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.
Smith was killed on 27th June 1844 about 5 oclock P M— Knows but little about the transaction was present in front of the Jail was at home at the time it commenced went over as soon as possible— heard the firing but did nont see it examaned Smith after he was shot in the right breast in the abdomen and in the left sholder There were I suppose 150 men present I saw no person that I knew and did not see any of the defendants It might have been two minutes from the time I went to the Jail before the crowd retreated it could have been over that time heard no person say that they had killed him— they were armed with muskets and spring break rifles— saw nor heard any command given— suppose about 30 guns were fired
I was part of the day on which Jo Smith was killed at home I saw all the defendants some in and some between here & — Saw & in early that morning we [2 words illegible]ng to take up the line of march [illegible] we went part of [illegible] way and men then discharged [2 words illegible] about 500 miles from [William] Grover & [p. [1]]