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.
Court opened pursuant to adjournment on the 28th day of May in the year 1845
John W. Williams sworn:
Will you state to the jury wether you where [sic, were] in Carthage on the morning of the day the Smiths were killed?
I was in Carthage on the 27th of June last in the morning.
Did you see Sharp here that morning?
Yes imeadiatly after breakfast.
Who was he in company with
he was in company with Governor Ford.
Where were they at?
They where [sic, were] in the Governors room where I first saw them, and Sharp envited the Governor out into another room and they went out, this was in Hamiltons tavern.
About what time in the morning was that?
I think it was before 8 o’clock in the morning, it was previous to the Governors convening in councel [sic, counsel] with the officers to consider wether he would countermand the order given to March to Nauvoo.
Cross examined by Mr. Lamborn.
Was Sharp present when that council convened and was held?
I don’t know I saw him present imeadietly before.
What was the result of the dilberations [sic, deliberations] of that council?
The Governor was to take one company to Nauvoo and the rest where [sic, were] to be disbanded excpt [sic, except] the Grays who staid hear in town.
What did they stay here for?
To Gaurd the jail.
Was Jo in custudy then
Yes.
Had there been a great excitement [sic, excitement]?
Yes.
Was the excitement [sic, excitement] about the Mormons great about Warsaw?
I cannot say.
There was a great deal of bitterness manifested by the “old cityzens” against the Mormons at that time?
Yes.
Did you see a man going out of town that day on a dun pony?
I saw a man going out but do not remember the couler of the horse.
Do you know the man that went out?
Yes I saw Mr. Barns go out.
Was it Docker Barns.
No.
What was Sharp doing doing (sic) that morning what was he saying to the Governor?
He was trying to persuade the Governor?
He was trying to persuade the Governor not to disband the troops but proceed imeadietly to Nauvoo.
What did he say was his object for that?
I don’t remember that he had any particular object in view.
How meny troops where there in Carthage at that time?
About 600 exclusive of those which were at Warsaw.
Retired.