The Curse of the Puppies: Salem Witch Trials Daily: May 16, 1692

May 16, 1692: Power Shifts, a Death at the Wilkins House, and Susannah Martin’s “Puppies”We follow an action-packed May 16, 1692, as Massachusetts’ new government takes office under Governor William Phips, with William Stoughton as lieutenant governor, while the Salem witchcraft crisis escalates. Daniel Wilkins dies after Mercy Lewis and Mary Walcott claim to witness John Willard’s apparition choking him, and Willard is arrested about 40 miles west in Lancaster a week after his first warrant. Susannah Sheldon reports being pressured by George Jacobs Jr. and Rebecca to sign the devil’s book and describes assaults by Rebecca, Elizabeth Colson, and Elizabeth Procter. Ann Putnam Jr. describes being tortured by an unidentified Lynn figure called “Old Father Pharaoh,” with Thomas Putnam and Robert Morey supporting her account, and she also accuses Elizabeth Hart. John Kimball adds vivid depositions against Susannah Martin involving disputed cattle, sudden livestock losses, and terrifying “black puppy” apparitions.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:12 New Government Takes Office00:39 Daniel Wilkins Death01:31 Susannah Sheldon Attacked02:02 Old Father Pharaoh03:24 Ann Putnam Accuses Hart03:43 Kimball Cattle Curse05:19 Puppies and Black Cloud06:53 Spectral Puppy Assault08:16 Aftermath and Rumors