Minutes and Testimonies, 12–29 November 1838, Copy and Letter [State of Missouri v. Gates et al. for Treason]
Source Note
Minutes and Testimonies, [, Ray Co., MO], 12–29 Nov. 1838, State of MO v. Gates et al. for Treason (Fifth Judicial Circuit of MO 1838). Copied with letter ca. late 1838–ca. early 1839; unidentified handwriting; fifty-one pages; Mormons Collection, 1813–1970, Missouri History Museum.
idea of hanging together and of not testifying against each other, and if we suffer all suffer together— I felt myself awkwardly situated as I had heard that there was a combination of the Danites against me. I told him I would testify to nothing but the truth let it fall on whom it may would— And further this saith not—
William Splawn a witness produced sworn, & examined for the state deposeth & saith: -[He is a citizen of ]-
I was at Eli Bagley’s in when an armed company of men, about 10 or 12 in number, <-[came there]->— & , two of the Defts. were of the company that came to Bagley’s. They enquired of who I was, and if I was a mob character, and learning that I was not they let me alone. They enquired for and said they heard he was a mob character & had gone for men to fight them, & that if they got their eyes on him they would take his life, and that he had better keep out of the way—
To be positive that was of the company, I will not, but I have little or no doubt of it from his appearance— This was on Saturday before after I learned that was burnt, the thursday before.— and during the time that the mormon troops were in county. And further this deponent saith not
William Splawn
Thomas M Odle a witness for the state, produced sworn & examined deposeth & saith: