My dearest Hannah,
I have been falsely accused of witchcraft. I wait in the witch’s chamber with those who share my fate. I am begging you to flee dear sister, for I do not wish the same upon you. Please listen as I tell you what has happened in the days since my capture...
One week ago, on July 9, two men arrived at my door, ordering I surrender on the charges of witchcraft and malficia. I refused, and demanded they leave my property immediately, for “I am a God fearing woman, and could never meddle in such heinous acts!”
Schatzi began to bark ferociously and the bearded man shouted “Rascal! Her Familiar has come before us!” They kicked Schatzi until she cried out and forced me onto the street without my shoes. It was then that I surrendered without protest.
Upon my arrival at the prison I was stripped of my garments and bound with rope to a wooden chair. There I remained for three days and three nights without food, water, or a moment’s rest. I cried for mercy. The heat was unbearable. The flies swarmed about my face, landing in the corner of my eyes, the tip of my nose, the lobe of my ears…. My body was then examined in the nude by Witch Hunter Amsel, a strange and nervous man, who declared the teat below my right breast, a “devil’s mark.” I denied it, “It has been there since birth. I am an old woman of sixty-five. Nothing has come of it until now…” Oh dear Hannah, my cries fell on deaf ears, for the torture began soon thereafter!
Sister, I pray you believe I am innocent; as are the accused that wait with me. Some two days ago, as she was led to her execution, Lady Gersten asked for my forgiveness. She had named me and nine others in her confession. I cannot blame her. May God rest her soul! For we are tortured to no end - a priest would be forced to confess!
The executioner has written this letter for me at the risk of his own life. Please give him what you can for his mercifulness. I pray you do not wait any longer little sister. Flee from this town before it’s too late, for once you are accused you shall forever remain a witch.
Your Faithful Sister,
Olga VanSchoick - 16 July 1628
I have been falsely accused of witchcraft. I wait in the witch’s chamber with those who share my fate. I am begging you to flee dear sister, for I do not wish the same upon you. Please listen as I tell you what has happened in the days since my capture...
One week ago, on July 9, two men arrived at my door, ordering I surrender on the charges of witchcraft and malficia. I refused, and demanded they leave my property immediately, for “I am a God fearing woman, and could never meddle in such heinous acts!”
Schatzi began to bark ferociously and the bearded man shouted “Rascal! Her Familiar has come before us!” They kicked Schatzi until she cried out and forced me onto the street without my shoes. It was then that I surrendered without protest.
Upon my arrival at the prison I was stripped of my garments and bound with rope to a wooden chair. There I remained for three days and three nights without food, water, or a moment’s rest. I cried for mercy. The heat was unbearable. The flies swarmed about my face, landing in the corner of my eyes, the tip of my nose, the lobe of my ears…. My body was then examined in the nude by Witch Hunter Amsel, a strange and nervous man, who declared the teat below my right breast, a “devil’s mark.” I denied it, “It has been there since birth. I am an old woman of sixty-five. Nothing has come of it until now…” Oh dear Hannah, my cries fell on deaf ears, for the torture began soon thereafter!
Sister, I pray you believe I am innocent; as are the accused that wait with me. Some two days ago, as she was led to her execution, Lady Gersten asked for my forgiveness. She had named me and nine others in her confession. I cannot blame her. May God rest her soul! For we are tortured to no end - a priest would be forced to confess!
The executioner has written this letter for me at the risk of his own life. Please give him what you can for his mercifulness. I pray you do not wait any longer little sister. Flee from this town before it’s too late, for once you are accused you shall forever remain a witch.
Your Faithful Sister,
Olga VanSchoick - 16 July 1628
Image: "Witches Shack" by Louise Thorp
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