Minutes and Testimonies, 12–29 November 1838, Copy [State of Missouri v. Gates et al. for Treason]
Source Note
Minutes and Testimonies, , Ray Co., MO, 12–29 Nov. 1838, State of MO v. Gates et al. for Treason (Fifth Judicial Circuit of MO 1838). Copied ca. late 1838–ca. early 1839; unidentified handwriting; fifty-seven pages; Mormon War Papers, MSA.
that they should be the means, in the hands of God of bringing forth the Millenial kingdom. It was stated by Jos Smith Jr that it was necessary this band should be bound together by a coveenant. That those who revealed the secrets of the society should be put to death. The covenant taken by all the Danite Band was as follows. to wit: They declared holding up their right hands
“In the name of Jesus Christ the Son of God, I do solemnly obligate myself ever to conceal, & never to reveal the secret purpose of this society, called the daughter of Zion. Should I ever do the same, I hold my life as the forefiture.”
The prophet Joseph <Smith> Jr together with his two counsellors & , were considered as the supreme head of the Church, and the Danite band feel themselves as much bound to obey them as to obey the supreme God. Instruction was given by Jos Smith Jr, that if any of them should get into a difficulty, the rest should help him out [illegible] that they should stand by each other right or rong, this instruction was given at a danite meeting in a publick address. As for JosSmith Jr & his two counsellors, the witness does not know that they ever took the Danite oath He knows that all the rest of the Deffts are danites. except Sidney Tanner, — Zedah. Owens, , John. J Turner, Danl S Thomas, , Geo. Kimble Anthony Head, Benj Jones, & Norman Shearer.
At an <the> Election, last Augst. a report came to that some of the brethren in were killed. I called for 20 volunteers to accompany me to Mr Joseph Smith in company to see into this matter I went & about 120 mormons accompanied me to Mr Joseph Smith Jr in company. when we arrived there I found the report exagerated, none were killed. We visited Mr about 150 or 200 men of us armed, Jos Smith was commander, and if had not signed the paper he did, it was the common [p. [2]]