In the year 1679, an accusation of witchcraft fell upon Janet, a servant residing in the township of Laudersdale, Haddington, where she was employed by William Hunter. Janet, whose surname history has neglected to preserve, belonged to the lower strata of society, a position that often carried with it a vulnerability to accusations of maleficium, or harmful magic. As a servant, Janet worked in close proximity to her employer and the local community, a role that could easily place her under suspicion should any misfortune occur or tensions arise.
Janet's case was documented in the Haddington porteous roll of delinquent dittays dated from September 8th, 1679. These rolls listed accusations of witchcraft, sorcery, and necromancy against her. Along with these charges was the grave allegation of having renounced her baptism and given herself over to the Devil, an accusation that struck at the heart of Christian doctrine and societal values at the time. The period was marked by an intense fear of diabolic influences, and such accusations served to expound the gravity with which witchcraft was perceived.
Despite the severe nature of the allegations, Janet's fate diverged from those who suffered capital punishment in similar circumstances. On September 9th, 1679, just a day after her indictment, records indicate her trial occurred in Haddington. However, by September 12th, 1679, she was declared a fugitive, implying she had either escaped from custody or absconded in fear of the looming persecution. The records do not convey her subsequent whereabouts or whether she evaded capture permanently, leaving her ultimate destiny shrouded in mystery, as was the case for many who faced such grave accusations during this turbulent period in Scottish history.