Boston Burning: July 5, 1692

Blood in Salem, Fire in Boston: July 5, 1692We track a chilling July 5, 1692 as Salem Village suspicion turns physical: Bray Wilkins suffers painful bladder trouble and urinates blood shortly after a heated argument over John Willard’s alleged witchcraft, with Bray citing the afflicted testimony and the coroner’s inquest into Daniel Wilkins’ death as proof. Meanwhile in Boston, we follow Mercy Short’s disturbing fits as Cotton Mather and neighbors observe her descriptions of the devil—short, black, tawny-skinned, straight-haired, in a high-crowned hat, with a cloven hoof—and record her defiant warning about Boston burning. By night, a major North End fire erupts, starting at the King’s Head Tavern and burning 20 buildings, with Mather’s account implying Mercy’s words came before the blaze.00:00 Daily Introduction00:08 Wilkins Blames Willard00:55 Mercy Short Observed01:02 Devil Description01:22 Prophecy And Fire01:45 Boston North End Blaze