Welcome to the History of the Americans podcast, episode 120.

I'm your host, Jack Heneman, and I'm recording this episode on June 30, 23, in New Orleans.

We are telling the history of the lands now encompassed by the United States from the

beginning without presentism.

Last time we followed the theological controversies swirling around Anne Hutchinson

through the first day of her civil trial in November 1637.

We're going to jump back into the trial, so it would

behoove you to listen to the other Ann Hutchinson episodes if you've not done so or done so

recently. John Winthrop, again governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and presiding magistrate in the trial of Anne Hutchinson

opened the second day with a summary of the case against Hutchinson, asserting that sufficient

proof had been made of the various charges against her. He then offered Hutchinson a chance to

respond. She asked that all the witnesses against her be recalled

and to swear an oath that their testimony was true. This was no small request insofar as they all knew

that if they lied under oath, they risked eternal damnation. This was not our secular world. Oaths were matters that

implicated the hereafter, and were not taken lightly by any English person in the new world.

Winthrop knew this, and said that he knew of no necessity of an oath because these were men of long-approved

godliness. Hutchinson stood firm, after they have taken an oath, I will make good what I say.

Winthrop, this time the politician turned to the assembled audience. let those who are not satisfied in the court

speak. We are not satisfied, the crowd called out. The demand for an oath sparked a raging

controversy with such moments as John Endicott. He had torn down Thomas Morton's maypole and started the Pequot War,

waving his sword around. The matter was deferred at least, so Hutchinson could call witnesses on

our own behalf. Of those, only John Cogishall, the wealthy silk merchant and one of the magistrates until he'd been

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