Giles Corey accused Thomas Putnam. This accusation was a pivotal moment during the Salem Witch Trials, as depicted in Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible.
Details of the Accusation
Giles Corey, an elderly farmer, brought a serious charge against Thomas Putnam during the court proceedings. Corey alleged that Putnam was not merely involved in the hysteria but was actively manipulating the accusations for personal gain.
Corey's specific claims against Putnam included:
- Prompting False Accusations: Corey asserted that Thomas Putnam had instigated his own daughter to falsely accuse George Jacobs of witchcraft.
- Motivated by Greed: The primary driver behind this alleged manipulation, according to Corey, was financial. Corey claimed that anyone convicted of witchcraft and subsequently hanged would forfeit all their property rights.
- Desire for Land: Corey pointed out that Putnam was the only person in Salem with the financial capacity to purchase George Jacobs' land once it became available due to a conviction. This suggested a calculated scheme by Putnam to enrich himself through the tragic events of the trials.
This bold accusation by Giles Corey underscored the deep-seated conflicts, land disputes, and personal animosities that intertwined with the religious fervor and fear characterizing the Salem Witch Trials.
