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.
leave you and go to another place? No I went with them all the way and came back with them. How long was you gone? We was gone from three to four hours. Did you get back before the smiths was killed? No. Did you see any of the men that killed the Smiths? I saw men coming from when I was upon the mound. Tell us about seeing these men coming from ? I saw men on the direct rout from to this place () How meny where there? I cannot tell I was three or four miles from them. Was there 50 or 100 men? I cannot tell. Was there any thing said among any of you upon the subject of going out there? They said it was to see if there was any suspecious carracters round, as A rumer was in existence that the mormons was driving away stock. Did you see them pass up towards this place? It was in the direction of this place when I saw them. Was there any on horse back? I saw some on horse back, and probably one carriag. Did Barns and Morrison know any thing about what that ment? They thought it was A company to exterminate the Mormons. Did you want the mormons exterminated? I did Sir for they are Hell hounds. Was there any said in your company about the Death of the Smiths? No. Where did you stand? not far from the Nauvoo road. You was standing as sentinals to watch the I supose? no. You did not know what you was doing at all; how fare from was you? Four miles. Did the mormons come up to the edge of the to drive off stock? I dont know. You three went out to see if the Mormons where off cattle to ? I understood that was the object of Barnses company. Did you know any thing of A conspiracy exsisting to kill these mormons? No. Have you heard any body say any thing about is since? no and if any man had told me any thing I would not have heard it. On the morning the Smiths was killed you was in till dinner? I was. What was going on in in the morning? I did not see any thing more than usual. And you staid on the mound 3 or 4 minls [miles] from here till the killing of the smiths took place? I did not know that was in the wind. What time did you start back? Imeadiatly after we saw those men. Did you meet any one on the road? Yes we met A man going [p. [46]]