misdemeanors in our day. The following deposition was given "on oath
before the Court," Feb. 26, 1651. Edward Norris was the son of the
minister of the First Church; had been for more than ten years, and
continued to be for twenty years after, schoolmaster of the town; and,
by his character as well as office, commanded the highest respect.
John Kitchen, in 1655, was chosen "searcher and sealer of leather."
Giles Corey had not yet purchased his farm, but lived on his town-lot,
extending from Essex Street, near its western extremity, to the North
River. They were severally persons of good estate.

"THE TESTIMONY OF GILES COREY.--Mr. Edward Norris
and I were going towards the brickkiln: John Kitchen, going
with us, fell a nipping and pinching of us. And, when we
came back again, John Kitchen struck up Mr. Edward Norris
his heels and mine, and fell upon me, and catched me by the
throat, and held me so long till he had almost stopped my
breath. And I said unto John Kitchen, 'This is not good
jesting.' And John Kitchen replied, 'This is nothing: I do
owe you more than this of old: this is not half of that
which you shall have afterwards.' After this, he went into
his house, and he took stinking water and threw upon us, and
took me and thrust me out of doors, and I went my ways. And
John Kitchen followed me half-way up the lane, or
thereabouts. Perceiving him to follow me, I went to go over
the rails. He took me again, and threw me down off the
rails, and fell a beating of me until I was all bloody. And,
Thomas Bishop being present, I desired him to bear witness
of what he saw. Upon my words, he let me rise. As soon as I
was up, he fell a beating of me again.