In the original document, the questions and answers appear together in paragraphs. The testimony is presented here split into questions and answers so it that it is easier to follow. All spelling, grammar, and spelling inconsistencies are in the original text. The document is said to contian the verbatim record of the witnesses’ testimony in the 1845 trial of those accused in the murder of Joseph Smith.
George McLean sworn.:
Mr. McLean tell the jury where you live?
I live in Quincy.
What is your trade?
I am a cooper.
Do you know A man by the name of Daniels?
I am A little aquainted with him.
Did you ever work in the same shop with him?
No.
Did you ever have any conversation with Daniels up the subject of his being A witteness against the men who is supposed to have killed the Smiths.
I can say that I did in the conversation I had with him; he came where I was at work on the 27th of July last and that was the first time I had ever seen him, I asked him if he was not A son of the old man Daniels and he said he was. We had considerable talk about the Smiths I asked him if he knew any thing about it how the Death occured [illegible]. He said he did not and told me he was in Agusta the night it occurred (sic) and had remained there until the 27th of July he then came to Quincy I think he told me in company with the Governor but I thought the governor came on before him; After that I suppose some mounths I think two mounths after we got in conversation again he wanted to know the reason why I worked so hard said he there is no use of A man working when he could make plenty of money without working he said he had a good prospect in view but he did not tell me what it was he said he could make money plenty without working and he had received some money A day or two before that, that is about all he ever told me, I think he told me he had received 20 dollars in a letter.
Cross examined by Mr. Lamborn
Did you never know him before he went to Quincy?
No never before.
When you first saw him you asked him if he was the son of the old man Daniels?
Yes.
He told you he came with the Governor on the 27th of July?
He came the night before and I saw him on the next day the 27th of July.
He said he was in Agusta the night of the murder?
Yes.
And he did not know any any thing at all about it on the 27th of July you are shure?
Yes.
Did you keep a memorandom of it?
No.
You recollect that he said so?
Yes.
You thought he had not been in town meny days before that?
His Brotherinlaw told me he came on the night before.
After he spoke to you of the speculation did he not tell you what it was?
No.
He spoke of making 4 or 500 dollars and did not specefie [sic, specify] any number?
No.
And he had got 20 dollars of it already? Did you see the money?
No I only had his word for it.
Who did he say he got it from?
He did not say only he received it in A letter through the post office.
Retired.