Today in Salem: The county’s Quarterly Court convenes just in time to help four suffering children. The children’s father, the fortuneteller Samuel Wardwell, was hanged five days ago. Their mother and older sisters are all in prison, having been accused of witchcraft themselves. And yesterday the Sheriff confiscated everything the family owned. The four children, ages 15, 13, 5, and an infant, have been left to shift for themselves.
The town selectman are concerned about them and have asked for advice. Now the Court authorizes them to apprentice the children, even the baby, to four different families. They will be safely cared for while also learning trades. And, like any apprentice, each will be rewarded with clothing when their service ends.