Account of Trial, [], Hancock Co., IL, 24–28 May 1845, State of IL v. Williams et al. (Hancock Co., IL, Circuit Court 1845). Published [ca. 30 July 1845] in Trial of the Persons Indicted in the Hancock Circuit Court for the Murder of Joseph Smith at the Carthage Jail, on the 27th Day of June, 1844, Warsaw, IL: Warsaw Signal, 1845.
Company. Had a commission from to raise a company of 20 or 30 men to range as spies and ride as expresses. Don’t recollect of seeing on the morning of the 27th June, or of any arrangement between the Greys and the mob, nor of any arrangement to kill Smiths. Think I left here about 3 P. M. that day. Think and , perhaps but not and [William] Grover were in town. Saw certain. None of the Defendants spoke of our going out to keep guard. It was mentioned that there had better be a guard by some one, as Mormons were expected that night to rescue Smiths. I went out, taking three men to see if I could observe any thing unusual. Certain I saw and before I left. Went on my own responsihility [responsibility]. Our company sent no express to mob. I sent no express. The first intimation I had of an express was from G. T. M. Davis’ pamphlet, last summer. I entered into no conspiracy before the killing of the Smiths. I saw three groups of men coming on the road, while on the mound. Know that pledges were made; but not to my knowledge by any of Defendants. Were made by companies stationed here. When we saw the men we were grazing our horses on the prairie. Shortly after we went to slowly. Supposed the men were on the road. We were north of the road. The groups appeared to be distinct, a half mile or a mile apart. I only saw the men for a few minutes. Should judge most of them were afoot, 3 or 4 miles from here. The Smiths were killed before we got back. I had a pain in my side and came slow. The company was coming rapidly. I got the first information that the Smiths were killed from and at the corner of Fale’s farm. two or two and a half miles from here. Came no faster after hearing intelligence. Never heard that Smiths were to be killed that evening, nor did I know that companies were coming. I had no intimation that the Smiths were to be killed. I think I have told all I know up to the killing. Never heard any of the Defendants say that they had any hand in the killing. Saw none of the Defendants on my return. Think I saw on north side of the square before I went out. Did not see him talk with Captain [Robert] Smith or Doctor Morrison or any one else. Don’t recollect of talking with him myself. The Carthage Greys were encamped on the square.
Cross Examined. The rangers had guarded the prairies every day—sometimes in the morning and sometimes in the evening—it was a daily and almost hourly occurrence seeing men come to town in groups; but not so large. Once saw 200 or 300. Never saw at other times over ten or a dozen. Did not know what they were coming for.