History draft; handwriting of , John L. Smith, Jonathan Grimshaw, Robert L. Campbell, , , and ; 101 numbered pages plus several inserted pages; CHL. This manuscript covers the period from 1 March 1843 to 31 December 1843.
<June 23> I sent to <at 10 a m> to see try & find out what was passing <going on there.> who met <Mr.> the Sheriff <of Missouri> & Constable < of , Ill.> about half way, but they being disguised, they were not known by him, he tarried at until 4 p m when <& when at they represented themselves as Mormon> , who wanted to see Joseph <the Prophet.> They hired a man & team to carry them, for they had run their horses almost to death. he commenced his return calling on his way for my they waited to take Tea they arrived at Mr. [Benjamin] Wasson’s while the family were at dinner, <about 2 p m they came to the door, said they were Mormon Elders & wanted to see bro. Joseph.> I was in the Yard going to the Barn, when stepped to the end of the house and saw me, he accosted me in a very uncouth ungentlemanly manner, when stept up, to me, collared me, when both of them presented cocked pistols to my breast, without shewing any writ or serving any process, cried out “God d—n you if you stir, I’ll shoot, God dam you if you stir one inch, I’ll shoot you, God dam you, be still or I’ll shoot you by God.” I inquired, What is the meaning of all this? “I’ll show you the meaning by God, and if you stir one inch I’ll shoot you, God dam you,” I answered I am not afraid of your shooting, I am not afraid to die, I then bared my breast & told them to shoot away I have endured so much opposition <oppression,> I am weary of life, & kill me if you please. I am a strong man however, and with my own natural weapons, could soon level both of you, but if you have any legal process to serve, I am at all times subjecct to law, & shall not offer resistance < replied> “God dam you if you say another word we’ll shoot you by God,” I answered shoot away I am not afraid of your Pistols. By this time walked deliberately towards them us, when they saw him coming, they turned their pistols from me to him, & threatened his life if he came any nearer, but he paid no attention to their threats, but continued walking <to advance> nearer. They then turned their pistols on me again, <jamming them against my side, with their fingers on the triggers.> [p. 43]