Hold Your Fire

Dianne Bates’ “Taking Back the Night” cover story (Oct. 25) contained a startling reference to “that nasty witch-burning business in Salem, Mass.”

Stop the presses and alert the Pulitzer committee! Bates has revealed a new and hitherto unknown event in American history. Nineteen people were hanged at Salem, and one died by “pressing” (a form of torture meant to elicit confession). However, none was burned.

J. R. BOYER

Long Beach