Account of Trial, [, Hancock Co., IL, 24–28 May 1845], State of IL v. Williams et al. (Hancock Co., IL, Circuit Court 1845); handwriting of ; fifty-seven pages; Collection of Manuscripts about Mormons, 1832–1954, Chicago History Museum.
I talked with Scott about it I did not tell Scott I assisted in killing Smiths. I went home near Augusta, the next day— they were up all night at Scotts— no person slept with me at Scotts. I never told any person I assisted in killing Smith nor that I assisted in Holding the guards while Smiths were Killed. I staid the next night at home— I had no conversation, at Scott’s, with any other person about killing the Smith’s but, Scott. Smith never appeared to me & gave a cup of water to me. I dreamed it. I got to about 6. July— I remained there until Court here in the fall— Have resided at until, 6. or 8. weeks past— I talked with IngroselInglish [Thomas L. English] about this matter— I told Inglish for attending to the matter five hundred I would— get. I told him I had been offered $500— but not by the Mormons Southwirth [Southwick] said I was a fool for selling myself— he said he would give me <$>400for <$>450 for my chance. He advised me to go away & so did tavern keeper his name is Converse. He thought they would kill me— I never told Inglish I was to get $500 for swearing but, I told him that I could get $500 for attending to it. [p. [18]]