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.
He raised the knife and was in the attitude of striking when A light, so sudden and powerful, burst from the heavens upon the bloody scene (passing its vivid chain between Joseph and his murderers) that they where struck with terrified awe and filled with consternation. This light in its apearance and potency baffles all powers of discription. The arm of the ruffian, that held the knife fell powerless, the muskets of the four, who fired fell to the ground, and they all stood like marble statutes not having the power to move A single limb of their bodys.
I did not write that, neither did I autherise it to be written. Mr. Daniels you say you did not write this or autherise it to be written, did you ever correct these statements in your Book? I told it was not correct. It is stated “ The arm of the ruffian fell powerless, the muskets of the 4 who fired fell to the ground &c Did they stand their there? They stood there and called out to the men (who where retreating) for Gods sake to come carry off there men. They still did not move? No. Did they return and carry off the 4 men that shot Smith? Yes. Was there more than one man to carry one man? I could not tell. Where did you go that night? I went to Mr. Scots. Had you ever been at scots before? Yes. What is Mr. Scot’s first name? I dont know his first name. The night you staid there had you any conversation about the murder of Smith? I told Scot about it, Did you tell Scot you had asissted in killing Smith? No. Where did you go the next day? To Agusta. Did any other person stay at Scots that night but yourself? I dont know. Did you sleep with any body? No. Was Derrick Fouler [Fuller] there? I didnotsee <dont know> him. Did you tell any person there or any where els that you asissted in killing the smiths? No. Did you ever tell any body that you assisted in holding the guard while the Smiths where killed? No. At Scots you went to bed and want to sleep, and did not know what happened after you went to sleep? No. Where did stay next night? I stayed at home. While at Scots did you hear any other person in conversation [p. [41]]