Esquire Reid's Inspired Defense of Joseph Smith

“‘I was so busy at that time when Mr. Smith sent for me, that it was almost impossible for me to attend the case, and never having seen Mr. Smith, I determined to decline going. But soon after coming to this conclusion, I thought I heard some one say, ‘You must go, and deliver the Lord’s anointed!’ Supposing that it was the man who came after me, I replied, ‘The Lord’s anointed? What do you mean by the Lord’s anointed?’ He was surprised at being accosted in this manner, and replied, ‘What do you mean, sir? I said nothing about the Lord’s anointed.’ I was convinced that he told the truth, for these few words filled my mind with peculiar feelings, such as I had never before experienced; and I immediately hastened to the place of trial. Whilst I was engaged in the case, these emotions increased, and when I came to speak upon it, I was inspired to an eloquence which was altogether new to me, and which was overpowering and irresistible. — Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, Chapter XXXV”