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.
where killed? No we road along very slow all three of us. Did you know of these companys coming up before you left ? I did not. You had no knowledge that there was A conspiracy on foot to kill the smiths that evening? I have told you all I know about it I had suposed scertain things, but my supose so is not going to hang these men. Had you any information of that sort before you left ? No Sir. Have you told all you know about that transaction Until the killing of the smiths I beleive I have. Have you heard any of these five men since the killing of the Smiths say they had no part in the conspiracy? No. Did you see any of these men here when you came back? I did not. When you left you saw and ? Yes. Who was with when you saw him? I am not able to answer I think he was in the north west Corner of the squar. Who was he talking with? I dont know. Did you not see him talking with Morrison? No. Did you talk any with him yourself? I dont recolect. Did he talk any to the Cap. of the guard? I do not know. Was he talking to any body at all? I do not know. Was the Carthage Grays pledged to protect Smith from Voilense [violence]. ( arose and said it was an improper question to ask the witteness)
for the Defence.
I will ask you wether it was not A usual thing for the rangers to go out every day? It was usual for them to be out every day. What time did they go out there? Some times in the morning and some times in the afternoon.
for the people
I would ask you wether it was or not usual for groops <and companys> of men to come from ? Yes almost hourly. As large groops as that coming from that do? Yes. How large A groop have you seen come in here? I have [p. [50]]