Record 03 ยท Instance 01 โ€” Massachusetts Bay, 1692

Confessing was the only thing that saved you

Nineteen people told the truth. All nineteen hanged.

Every person who maintained their innocence to the end of the Salem trials was executed. Every person who confessed survived โ€” not one confessor was put to death.

A false confession bought you a way out. Telling the truth bought you a rope.