Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1845-08-27
THE ORPHAN GIRL.
A TALE OF wITCHCRAFT.


The eldest. girl. was several years older than
her BROTHER a poor sickIy boy, who relied solely
on his sister for those necessary attention that
seemed often TO preserve his life. They had cal
en-, for many wears the bitter bread Of dependence,
when the prosecuting spirit. IN the form of witch
craft delusion, awoke ID the land, This young
girl, now abou, eighteen, was distinguished by re-
markable maturity Of character, and also by a
perfection of form and feature, as rare as it was
beautiful il was well known that the victims OF
this deusion were selected among those who
were distinguished by rare gifts OF mind or person,
and even the most eminent for piety aud excel.
lence of character, were most likely 10 become
accused of intercourse with the Author of Evil.
Tradition, SAID grandfather, represented
Miriam Power rs queenly IN her person, OF the
most winning sweetness iii counlenance and man.
ner. although mingled with sadness and reserve.
This sadness was attributed TO The early loss OF
her parents, and to the anxiety and care which
had fallen upon her at that early age IN the pro-
lection of her unfortunate brother. He was affi!c-
ted with fearful maady, epilepsy. 1t is now
well known that although physical disease, II
will weld to mild RENEE dies and moral treatment
She had IN this way, or by the natural ascenden
cy which a strong mind exercises over weak one
attained perfect control of her idiot brother. She
had become so accustomed TO the care Of him, that
although she could not foresee aud prevent the
paroxysm Of the mali dy, yet as soon as cOnsci-
BUSINESS beganio return, by fixing her eye mildly
on his, and taking him in her arms. she could I'M
medately snoih him TO quiet and rest.
As usual in such cases, every one was ready
with advice. and there was as many remedies Of
lered as there persons to prescribe but Mi
Ram had learnt from experience that Der own
treatment was the best, and refused all herbs. nos
trulns and charms.
Among the most earnest was an old Indian
squaw. who had been The dociress Of the village,
who enlreated Marian 10 make of wood
chuck, baked dliUe. aud then reduced 10 powder,
taken IN small doses every day. The cruel pres
cripiion was rejected with horror, and the poor
girl went on her own way.
Soon after the accusation for wiichcraft began,
either excited by those who envied the beauty
aud talent Of Miriam, or urged by anger at the re
lection of her advice this old Indian accused the
poor girl of first throwing her brother INTO FITS, aud
then bringing him out of them by the assistance Of
the Devil. Ii is well known how readily people,
aud even the magistrates, lend an ear TO such ac
cusations. All who would not acknowledge IA
compact with the Evil One felt that they were lost
they were accused.
Poor Marian knew instantly that her fate was
sealed, when morning in August, the officer
entered her little room where she was sitting by
her brother, and said he had come to take her to
prison.. She turned pale as death, but with that
pIeiy which was habnunl to her, she entreaed for
permission to retire, to commend herself and her
brother to Heaven. When she returned, as she
was calm. and asked with much frmness who
was her accusers, and demanded to be confronted
with them. When they tore her from her weep.
ing brother, her forttude forsook her, and she en-
treated with tears that he might be permitted to go
with her, to prison. Her prayer was not grauted.
and the poor idiot knew not the calamity he was
suffering. ......r
In cases like these, the cruelty of their proceed
ing was only exceeded by their rapidly. The
next day Miriam was taken from prison, and car
ried to Salem for examina ton. These examina-
tions took place in the church, and were conduc-
ted with the mockery of religious solemnity.-
The meeting opened with prayer by the cler-
gyman, the accused was then brought IN and pla-
ced between two men, SO that she could touch
nothing in her vicinity. No relative or friend was
permitted 10 perform this Office. not even husbands
when their wives were accused,
| Miriam, on this awful occasion, had not who'll
ly neglected her dress, but her beautiful long hail
hung loosely abou, her neck and shoulders. She
was deadly pale, cold drops Of agony stood upon
her forehead; but there was light in her dark
eye that said whatever might be her fate
she would be true to her principles, aud tina
neither the longing for life in one so young mol
the fear of cruel death, would wiring from heI
one false word.
The Indian was placed before her. She
was old bent, withered, and there was malignant
expression in her snake.lke eye, which contras
ted with the calm innocence of Miriam's like tina
Of fiend of darkness opposed 10 an angel of light
She testified that she had frequently seen the &C
cused throw her brother into fits, and then, with
look or touch, instantly restore him TO tranquility
She gave clear and circumstantal evidence Of ma
nv instances she had witnessed, and called upo
others to confirm her testimony.
Miriam felt that there was scarcely ray @
hope, but she lifted her heart to God, the proteclo
OF the orphan, and entreated to be heard in he
own defence. She gave clear and lucid relatio
of her brothers. illness, which had afflicted hir
from his birth. She told them that her mothe
had bequeathed him TO her care, on her death-bet
and she gave touching account of all her Ion
wa,chiugs her anxious days and nights the variou