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.
How did you know the other two where wounded. I saw the blood one of them was hurt in the leg. Was it before or after these men came down stairs they went round to the window. After. When the call was mad to go round to the window you ran round. I walked up. Where did these wounded men go to. One of them went round to that side of the Jail. Where did you see the other two. I saw them there. Do you know how they got away from there. I do not. Where they the ones shot Smith. I think one was. Which one. The one that was shot in the arm I saw him shoot Smith.
Did he hold the gun in both hands. Yes. You saw the blood run out of the wound. Yes but I did not examine it. You saw Smith fall out of the Window. Yes. Tell us the manner he fell out what was the possion [position] when you first saw him in the window. He held with his hands on one side and his feet on the other his body hanging out. How long did he hang there. I do not know how long or short A time he hung. Was his head to the North or to the South. His head was to the north and his feet to the South and the troops where South and East of him.
Did any person shoot at him while he hung in the window. No. Was there any thing said while he hung there. told them to shoot him. When he fell did he lie motionless. He did not atempt to rise. You think at the time he fell he was not hurt. I think not. When he fell was there a rush to the place. Yes A Young man rushed up to him, and said while he picked him <up>, “this is old Jo I know him” and set him up against the well curb. Did he hold him up. No. Was he alive then I dont know. I suppose he had fainted in consequence of the fall. Did Smith say any thing. <as he hung in the wilderness window> Yes he said “O Lord my God”. Was there A great deal of noise in the confusion. While he hung in the window all was still. After this man had set him up what hapened then. men was appointed to shoot him. Did the man who set him up continue to hold him up while they shot him. No. He took him and set him by the well and went off. Yes. Which side of the well did he set him. on the South side. Did the man who [p. [39]]