me home I found many persons in a strange ferment of
dissatisfaction, which was increased by some hot spirits that blew
up the flame; but on inquiring into the matter I found that the
Devil had taken upon him the name and shape of several persons who
were doubtless innocent, and, to my certain knowledge, of good
reputation; for which cause I have now forbidden the committing of
any more that shall be accused, without unavoidable necessity, and
those that have been committed I would shelter from any proceedings
against them wherein there may be the least suspicion of any wrong
to be done unto the innocent. I would also wait for any particular
directions or commands, if their Majesties please to give me any,
for the fuller ordering this perplexed affair.

"I have also put a stop to the printing of any discourses one way or
other, that may increase the needless disputes of people upon this
occasion, because I saw a likelihood of kindling an inextinguishable
flame if I should admit any public and open contests; and I have
grieved to see that some, who should have done their Majesties, and
this Province, better service, have so far taken council of passion
as to desire the precipitancy of these matters; these things have
been improved by some to give me many interruptions in their
Majesties service [_which_] has been hereby unhappily clogged, and
the persons, who have made so ill improvement of these matters here,
are seeking to turn it upon me, but I hereby declare, that as soon
as I came from fighting against their Majesties enemies, and
understood what danger some of their innocent subjects might be
exposed to, if the evidence of the afflicted persons only did
prevail, either to the committing, or trying any of them, I did,
before any application was made unto me about it, put a stop to the
proceedings of the Court and they are now stopped till their
Majesties pleasure be known. Sir, I beg pardon for giving you all
this trouble; the reason is because I know my enemies are seeking
to turn it all upon me. Sir,

"I am
Your most humble Serv^t
WILLIAM PHIPS.

"Dated at BOSTON IN NEW ENGLAND, the 14th of Oct^r 1692.

"MEM^DM

"That my Lord President be