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.
Yes. Did you ever have any conversation with him upon the subject of his being a witteness in this case? Yes. I will get you to tell the jury what [William] Daniels said? He told me he could make 500 dollars in the way of speculation I asked him what the speculation was but he did not tell me at that time he told me again afterwards when he said it was A thing he did not wish to undertake that there was A man in the City hotel that had offered it to him. Cross examined by He said he had A scertain way of making A speculation Did he say what this man would give him this 500 dollars for? Yes, he said it was for the prosecution of these men. What men did he name? He did not mention names he said for the prosecution of the men that where said to be the Murderers of the smiths. Retired.
Are you aquainted with [William] Daniels? Yes. How long have you known him? For the last two years. Did you ever have any conversation with him about his being a witteness in the case against the men supposed to be the Murderers of the Smiths? He has said some things to me about it. State to the jury what he said. He came to my house on the 5th. or 6th. of July and told me he was just from I then asked him what had been going on he said he had seen Joseph and both of them killed. He also told me he had got some money from to bear his expenses he then took out A hand full from his pocket I believe there was nothing more said at that time. Some time afterwards he told me he was offerd 500 dollars to go away He asked me what I thought of it, I answered him that if I was him I would Devilish quick go, I asked him who offered it to him the answer was it was offered to me by of , he offered him 500 Dollars to go away but if he should stay he said he could 1000 dollars from the . Well says I suppose they callupon <kill you> you which I am afraid they will some one; said he if they do my Wife will get the money and that is just as well. Did you have any other conversation with him not that I can remember. Is Mr. Daniels family conected with yours? My wife and his wife are sisters. Do you know Eliza Grame [Graham]? I do not know her but her countenance is very famieliar to me I think I have Daniels speak of her.