John Taylor was editor of the Times and Seasons, was in Joseph’s inner circle, and had likely been taught about polygamy by this time. Taylor would take his first polygamous wife by the end of the 1843.

March 15, 1843

Mr. Editor, SIR—

…

We are charged with advocating a plurality of wives, and common property. Now this is as false as the many other ridiculous charges which are brought against us. No sect have a greater reverence for the laws of matrimony, or the rights of private property, and we do what others do not, practice what we preach …

…

I remain, sir, your obliged servant, H. R.