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.
Was the moon shining that night? I dont know. Did you not swear at at there where only 4 or 5 waggons guns fired? I think I did swear to 5 guns. Where there any men at the jail before before those men came out of the woods? I dont recollect that Idid there was. It was at the frunt of the jail at the south end you saw the firing? Yes.
Did you ever say that gave the command for the firing at the jail? No. Have you ever stated that if they did not feed you and cloth you better at you would quit them? No. Have you not complained A little? I supposed they did not use me as well as they did Daniels. How old are you? 18 years. When Boarus got out of your waggon did he walk? I beleive he did. You say wells was shot in the arm? Yes.
Had he his arm in A sling? I forget if his arm was in A sling but I think he had A handkerchief tied round it Boarus was on foot when I saw him. He had not been riding in your waggon at all? No.
. You said the smiths where killed on the 27th. of may Did you not mean June? I meant June. Was you ever offered any thing or paid any thing for swaring?
No I was never offered or paid any thing for swearing at all.
You do not not wether your board was paid for attending the court here last fall? No.
. Have you had any money since the last term of Court? I have had A little now and then. How did you come by it? For driving A teem.
Court ajourned till 7 o’clock tuesday morning.
Court opened persuant to ajournment tuesday morning May 27th. 1845.
( called upon Worrel [Franklin Worrell] <again> to answer A few more questions, it was opposed by the Defendents Counsel. complained of the manner he had been disapointed in the geting of his wittenesses, it was desided he should examin Worrel again.)