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.
James Reynolds Sworn.:
Mr. Reynolds I will get you to inform the jury wether you where [sic, were] not in the Grand jury?
I was.
Was there A witteness examined before the Grand jury by the name of Benjamin Brackenberry?
There was.
Will you state what Brackenberry said on that occasion as to William’s presense [sic, presence] at the jail at the time of the killing of the Smiths?
He said he saw him at the jail at the time of the transaction setting on A horse.
What did he state before the Grand jury in relation to A Carthage Gray who met them some 4 miles from hear (sic)?
He said there was A person met them who appeard to him to be A Carthage Gray and from what he saw of him he was in conversation with Williams and Steavens on one side.
Did he state he heard anything the Gray said to Williams and Steavens?
He said he heard the Gray say “Now is the time for any thing you want to do in town” or words to that import.
What account did he give of the horse the Carthage Gray was riding?
(The witteness here drew from his pocket A memorandom of the proceedings of the Grand jury and said) I made this memorandum the day after the evidence was taken.
Have you read the testimoney [sic, testimony] or memorandom as it was taken from the mouth of the witteness?
No Mr. McNeal took it away.
So imeadietly on going home you wrote this memorandom from recollection?
Yes.
Cross Examined by Mr. Lamborn.:
Who wrote out the memorandom McNeal took away?
I think it was written by Mr. Hitcock the clerk of the Grand jury.
Would you know it again if you saw it?
I think I should for I wrote part of it my self.
Retired.