Another meeting was held and a cure was effected. Then the narrative continues:
Wee kept her about a fortnight in yᵉ sight of yᵉ world, and she wrought and did Things and then wee sent her away to her friends. And Then the Worlds Professors Priests & Teachers never could call us any more false prophetts deceivers or witches after but it did a great deal of good in yᵉ Countrey among People in relac̄on to yᵉ Truth and to yᵉ stopping the mouths of yᵉ world & their Slandrous Aspersions.
Shortly after this time Elizabeth Hooton’s active ministry commenced and bonds and bitter persecutions awaited her. At Derby in 1651 she suffered imprisonment for “speaking to one of the Priests there, who so resented her Reproof that he applied to the Magistrate to punish her. For it is common with Men who most deserve Reprehension, to be most offended with those who administer it.”[9] Although 1651 is the date given, there is preserved a letter from E. Hooton written from Derby gaol and bearing two endorsements, the first in the handwriting of George Fox: (1) “To the meir of darby from Elliz: hoton 1650.” (2) “This was sent to the meir of darby from Goodde hutton.” The letter consists entirely of religious exhortations, and is similar to many others bearing her signature. It concludes: “Would you have me put in beale wᶜʰ have not trensgresed your lawe nor mes be haved my selfe—Conseder is this the Good ould way that you was touth [taught?].” It is addressed to “noaH Bullocke of derby in the towne” and is chiefly interesting as the earliest letter of hers known to be in existence, addressed to a public official.[10]
There is no record of the length of her imprisonment at Derby but in 1652 she was committed to York Castle for speaking in the Steeple House at Rotherham and remained there for sixteen months. There are interesting allusions to Elizabeth Hooton and her husband in letters from Thomas Aldam[11] written from York Castle in the above year; he says:[12]
... We have great friendship and love from yᵉ governor of the Towne, and many of yᵉ Souldiers are very sollid & loveing. Oh his wonderful love and oh the exceeding riches of his grace held forth to vs. to him alone all glorie, honour, and praise, now & for ever; My Sister Elizebeth Hooten remembers her dear love vnto you in yᵉ lord, and my sister Mary ffisher[13] who was brought to prison from Selbie for speakeing to yᵉ preist in yᵉ Steeple house there, she was as servant with Richard Tomlingson of Selbie.
And again:[14]
... My sister Elizebeth Hooton & I did looke for noe Calling to goe before the Judge & Elizabeth husband in the flesh came to the Assize & went backe againe shortly: the Justices told him shee might not bee Called here but at their Sessions: but at the end of their Assizes they called vs all together to goe before them; ... an inward peace & rejoiceing was given mee in goeing up.... I was made to Cry out, Woe to the partiall Judge.... My sisters was made to speake in great bouldnes at the Bench against the deceite of their Corrupt Lawes & Governements & deceitfull Preists we are Kept all of vs in greate friedome in these outward bonds, & the Lord is p̄sent wᵗʰ vs in power; to him alone bee praises for ever & ever.... Your deare Brethren & Sisters in the Lord,
There are two letters signed by Elizabeth Hooton which were probably written at this period. The first is as follows:[17]