or beast, yet, when they once begin it, then it is easy to them.”

The depositions in this case are presented as they are in the originals on file, leaving in blank such words or parts of words as have been worn off.  They are given in full.

“THE DEPOSITION OF ISABEL HOLDRED, who testifieth that John Godfree came to the house of Henry Blazdall, where her husband and herself were, and demanded a debt of her husband, and said a warrant was out, and Goodman Lord was suddenly to come.  John Godfree asked if we would not pay him.  The deponent answered, ’Yes, to-night or to-morrow, if we had it; for I believe we shall not ... we are in thy debt.’  John Godfree answered, ‘That is a bitter word;’ ... said, ‘I must begin, and must send Goodman Lord.’  The deponent answered, ’... when thou wilt.  I fear thee not, nor all the devils in hell!’ And, further, this deponent testifieth, that, two days after this,