Account of Hearing, 8 May 1844, Copy [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus]
Source Note
Account of Hearing, [, Hancock Co., IL], 8 May 1844, F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus (Nauvoo, IL, Municipal Court 1844). Copied [10] May 1844; handwriting of ; docket and notation by , [, Hancock Co., IL], [ca. 10] May 1844; eleven pages; Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL.
sworn— with regard to this case I know nothing— but through a circumstance occurring at — came to my house to preach— he preached and was upholding the authorities of the Church very much— he came over here and apostatized the same day— I then came over and went to see him— I asked him <why> how he <had> changed his mind so quick?— he said he had seen affidavits of the guilt of Mr. Smith— he told me was going about to the different conferences. I told him I thought he had better send some one else, his conduct was not the best and I knew of circumstances that were not right— Once I was a mate on a Steam Boat, and was Clerk— we had not much Cabin— we had some females on board— I and another had given up our room to some ladies for the night— it was my Watch, and I went into the Cabin for my Buffalo Robe, about one oclock in the night— when I saw him leaning over the Berth where one of the ladies slept— this was in the night— and he had no business there— no Gentleman had any right there— I gave up my Berth to the ladies— I felt indignant at such conduct— his conduct towards the Lady passengers was unbecoming— and particularly in one who professes so much virtue as he now does—
sworn— I have seen go into rooms with females, but what their intentions were I did not know, I might have seen him two or three times— I think he has done that which is not right, I should judge from conversations with him, that was the case, I presume he has, a good many times— I might recollect 20 tines— he has frequently told me things of that kind— it is a private case to be sure— he has told me, that he had commenced an action against Joseph Smith for slander— I met today, I asked him about the fuss, when he said he had got Mr. Smith up for slander— he said he should not come here— but did not say why, I recollect the time that he was sick, when attended him, I went to see him nearly every day, I understood to say that he was prosecuting Mr. Smith for slander— that he was up before the Municipal Court— he told me he supposed I was wanted to prove that he was a thief, whoremaster, and every thing else— [p. 9]