The two following Tracts give an account of the witches of Pittenweem in 1705. The first is a concise relation of facts, in which the minister and magistrates are placed in no very favourable point of view. The second is an answer to the first, and seems chiefly intended to obviate the charges that are preferred against the minister and baillies, but in our opinion with no great success, as the principal facts are admitted, and the only defence set up is, that the women were in reality witches. We have given this author's story in his own words, with such of his remarks as bear upon the narrative of the other pamphlet, which is all that is necessary at the present day.
Editor.
AN
ANSWER
OF
A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN
FIFE, &c.
My Lord,
I reckon myself very much honoured by your Lordship's letter, desiring me to write you an account of that horrible murder committed in Pittenweem. I doubt not, but by this time, your Lordship has seen the gentleman's letter to his friend thereanent; I refer you to it, the author thereof being so well informed, and so ingenous, that I'll assure you, there is nothing in it but what is generally talked and believed to be true.
All I can contribute to your Lordship's further information, shall be by way of a brief narrative of the minister and baillies unwarrantable imprisoning, and barbarous treating of the poor women.
I need not write your Lordship a character of Patrick Morton, being now sufficiently known for a cheat.