Account of Trial, , Hancock Co., IL, 21–28 May 1845, State of IL v. Williams et al. (Hancock Co., IL, Circuit Court 1845). Transcribed from shorthand [before 24 Aug. 1858]; handwriting of and Daniel Mackintosh; 106 pages; Report of the Trial of the Murderers of Joseph Smith, 1845, CHL.
Did you see , I saw him that day but not that morning. What time did the Company start. In the morning, I cannot tell what time, Where did they go to, To the railroad shanties. What was done there, Disbanding the troops, by . What was done after that. made a speech to them, did any body else make a speech, I dont recollect of any body else, making any speeches. Dont you recollect of any other of these men, making a speech beside, , No. only, , read the disbanding orders. Then you dont recollect of any other making speeches, but . I dont recollect. What did say, It is impossible for me to recollect all the speech. but I will tell, as much as I recollect, He said that it was necessary to get rid of the Mormons. Did he say any thing about the Smiths, and if he did, what did he say. He pointed out the necessity of killed Smith to get rid of the Mormons, and he wanted them to march through to , He wanted to go with his company. What did say to that. He would not do it, and told them, if they wanted <him> to go to , he would go with them, but to go to he would not do it. Did say he would meet them here, or he would come round, another way, No. said he would go home, and called them damned Cowards, and said they would never, elect him Captain again. Did you hear say any thing about coming to . I dont recollect Did you hear say anything about coming to , I dont recollect that I did. Did you hear Grover say any thing about coming to . Grover, said he would go alone if nobody else went. Did you hear any of these men say what they were going for, It is impossible for me, to recollect, the words they said. Did you come with them to . I came with them within four miles. of . Was there a call made at the railroad shanties for volunteers. There was, and said he would not go and his company [p. [27]]