Acting as a judge in the Salem trials, Deputy Governor Danforth is determined to preside over a just proceedings. He is representing not only himself but his office within Massachusetts. As both a politician and a public servant, Danforth is keenly aware of his own reputation and his responsibility to the colony’s people.
The “sir” to whom he is responding is Reverend Hale, who has just stated: “You must pardon them,” referring to Proctor and others who continue to claim their innocence. By the time Danforth he makes this response, a dozen people have already been hanged for witchcraft. The proceedings have gained publicity not only in New England but also throughout the rest of the colonies. To change course at this point would be a serious error, Danforth believes; it would cast doubt on all of the court’s previous decisions, which had sent so many people to their deaths. Although he sees that innocent people will be killed and surmises that some of those already killed...
