Closing Argument of Onias Skinner, 29 May 1845, Copy [State of Illinois v. Williams et al.]
Source Note
, Closing Argument, [, Hancock Co., IL], 29 May [1845], State of IL v. Williams et al. (Hancock Co., IL, Circuit Court 1845). Copied [29 May–20 June 1845]; handwriting of and printed text; thirty-one pages; Wilford Wood Museum, Bountiful, UT; images in Joseph Smith Murder Trial Papers, 1844–1845, CHL.
Here is a most dastardly attempt to forestall public opinion— to excite & prejudice the public against — to array the great political party of the & the masonic institution against him & he & about to be put upon his trial for a capitol offense. You nor I believe that their expectations could be fully realised in a country like ours— we do not believe the democratic party nor the masons could be used for any such purpose; but, the effort effort is here made— boldly made & deserves a bold rebuke. Baser lies were never pen written & some of you know it— never trod the soil of . These lies are concocted by the Mormons & their allies & heralded by the State Register [page torn] the World, endorsed & sanctioned by the executive, for the express purpose of prejudicing this trial. These men well know that the Constitutions of our guaranty to every Citizen “a fair, speedy & impartial trial,” & it is their paramount duty to maintain & protect the Citizen in that sacred & Constitutional right. The is solemnly sworn to do it, & it is the first obligation of the State Organ to maintain, support & defend the Citizen in every right these Constitutions & the laws of the land have given him— [p. 26]