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Testimony of Margaret I. Nyman <​vs. ​> before the of the , <​vs ​> in the City of . May 21st. 1842

“Some time during the month of March last, came to my mother’s house, early one evening, and proposed a walk to a spelling school. My Sister Matilda and myself accompanied him; but, changing our design on the way, we stopped at Mrs Fullers’. During the evening’s interview, he, (as I have since learned,) with wicked lies proposed that I should yield to his desires, and indulge in sexual intercourse, with him, stating that such intercourse might be freely indulged in, and was no sin:— That any respectable female might indulge in sexual intercourse, and there was no sin in it, providing the person so indulging, keep the same to herself; for there could be no sin where there was no accuser;— And most clandestinely, with wicked lies, persuaded me to yield, by using the name of Joseph Smith; and, as I have since learned, totally false and unauthorized; and in consequence of those arguments, I was influenced to yield to my seducer.

I further state that I have no personal acquantance with Joseph Smith, and never heard him teach such doctrines, as stated by either directly or indirectly. I heartily repent before God, asking the forgiveness of my brethren.

May 24[th] 1842. Personally appeared before me. , Alderman of the aforesaid Margaret I. Nyman, the signer of the above instrume[n]t, and Testified, under oath, that the above declaration is true.