SALEM VILLAGE RECORD BOOK [For Years 1672 - 1713] Transcription published in installments in The Historical Collections of the Danvers Historical Society, 1924-1931

September

Reverend Sir:To: Mr. Nathaniell Rogers

After our hearty and thankfull acknowledgement and acceptance of your grate condenscention in the bestowall of your labors amongst us in the work of the ministry: thus Long: under such discorageing circumstances: which we pray may be taken as an excuse of our Delay in addressing to your self to take office among us: we do hereby signifie our earnest and sincire desire that you will please to comply with our motion formerly mad and now Returne to setle among us and to take upon you the ministerial charge of this church and congregation: and all though our present uncomfortable circomstances admitt not that we determine on such a sum. for your maintainance and encouradgement among us as we would: yett we do engadge If God shall encline your heart to settle and take office among us: which we pray: that then we will to the utmost of our capacity and ability do for you we doubt not to your content: Att a Generall meeeting of the Inhabitants of salem village the: 14th of september 1697: the above writen was agreed upon and voted by the affore said Inhabitants with a unanimous consent: and also then the affore said Inhabitants did make choice of Joshua Rea senr Decon Ingersoll Daniell Andrew senr John Buxton senr deacon putnam Joseph Holton junr and Benjamin putnam they or the major part of them: to present the above writen to mr. Rogers and to treate with him on that account and to make Returne to the Inhabitants of their doings therein [78]

salem village the 11th of september 1697

The Inhabitants of This village are Hereby Requiered In His Majesties Name to meet together att their usiall place of meeting on Tuseday next being the: 14th Day of this Instant september att three a clock in the after noon to here the award and Determination of The Honourable wait wintrop Elisha Cooke and samuell sewall esqrs; Arbitrators Between mr : samuell parris and the Inhabitants of this village and also to Consider of and agree upon what shall be don in that matter: also the Inhabitants are Desiered to Remember the former warrant about mr : Rogers and to meet exactly att one of the Clock: By ordor of Thee Committe
Thomas putnam Clerk

Att a Generall meeting of the Inhabitants of salem village the 14th of september 1697:

it was agreed and voted that Thee Committe in being shall Raise a Rate of: seventy nine pounds nine shillings and six pence money: upon the wholl Inhabitants of this village and shall also gather the same and pay it to: Liuet : Nathaniell putnam Daniell Andrew senr Joseph Herrick senr Thomas putnam and Joseph putnam : or either of them: that so they or either of them may pay the same to mr. samuell parris his Heirs or Assignes : according to the award Decree & Determination of the Honourable Wait wintrop Elisha Cooke and samuell sewall esqrs : Arbitrators Between mr. samuell parris and the Inhabitants of This village

Att a Generall meeting of the Inhabitants of salem village the : 14th of september 1697 :

it was agreed and voted that Liuet: Nathaniell putnam Daniell Andrew Joseph Herrick senr. Thomas putnam and Joseph putnam or The major part of them: are Hereby chosen and Impowered to be collectors with as Full power as ever any of our Committes have to collect and gather in: all the Arrerages : of mr : parrises Rates: and to pay the same to Mr. samuell parris his Heirs or Assignes according to the award Decree and Determination of the Honourable Wait Wintrop Elisha Cooke and samuell sewall esqrs : Arbitrators between mr. samuell parris and the Inhabitants of This village