CHAPTER IV.
JOSEPH'S SECOND ARREST—CRUELTY OF HIS GUARD—HIS TRIAL—I, WITH OTHERS, AM CALLED AS A WITNESS—CHAGRIN OF PROSECUTING ATTORNEY—ELOQUENCE OF JOSEPH'S LAWYERS—THE CONSTABLE BEGS JOSEPH'S FORGIVENESS FOR HIS CRUEL CONDUCT—HE DELIVERS THE PROPHET FROM THE HANDS OF THE MOB—THE ACQUITAL—AT MY HOUSE OUR LEADERS ARE AGAIN PERSECUTED—THEIR ESCAPE—NAMES OF OUR LEADING OPPONENTS.
The constable who served this second warrant upon Joseph had no sooner arrested him, than he began to abuse him; and so heartless was he, that, although Joseph had been kept all day in court without anything to eat since the morning, he hurried him off to Broome county, a distance of about fifteen miles, before allowing him to eat. The constable took him to a tavern, where were gathered a number of men, who used every means to abuse, ridicule, and insult him. They spit upon him, pointed their fingers at him, saying, "Prophesy! prophesy!" and used their utmost ability to pain and torment his mind; and thus did they imitate those who crucified the Savior of mankind, not knowing what they did. The tavern was but a short distance from Joseph's own house; he wished to spend the night with his wife, offering to give any bail desired, for his appearance; but this was denied him. He applied for something to eat. The constable ordered him some crusts of bread and some water, which was the only fare he received that night. At length he retired to bed; the constable made him lie next to the wall, he then laid himself down, threw his arms around Joseph, as if fearing that he intended to escape; and in this not very agreeable manner was Joseph compelled to spend the night. Next day he was brought before the magistrate's court of Colesville, Broome county, and placed on trial. His friends and lawyers were again at his side, and his former persecutors were arrayed against him with the rage and fury of demons visible upon their countenances, and manifested in their actions. Many witnesses were again examined, some of whom swore to the most palpable falsehoods, just as those had done who appeared against him the previous day. But they contradicted themselves so plainly that the court would not admit their testimony. Others were called who showed by their zeal that they were willing to prove anything against him, but all they could do was to tell some things they had heard somebody else say about him.
They proceeded for a considerable time in this frivolous and vexatious manner, when finally I was called upon, and examined by Lawyer Seymour, who had been sent for specially for this occasion. One lawyer, Burch, was also retained on the prosecution, but Mr. Seymour seemed to be a more zealous Presbyterian, and seemed more anxious and determined that the people should not be deluded by any one professing godliness and not denying the power thereof.
As soon as I had been sworn, Mr. Seymour proceeded to interrogate me as follows:
Question.—"Did the prisoner, Joseph Smith, Jun., cast the devil out of you?"
Answer.—"No, sir."
Q.—"Why, have you not had the devil cast out of you?"
A.—"Yes, sir."
Q.—"And had not Joseph Smith some hand in it being done?"