July 28, 1692: Andover & Haverhill Arrest Warrants and a Husband’s DefenseWe race through the Salem Witch Trials timeline on Thursday, July 28, 1692, as Salem justices issue new arrest warrants and the panic spreads across Essex County. In Andover, Constable John Ballard apprehends Mary Bridges Sr. on charges of afflicting Timothy Swan and others—raising the stark detail that Ballard, brother-in-law of Elizabeth Ballard who died the day before, is arresting accused witches immediately after the loss. Warrants also target Mary Green and Hannah Bromage for allegedly afflicting Timothy Swan, Mary Walcott, Ann Putnam, and more, with Constable William Starling making the arrests in Haverhill. We also spotlight Captain Thomas Bradbury’s moving testimony defending his jailed wife, Mary, emphasizing their 55-year marriage, her industrious life raising eleven children and four grandchildren, and her age and weakness limiting her ability to speak for herself.00:00 Welcome and Hosts00:05 Warrant for Mary Bridges00:21 Ballard Connection00:37 Arrests in Haverhill00:53 Bradbury Defends Wife

Andover’s Turning Point: Elizabeth Ballard’s Death and the Wardwell PanicWe trace the pivotal day in the Salem Witch Trials—Wednesday, July 27, 1692—when Elizabeth Phelps Ballard dies in Andover, cementing fears of lethal witchcraft and triggering the Andover witch hunt. Our focus is the tragic chain reaction around Samuel Wardwell, a local fortune teller whose anxiety and attempt to preempt suspicion inadvertently plants the idea of bewitchment in Joseph Ballard’s mind, leading to the unprecedented decision to bring Salem Village’s afflicted girls to Andover. Their judgment fuels accusations that ultimately sweep up 45 residents and devastate the Wardwell household, ending with Samuel’s hanging on September 22, 1692. We also follow spectral testimony involving Ann Pudeator and note Governor William Phips commissioning Anthony Checkley to prosecute offenders in Boston.00:00 Daily Introduction00:09 Ballard Illness Sparks Fear00:53 Wardwell Anxiety Spreads01:38 Afflicted Girls Arrive01:58 Andover Hunt Snowballs02:23 Wardwell Trial Fallout02:53 Pudeator Spectral Sighting03:27 Phips Names Prosecutor

July 26, 1692: Court of Oyer and Terminer Funds, a New Attorney, and Spectral AttacksWe race through July 26, 1692, as the Salem Witch Trials machinery accelerates: Governor Phips and the Massachusetts council authorize 40 pounds to pay court clerk Stephen Sewell for Court of Oyer and Terminer expenses and appoint Anthony Checkley as their majesty’s attorney, replacing Thomas Newton. Our story then shifts to Salem, where Stephen Sewall drafts a summons compelling James Greenslit to testify against George Burroughs under threat of a 100‑pound forfeiture, delivered by Deputy Sheriff George Herrick for the August 2 session. The day’s tension deepens in Andover and Rowley with chilling spectral accusations—Mary Bradbury’s specter allegedly tormenting Timothy Swan, and Mary Daniel describing attacks by the specters of Margaret Scott and Goodwife Jackson, followed by fits, muteness, and visions of multiple women.00:00 Welcome and Hosts00:05 Court Funding and Attorney00:33 Summons Against Burroughs00:51 Andover Specter Attack01:01 Mary Daniel Deposition01:29 Aftermath and Ongoing Fits