Today in Salem: Revoked. Rebecca Nurse’s reprieve has been revoked. Chief Justice Stoughton unfolds the letter and skims the formalities until he sees the sentence that matters: In their Maj’ties name William & Mary now King & Queen over England etc. you are commanded to cause Rebecca Nurse to be hanged by the neck until she be dead.
The letter is written in someone else’s hand, but it’s the Governor’s signature and wax seal. Someone – who? – has convinced him to undo his earlier decision. No more waiting. With a steady and firm hand, Stoughton signs a warrant for the executions of all five women:
the beggar Sarah Good
the now-friendless Elizabeth How
the sharp-tongued Susanna Martin
the rebellious and flamboyant Sarah Wilds
and finally, the beloved Rebecca Nurse
They will be hanged one week from today.