Testimony against , , Hancock Co., IL, 25 May 1844; handwriting of ; docket in handwriting of ; nine pages; JS Office Papers, CHL.
Page 2
, May 21st. 1842, “During this spring kept company with me from time to time, and, as I have since learned, wickedly, deceitfully, and with lies in his mouth, urged me vehemently to yield to his desires; that there could be no wrong in having sexual intercourse with any female that would keep the same to herself;— most villianously and lieingly lyingly stating that he had been so insructed by Joseph Smith, and that there was no sin where there was no accuser:— Also vowing he would marry me.
Not succeeding, he on one occasion, brought one, who affirmed that such intercourse was tolerated by the heads of the . I have since found him <also> to be a lying conspirator against female virtue and chastity, having never received such teachings from the heads of the church; but, I was at the time partially influenced to believe in consequence of of the source from whom I received it. I yielded and become subject to the will of my seducer, : And having since found out to my satisfaction, that a number of wicked men have conspired to use the name of Joseph Smith, or the heads of the Church, falsely and wickedly. to enable them to gratify their lusts, thereby destroying female innocence and virtue, I repent before God and my brethren and ask forgiveness,
I further testify that I never had any personal acquaintance with Joseph Smith, and never heard him teach such doctrines as stated either directly or indirectly.
Matilda I. Nyman”
State of Illinois)
Ss.
City of. )
May 24th 1842— Personally appeared before me alderman of said . Matilda J. Nyman the signer of the above instrumnt. and testified under oath. that the above declaration was true.—