[SALEM WITCH TRIALS]. SEWALL, Stephen (1657-1725). Docket signed, plus.

Docket signed ("Steph Sewall") as Recorder for Essex County, Massachusetts. 17 March 1704.
1p, 8 x12 in., docket without original enclosure, note and signature at center panel "This instrument is Recorded with [?] records of sd County...Steph Sewall."

[With:] Two scarce colonial imprints: PRINCE, Thomas. "A Sermon at the Publick Lecture in Boston Jan. viii. 1729, 30. Upon the Death of the Honourable Samuel Sewall, Esq., Late Chief Justice of the Circuits and One of His Majesty's Council for the Province Who Deceased at his House in Boston on the 1st of the same Month and in the 78th Year of his Age." Boston: Printed by B. Green, 1730. Approx. 4 3/4 x 7 7/8 in., 36 pp, plus printed front title page. Disbound. Archival reinforcing strip affixed to the right and left edges of the front title page; red serial number handstamp at bottom of p1. Contents generally clean, with scattered spotting. --
Accompanied by "AN ACCOUNT of the Deceased From the Weekly News-Letter, No. 158. Corrected. Boston, January 8, 1729,30." 4pp, approx. 4 3/4 x 7 7/8 in., and apparently bound at one time with the Sermon by Prince. Small scattered stains, archival reinforcing strip affixed to the left edge of the last page.

Major Stephen Sewall was Clerk of the Court at the Salem Witch Trials. Despite his role, he was less taken in by the hysteria than other members of the court. This includes his brother, Samuel Sewall, who served as a judge during the infamous trials of 1692-1693 the result of which nineteen people were ultimately executed for witchcraft. Samuel Sewall later apologized for his role in the trials, and is also known for his essay, "The Selling of Joseph" (1700), which criticized slavery.

Sewall docket with creasing at folds, toning, light soil.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Photography

[SALEM WITCH TRIALS]. SEWALL, Stephen (1657-1725). Docket signed, plus.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup