Closing Argument of Onias Skinner, 29 May 1845, Copy [State of Illinois v. Williams et al.]
Source Note
, Closing Argument, [, Hancock Co., IL], 29 May [1845], State of IL v. Williams et al. (Hancock Co., IL, Circuit Court 1845). Copied [29 May–20 June 1845]; handwriting of and printed text; thirty-one pages; Wilford Wood Museum, Bountiful, UT; images in Joseph Smith Murder Trial Papers, 1844–1845, CHL.
Gentlemen, let it be remembered that while the rebellious speech was being made Eli [D.] Walker was present, and he tells you he does not remember of making any speech at all, nor did he hear attempt to make a Speech. You are also, told by both the Walkers that they do not know who called for volunteers or for what purpose they were designed; and neither of them heard say a word. They tell you that some of the men were shooting at marks— some talking about the — some cursing the Mormons & some going to to have a dinner— not a word was said about going to to kill the Smiths by any one. harpes upon some man there, having said he would blow the jail jail to Hell. And suppose it was said there is no evidence of who said it or that either of these defts heard it said, that it was said before or after the troops were disbanded or before they had entirely dispersed; nor is it in any manner brought home to these men or either of them. It was just such a crowd as every man acquainted with the habits of the People of our , would have expect on such an occasion— it was just such a crowd as every man upon that jury would have looked for under the same circumstances. [p. 6]