Resolve Relative to the Indictment, Trial, Conviction, and Execution of Ann Pudeator and Certain Other Person For “Witchcraft” in the Year Sixteen Hundred and Ninety-Two

Whereas, One Ann Pudeator and certain other persons were indicted, tried, found guilty, sentenced to death and executed in the year sixteen hundred and ninety-two for" Witchcraft"; and

Whereas, Said persons may have been illegally tried, convicted and sentenced by a possibly illegal court of oyer and terminer created by the then governor of the Province without authority under the Province Charter of Massschusetts Bay; and Whereas, Although there was a public repentance by Judge Sewall, one of the judges of the so-called" Witchcraft Court" and by all the members of the "Witchcraft" jury, and  public Fast Day proclaimed and observed in repentance for the proceedings, but no other action taken in regard to them; and

Whereas, The General Court of Massachusetts is informed that certain descendants of said Ann Pudeator and said other persons are still distressed by the record of said proceedings;

therefore be it Resolved, 'that in order to alleviate such distress and although the facts of such proceedings cannot be obliterated,the General Court of Massachusetts declares its belief

that such proceedings, even if lawful under the Province Charter and the law of Massachusetts as it then was, were and are shocking, and the result of a wave of popular hysterical fear of the Devil in the community, and further declares that, as all the laws under which said proceedings,even if then legally conducted, have been long since abandonedand superseded by our more civilized laws no disgrace or cause for distress attaches to the said descendants or any of them by reason of said proceedings; and be it further

Resolved, That the passage of this resolve shall not bestow on the commonwealth or any of its subdivisions, or on anyperson any right which did not exist prior to said passage,shall not authorize any suit or other proceeding nor depriveany party to a suit or other proceeding of any defense which

he hitherto had] shall not affect in any way whatever thetitle to or rights in any real or personal property, nor shallit require or permit the remission of any penalty, fine or forfeiture hitherto imposed or incurred.

Approved August 28, 1957.