arrested and taken before the Probate
Judge and tried for the sin. He made a bill of sale of some of
his property to me, for which I paid him before his trial.

After hearing the case, the Probate Judge fined him one thousand
dollars, and ordered him to be imprisoned until fine and costs
were paid. Ezra Curtis, the then marshal at Parowan, took all of
Braffett's property that could be found and sold it for the
purpose of paying the fine; but the large amount of property
which was taken was sold for a small sum, for the brethren will
not bid much for property taken from one who has broken his
covenants.

Being unable to pay the fine, the old man was ordered to be taken
to Salt Lake City, to be imprisoned in the prison there. I was
selected to take him to Salt Lake. I took the old man there, and,
after many days spent in working with Brigham, I succeeded in
securing a pardon for him.

Braffett was put to work at Salt Lake by Brigham. He dared not
return home at that time. His property was gone, and he was
ruined. The part I took to befriend the old man made several of
the brethren at Parowan angry with me, and they swore they would
have revenge against me for interfering where I was not
interested.

After Braffett's pardon I stayed in Salt Lake some time, and when
I started home there were quite a number of people along. All the
teams were heavily loaded; the roads were bad, and our teams
weak. We all had to walk much of the time. After we had passed
the Severe River the road was very bad. My team was the best in
the whole company, and I frequently let some of the women who
were in the party ride in my wagon.

One evening, just about dark, I was asked by a young woman named
Alexander to let her ride, as she was very tired walking. I had
her get into the wagon with my wife Rachel, and she rode there
until we camped for the night. I got into the wagon after dark
and drove the team. We had ridden in this way an hour or so, when
Rachel said she was going to ride a while in the next wagon,
which was driven by son-in-law Dalton.

Soon after Rachel got out of the wagon a couple of my enemies
rode by. I spoke to them, and they rode on. As soon as these men
reached the camp they reported that I had been taking privileges
with Sister Alexander. I was told to consider myself under
arrest, and that when we reached Parowan I would be tried by the
Council for violating my covenants. I was surprised and grieved
at the charge