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.
but fences & empty houses I understood him to say the people had not taken away all their property Smith the Prophet here asked him if they had taken the negroes he said yes some one then Laughingly observed Smith You have lost your negro to which I think he made no reply
Jos Smith Jr asked if he had done any thing with the property remaining in Millport said not this would leave that matter for a private counsil.
told me he went down with the expedition with that fought and he remained behind 3/4 of a mile from the battel Ground to hold<ing> horses I feel confident that was not in the fight with , I think the original object of the Danite band was to operate on the dissenters but afterwards it grew into a system to carry out the design of the Presidency and if necessary to use physical force to upbuild the Kingdom of God it was to be done by them this is my Opinion as to their object and I learned it from various sources connected with that band, up It was my understanding that s teachings in the danite society proceeded from the Presidency. I never heard that Constitution spoken of by read in the society when I was present nor did I ever hear of it until lately & further this saith not