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.
or after noon. How where they dressed? I did not take notice of their dress. Was it cold or warm wether? It was not cold wether before Court. Had they on hats or caps? I dont know. And you made them no reply? No I weild [wheeled] round and went off. They met you in the street? Yes. And you stopt and talked with them? no. Then you did not stop at all then? Yes. You did not stop after you had past them? No. Then they held you? Yes before I past them. After you moved forward did they call to you again? Yes and held out money to me. What kind of money? It looked like silver. What pocket did they take it from? I do not know what poc[k]et he. What did you say to him then? I did not say any thing but went off. where was your house from where you stood? It stood on the corner of third and Jersey streets. Where were you going when they met you? I was coming from Marrins [Marry’s] Cooper shop. Had they been at your house to inquir after you? Yes. And they met you in the street. Where did you mention this occurance after it happened? I told it to our folks. Did you ever tell it to any other person? I dont know but I did. Did you tell other person on the same day? I do not know. Did you not ask these men where they came from? No. Did you ask them who they where? I do not recolect. You do not remember wether you asked their names or not? No. Did you notice to see which way they went after they left you? No. How long was it after the Smiths was killed? Do not know. Was it before you joined the Mormon Church? I forget I joined them not long before the last Court. Did you ever see that gentleman before <Mr Mellin [John D. Mellen]> (pointing to A man sitting in the Court) I think I have. Did you ever say it was Mellen? I might have said <that> he was like Mellin or about his size. Did you not say you thought it was Mellin? I do not think I ever did I might have discribed him saying about the size of Mellin. Did you ever state to Thomas that you had written A book and got A considerable sum of money? I dont know if I did or did not. Did you ever tell him, Mc Lean or Seabold, that you would make A great speculation in ? I do not know that I did. This light was it like fire? It was [p. [44]]